Prestonpans

Prestonpans is a rewarding destination for travellers who want to combine Scottish history, creative urban landscapes and waterside paths. The town offers unusual insights into the 1745 Jacobite rising, a strong mural tradition and access to sections of the John Muir Way. Holiday accommodation in Prestonpans can therefore be particularly appealing if you would like to combine cultural discoveries with walks and independent day planning.

Battle history in the landscape

The Battle of Prestonpans was the first battle of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Its setting can be explored not only through exhibitions: the area where the first fighting took place is still farmland. The spatial relationship between the lower-lying fields and the ridge occupied from Tranent has also been preserved. From the churchyard, the Jacobites’ view across the government troops in the fields of Seton has been retained. Anyone interested in history can connect historical events with the town’s actual landscape here.

One of the notable buildings is Preston Tower, a four-storey, L-shaped tower house dating from the 15th century. From the middle of the 15th century, it was the seat of the Hamiltons of Preston. Additions from the early 17th century and later alterations also shape the building; two further storeys date from 1626 and feature Renaissance details. Preston Tower also includes restored gardens and a dovecot. Preston Cross likewise recalls the former importance of Prestonpans in the townscape: the cross was erected shortly after the 1617 charter, which enabled a weekly market and the annual St Jerome’s Fair. Among the Scottish mercat crosses of its time, it is unique because it has never been moved.

Murals, Tapestry and Museum

Prestonpans is known as Scotland’s Mural Town. The Prestonpans Murals Trail includes more than 55 murals in the town in East Lothian, offering its own cultural perspective on the place. Another special feature is the Prestonpans Tapestry. It depicts the 25-year-old Bonnie Prince Charlie’s journey from France through the Scottish Highlands to his victory at Prestonpans in embroidered panels measuring 104 metres in total. The panels were created by volunteer embroiderers along the route. The complete Tapestry can be accessed and viewed online, allowing you to gain an impression of this project even before your trip.

The Battle of Prestonpans Museum focuses on the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans and its historical and cultural heritage. Exhibits include musket balls recovered from the battlefield. The museum thus complements the historical sites with tangible finds and is another worthwhile stop for anyone wishing to explore the town’s history in greater depth.

Paths and orientation when choosing accommodation

Prestonpans also offers suitable starting points for active days. The grounds of Prestongrange Heritage Park remain open year-round, lie directly off the John Muir Way and welcome walkers. The John Muir Way passes through Prestonpans and, when the tides are suitable, follows the shore route at low water. You should take this condition into account when planning such a section of the route. Prestonpans railway station is on the railway line to Edinburgh, making it another practical reference point when choosing where to stay.

Those mainly interested in discovering museums, historic buildings and murals can plan culturally focused days. Travellers who would also like to include a walk can take a different approach with the John Muir Way. Accommodation in Prestonpans can therefore be chosen according to your preferred combination of history, town exploration and walking experiences, without having to commit to just one type of holiday.

You can find further destinations in the navigation section here: Haddington, Cockenzie And Port Seton, Aberlady, Musselburgh, East Linton, North Berwick, Gifford and Tranent.

To the higher-level travel overview: East Lothian.