A winning combination of charming coastal location and historic town atmosphere, with easy access to Edinburgh, makes the East Lothian town of Musselburgh an attractive choice for those looking to purchase all kinds of property from traditional seaside flats to larger, more modern family homes with gardens.
Known as ‘The Honest Toun’ – a motto originating from 1332, when residents refused payment while loyally caring for the dying Earl of Moray – Musselburgh is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited town. Its origins date back to a Roman settlement of AD 80 which developed into a port then a key medieval burgh, known for its abundant shellfish.
Commuting to the capital is quick and easy, whether by rail or road. A train from Musselburgh station to Edinburgh Waverley takes just six minutes, making it one of the speediest routes into the city. Several bus services connect Musselburgh to central Edinburgh, with travel times of between 30 to 40 minutes. Traffic permitting, car drivers can reach the city in approximately 20 minutes. This accessibility means residents can enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer – from work to shopping to entertainment – while also benefiting from Musselburgh’s more relaxed atmosphere.
Musselburgh is a great choice for families, thanks to its excellent education system. Several highly rated primary schools, including Campie and Stoneyhill, feed into Musselburgh Grammar School, a well-respected secondary with a strong academic reputation. Those choosing private education have Loretto School nearby – one of the UK’s leading independent boarding schools, it offers high-quality education from early years to sixth form. Musselburgh is also home to Queen Margaret University with its variety of courses in healthcare, business and creative industries.
Food lovers are well catered for with a variety of restaurants and cafes including East Coast serving fresh, locally sourced seafood while Parrilla Argentinian Grill features steaks and Argentinian cuisine and award winning Crolla’s Italian Kitchen offers authentic Italian dishes in a courtyard setting. Check out community hub, pub and cafe The Willow for modern British food and cocktails; Staggs (The Volunteer Arms) for a traditional pub atmosphere; iconic family-run ice cream parlour Luca’s Ice Cream; and Company for sweet and savoury treats.
Its coastal setting and green spaces make Musselburgh an ideal location for families and nature lovers. Two beaches lie either side of the tidal harbour – sandy Fisherrow East Beach, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, stretches from the harbour to the mouth of the River Esk, while more shingly Fisherrow West Beach is popular with dog walkers and bird watchers. The 134-mile-long John Muir Way, which links Helensburgh to Dunbar, passes alongside the beach. Musselburgh Lagoons provide stunning scenery, while the River Esk offers picturesque walking and cycling routes.
Away from the coast, Newhailes House, with its Palladian architecture and fine art collection, is set in 80 acres of parkland ideal for forest walks while Inveresk Lodge Garden is a hidden gem of sloping woodland, wild meadows and peaceful ponds.
Properties range from traditional homes to modern, family-friendly options, offering something for every lifestyle and all budgets – on that tack, the town also made ninth place in The Times 2024 list of property hotspots to buy in ‘before a bounce’.
The town centre is well equipped with a Tesco Extra, Lidl and Aldi while Fort Kinnaird retail park – offering over 70 shops from Marks & Spencer to H&M – is a short drive away. Smaller, independent shops include Blueberry Gifts and Four Bags Full for crafters.
With a strong, friendly local vibe, clubs and activities abound including Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club and Musselburgh Tennis Club, while golfers will appreciate the historic Musselburgh Links, thought to be the oldest surviving golf course in the world. Musselburgh Racecourse, one of Scotland’s premier horse racing venues, hosts many events throughout the year, including Ladies’ Day and the Gold Cup.
A successful blend of small-town charm, stunning open spaces and convenient access to the city’s amenities, makes Musselburgh the ideal location to call home.