Living in Prestonpans
Hugging tightly to the scenic East Lothian coastline, just a short hop from Edinburgh, Prestonpans is a charming town with a rich history, a strong sense of community, and stunning seaside views. Known for its artistic murals, historic battlefield, and close-knit feel, this town offers an enticing mix of coastal charm and modern convenience. With great transport links, good schools, and plenty of fresh sea air, it’s no wonder Prestonpans is a popular place to call home.
Is Prestonpans a good place to live?
If you’re after a town that blends history, community, and coastal living, Prestonpans ticks all the boxes. It has a fascinating past—think Jacobite battles, salt panning, and a legacy of industry—but today, it’s a friendly, growing town that’s ideal for families, commuters, and anyone looking for a quieter pace of life while staying well-connected to the capital.
With a range of property options, access to beautiful beaches, and proximity to nature walks, Prestonpans is an excellent place to settle down. Plus, with Edinburgh just a train ride away, you get the best of both worlds—peaceful seaside living with the excitement of the city within easy reach.
What is the transport in Prestonpans like?
Prestonpans is perfectly positioned for commuters and explorers alike, with excellent transport links by train, bus, and road. Whether you're heading into Edinburgh, venturing across East Lothian, or hitting the open road, getting around is a breeze.
Prestonpans by train
Prestonpans railway station is a commuter’s dream. Trains to Edinburgh take just 15 minutes, making it incredibly easy for those working or studying in the capital. Trains also run eastward towards North Berwick, making seaside day trips simple.
Prestonpans by bus
Regular bus services connect Prestonpans to Edinburgh, Musselburgh, Haddington, and beyond. Lothian Buses and East Coast Buses run frequent services, so whether you’re heading into town for work or taking a scenic trip down the coast, there’s always an easy option.
Prestonpans by car
Sitting just off the A1, Prestonpans offers quick and easy access to Edinburgh, the Borders, and further afield. If you're driving to Edinburgh, it takes around 25 minutes outside of peak hours. Fancy a weekend trip? The A1 makes it simple to head south into England or east along the beautiful coastline of East Lothian.
What are the schools in Prestonpans like?
Families will be pleased to know that Prestonpans has great schooling options for children of all ages.
For younger learners, Preston Tower Primary School and St. Gabriel’s RC Primary School provide solid educational foundations, while Preston Lodge High School caters to older students. Nearby, there are also excellent secondary options in Musselburgh and Haddington.
For further education, Edinburgh's universities and colleges are just a short train ride away, offering world-class learning opportunities within easy reach.
What are the best things to do in Prestonpans
Prestonpans may be a small town, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do!
History buffs will love exploring the site of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army secured a dramatic victory. Set in the open-air, Prestongrange Museum tells the story of the area’s industrial past, with old kilns, an engine house, and remnants of its days as a hub for salt, coal, and pottery.
With stunning shoreline views, walking along the John Muir Way or relaxing at the nearby beaches in Longniddry and Port Seton is a must. The town is also famous for its colourful murals, which tell the story of its history in a unique and creative way. Walking through Prestonpans is like strolling through an outdoor art gallery!
Prestonpans has a selection of friendly local cafes, takeaways, and pubs. And if you’re looking for something fancier, East Lothian’s food scene - with everything from cosy bistros to Michelin-recommended restaurants - is just a short drive away.
Types of property in Prestonpans
From modern new-build estates to charming older homes, Prestonpans has a diverse range of properties to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re after a cosy seaside cottage, a spacious detached family home, or a modern apartment close to the station, there’s something for everyone.
Planning on moving to Prestonpans?
With more people looking to escape the city for a quieter lifestyle, Prestonpans is growing in popularity, making it a great spot to find your next home. If you love the idea of seaside living with fantastic connections to Edinburgh, Prestonpans could be the perfect place for you!
Find a solicitor estate agent in Prestonpans
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Prestonpans and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
Prestonpans offers excellent educational opportunities for children of all ages. Young learners can benefit from well-regarded primary schools that provide strong academic foundations, while older students have access to quality secondary education both locally and in nearby towns. For those pursuing further studies, a short train ride connects Prestonpans to top-tier universities and colleges, ensuring easy access to higher education. For more details on the best schools in. For more details on the best schools in Prestonpans, click here.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in Haddington on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Prestonpans, please refer to the East Lothian Council website.
You can find information on both Primary School Catchment Areas and Secondary School Catchment Areas.
The average price of homes in Prestonpans is £254,949. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/01/2025.
Located on the outskirts of Prestonpans, Prince's Gate by Bellway is a new development of 3, 4 and 5-bedrooms homes. This development will form part of a new town called Blindwells, a flagship residential town with numerous facilities, amenities and services, along with a brand new primary school. Other housing developers creating new homes in Blindwells currently include Cruden Homes, Persimmon, Ogilvie Homes and Avant Homes Scotland.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Haddington, please refer to the East Lothian Council website.
Prestonpans offers several family-friendly parks and attractions. Cuthill Park is a peaceful, well-maintained space featuring a playground and open grassy areas suitable for picnics and casual sports. The Battle of Prestonpans Viewpoint provides scenic views of East Lothian and serves as an educational spot to learn about local history. Additionally, the town is part of a coastal cycling route that connects Fisherrow Harbour to Cockenzie and Port Seton, offering families a flat, mostly off-road trail with opportunities to explore harbours and local art installations.
The Prestonpans Community Centre serves as a hub for various cultural and recreational activities, offering classes and sessions that cater to diverse interests. The Pennypit Centre provides facilities for sports and community events, supporting local clubs and groups. The Battle of Prestonpans Jacobite Museum, housed in the historic Town Hall building dating back to 1896, offers insights into the famous 1745 battle and hosts supporting temporary exhibitions.
Prestonpans hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year. The Prestonpans Community Centre regularly schedules activities suitable for families, including cultural events and workshops. The town also participates in broader regional festivals, providing opportunities for families to engage with the local culture and community. Additionally, platforms like Eventbrite list upcoming community events in Prestonpans, offering families a chance to participate in local gatherings and activities.
Prestonpans at a glance*
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