Around Edinburgh Accommodation

Musselburgh Horseracing, Musselburgh Golf Club, Musselburgh East Lothian

Surrounded by so much water, Musselburgh sits at the mouth of the River Esk on the banks of the Firth of Forth. It gets its name from the huge number of mussel beds on the shores of the Firth of Forth. The Eskmill complex on Station Road in Musselburgh, now a contemporary art centre, office and restaurant space, was once Stuart Mill, producing fishing nets which were exported all over the world.

Musselburgh Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Scotland, and has seen some extensive modernisation in recent years. Within Musselburgh's town centre historic sites include the Tolbooth on the high street dating from 159, The Mercat Cross dating from the 1700s and the splendid Newhailes House, home of Edinburgh lawyer and historian David Dalrymple. The rococo interior and extensive library at Newhailes is not to be missed. First Edinburgh Buses run regular services to Musselburgh from Edinburgh (see website right and search Musselburgh to bring up the list). Likewise train links are excellent, with the Scot Rail Edinburgh to North Berwick line stopping first at Musselburgh from Edinburgh's Waverley Station. The rail journey takes under 10 minutes. See the Scot Rail link right for timetable.

Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh Golf Club & Eskmills Musselburgh

Musselburgh Horse Racing has a long history, with the historic links course here serving as a venue for horse racing in the town since 1816. Extensively modernised over the last 15 years, to incorporate other leisure and business facilties including bars, dining, conference and facilities for families (they even have a kids club here!), Musselburgh Racecourse offers and accessible fun day out for all the family.

Both Flat and Jump race meets are held here throughout the year. See the Musselburgh Racecourse website right for forthcoming horse racing and details on leisure and conference facilities open all year round. Musselburgh Racecourse, Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 7RG. Tel. 0131 665 2859. Book tickets on-line via the Musselburgh Racecourse website.

Musselburgh is also a rather good centre for golf, with two golf courses in the area including the historic Musselburgh Links Old Course. Evidence suggests that golf was being played on this old course as far back as 1672. See Musselburgh Links, The Old Golf Course, Balcarres Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 7SD. Tel. 0131 6655438 (weblink right, 9 hole golf course). Musselburgh's other golf course - Musselburgh Golf Club Monktonhall is an 18 hole course with on-site clubhouse and professional shop. Check the golf course's website for details. Musselburgh Golf Club Monktonhall, Musselburgh, Midlothian, EH21 6SA. Tel. 0131 6657055.

The Eskmills complex in the centre of Musselburgh on Station Road is well worth a visit. Housing a mix of offices, an art gallery, fine dine restaurant, exhibitions and entrtainment, the building is of great historical significance in Musselburgh. Established by J.W. Stuart in the first half of the 19th century, the site manufactured fishing nets. At its height the mill employed over 800 people. Redeveloped with care from the 1980s, much of the interior has been reworked but the fine stonework of the exterior remains. A bistro and more exhibitions on the history of this once world famous net factory are progressing well. Check the Eskmills website right for the latest developments and what's on offer to visitors. Stuart House, Eskmills, Station Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland EH21 7PB. Tel. 0131 665 4216.

Newhailes 17th Century Historic Home, National Trust for Scotland

On the Newhailes Road in Musselburgh sits a fine late 17th century historic home. It's rather special this one, even if you're not usually a fan of touring historic Scottish houses. The interior particularly holds some treasures, with its rococo design. Owned by Sir David Dalrymple, lawyer, historian, and Judge of the Court of Session in 1766. Dalrymple hailed from a family of Edinburgh lawyers, and his collections and extensive works held in the library here at Newhailes received credit from the likes of Samuel Johnson. Dalrymple was a central Edinburgh figure within the Scottish Enlightenment period.

Newhailes stands as a rare example of surviving 18th century interior decoration. Much of the building dates from the original 17th century villa, whilst the carefully manicured landscape gardens are 18th century.

Inside the house much of the furniture, wall decorations and features remain as they were in Dalrympole's day. You can take woodland walks in the grounds, and there is the usual caf and shop on-site. Guided tours take just over an hour.

Newhailes Furnished Historic House, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians, EH21 6RY. Tel. 0844 4932125. (see National Trust for Scotland weblink right for opening times and entrance fee).

National Museum of Flight, East Lothian, Scotland

Part of the National Museums of Scotland group, the Museum of Flight not far from East Linton in East Lothian is set on the East Fortune Airfield which saw action in both the First and Second World Wars. Four huge hangers display numerous aircraft and house special exhibitions such as one on 'Concorde'.

The Museum of Flight is a good one for children and families, with plenty of interactive opportunity to practice plane flying, dress up and more. There's a huge archive here of both civil and military aircraft, and displays explore both military and passenger aircraft history.

Special events and activities are held throughout the year, including the spectacular Airshow held every summer in July. The museum shop contains a selection of model aircraft and kits, plus the aptly named Aviator cafe is on-site. Particularly prized aircraft held here include a Supermarine Spitfire.

National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF. Tel. 01620 897 240. (weblink right)

Haddington Scotland and Glenkinchie Scottish Whisky Distillery

Haddington, east of Musselburgh off the A1 is famed as the birthplace of John Knox, leader of the reformation of the church of Scotland in the 16th century and celebrated figure in Edinburgh. Thomas Carlyle's wife, Jane Wlesh is also buried here in Haddington.

Inland and midway between Musselburgh and Haddington sits the Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery & Visitor Centre (at Pencaitland reached off the A68, A6093). Just near the Glenkinchie site an important battle took place in 1745. Highlanders led by Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) defeated Hohn Cope's Hanoveerian forces.

Glenkinchie whisky is a classic malt Lowland Scotch whisky which has only recently become available as a single malt whisky from 1988.

Glenkinchie Scotch Whisky Distillery, Pencaitland, Tranent, East Lothian, EH34 5ET. Scotland. Tel. 01875 342004. Pre-booking a tour is recommended.

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