The 1745 battle, historic buildings, mural art and a section of the John Muir Way offer different perspectives on Prestonpans. When planning your trip, you can choose what to focus on: the town’s history, its art, or a walk whose coastal route depends on the tides.
Battle history and a preserved landscape
The Battle of Prestonpans was the first battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The site of the initial fighting remains farmland. The historic landscape’s spatial relationships are also well preserved: the lower-lying fields face the ridge occupied by the forces from Tranent. From the churchyard, the Jacobites looked out over the government troops in the fields of Seton. The landscape itself therefore helps put the battle in context.
The Battle of Prestonpans Museum explores the 1745 battle and its historical and cultural heritage. Exhibits include musket balls recovered from the battlefield. Alongside the wider historical context, the museum focuses on tangible finds. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current opening hours in advance.
Tower house and Mercat Cross
Preston Tower is a four-storey, L-shaped tower house dating from the 15th century. Additions from the early 17th century and later alterations shape the building; two additional storeys date from 1626 and feature Renaissance details. From the mid-15th century, the tower was the seat of the Hamiltons of Preston. Preston Tower also has restored gardens and a dovecot. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.
Preston Cross tells another part of the town’s history. It was erected shortly after the 1617 charter, which granted Preston a weekly market and an annual St Jerome’s Fair. Among the Scottish Mercat Crosses of its time, Preston Cross is unique because it has never been moved. While the tower’s construction phases and its connection with the Hamiltons take centre stage, the cross links its history to the market and fair.
Murals and the Prestonpans Tapestry
Prestonpans is known as Scotland’s Mural Town. The Prestonpans Murals Trail includes more than 55 murals; the number may change as the trail develops. The mural art offers a distinct focus alongside the battle history and historic buildings.
The Prestonpans Tapestry tells the story of 25-year-old Bonnie Prince Charlie’s journey from France through the Scottish Highlands to his victory at Prestonpans. The story is depicted on embroidered panels measuring 104 metres wide. Volunteer embroiderers created the panels along the route. You can view the complete tapestry online, allowing you to follow the whole story even if you are not visiting in person.
John Muir Way and getting there
The John Muir Way passes through Prestonpans. When the tides are suitable, its shore route follows the coast at low tide; local conditions also affect the coastal route. Check the tides and the current route before setting out on a walk. Prestongrange Heritage Park is just off the John Muir Way and welcomes walkers. The park grounds are open year-round, while the visitor centre has seasonal opening hours. Take these different arrangements into account when planning your visit.
For rail travel, Prestonpans railway station is a useful reference point: it is on the line to Edinburgh. Check the current timetable for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: North Berwick, Aberlady, Haddington, Tranent, East Linton, Gifford, Musselburgh, Cockenzie And Port Seton.
For the wider travel overview: East Lothian.
