Living in Newcraighall
Located on the eastern edge of Edinburgh, Newcraighall is a compact community with a big personality. Famous for its proximity to one of the capital’s best shopping destinations, as well as its quick access to sandy beaches and scenic countryside, it’s the sort of place where you can enjoy some retail therapy and be eating ice cream at the seaside by lunchtime. With friendly neighbours, great transport links, and plenty to do nearby, Newcraighall makes a strong case for being one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems.
Is Newcraighall a good place to live?
If you like the idea of living somewhere that feels peaceful but keeps Edinburgh’s buzz close at hand, Newcraighall might just tick your boxes. Once a mining village, it’s now a sought-after spot for homebuyers who want suburban calm without sacrificing city convenience. Property options in the area consists of a lovely mix of traditional cottages and newer developments, plus a strong sense of community spirit. Add in its proximity to parks, beaches, schools, and one of the best train connections in the city, and you’ve got yourself a cracking place to call home.
What is the transport in Newcraighall like?
For such a small area, Newcraighall has great options when it comes to transport. Whether you’re commuting, shopping, or just escaping to the seaside, there’s a route for you.
Newcraighall by bus
The number 30 service by Lothian Buses is the go-to route for trips into the city centre of Edinburgh, and also makes a stop at Fort Kinnard shopping centre. Bus services 46 and 48 take passengers to a selection of towns in Midlothian, as well as providing a great way to get to Musselburgh. From there, you can connect with other services to access several other towns in East Lothian.
Newcraighall by train
The real jewel in the crown is Newcraighall Railway Station, a useful stop on the Borders Railway route. Trains run frequently to Edinburgh Waverley, whisking you into the heart of the city in around 10 minutes.
Newcraighall by car
Sitting right by the A1, Newcraighall offers super-easy access to East Lothian’s beaches, the Edinburgh City Bypass, and onward routes to the north, south, and west. You can be in the Old Town for dinner or on the open road for a weekend getaway in no time.
What are the schools in Newcraighall like?
Families are well catered for here. Newcraighall Primary School sits at the heart of the community, while nearby Brunstane Primary School offers additional primary options. For secondary education, pupils typically go to Castlebrae Community High School, with other choices available in surrounding areas, including Holy Rood RC High School. Several nurseries operate locally, and further education is easy to access in central Edinburgh.
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What are the best things to do in Newcraighall
You can’t talk about Newcraighall without mentioning Fort Kinnaird - a retail wonderland with high street brands, restaurants, and a cinema. But it’s not all shopping bags and cappuccinos. Just minutes away is Portobello Beach, where you can enjoy fish and chips with your toes in the sand.
The Innocent Railway Path offers scenic walking and cycling routes straight into the city, while nearby parks like Figgate Park and Holyrood Park give you space to breathe. Golfers are spoiled for choice with courses in Musselburgh, and if you’re in the mood for history, Craigmillar Castle is just a short drive away.
Types of property in Newcraighall
Newcraighall has a neat mix of homes, from charming stone-built miners’ cottages to modern family houses and sleek apartments. First-time buyers often find great value here compared to more central neighbourhoods, while families love the spacious semis and detached homes in newer developments. Whatever your taste - cosy and characterful or fresh and contemporary - you’ll find something to suit.
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Planning on moving to Newcraighall?
With its village-like feel and excellent transport links, Newcraighall offers a lifestyle that’s both relaxed and well-connected. From quiet residential streets and nearby green spaces to the convenience of Fort Kinnaird’s shops and easy access to the coast, there’s plenty to enjoy right on your doorstep. And with a friendly community atmosphere rooted in its mining heritage, Newcraighall is the kind of place where history meets modern living… making it a charming and practical place to call home.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Newcraighall
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FAQs about living in Newcraighall
Families are well catered for here. A local primary school sits at the heart of the community, with additional options available in neighbouring areas. For secondary education, pupils typically attend a nearby high school, with other choices accessible in the surrounding region. Several nurseries operate locally, and further education opportunities are readily available in the city centre. For more details on the best schools in Newcraighall, 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 Newcraighall on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Newcraighall, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
You can use their interactive catchment map to find which schools are in your catchment area.
The average price of homes in Newcraighall is £297,195. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 30/06/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Newcraighall.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Newcraighall, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Newcraighall Park is a leafy 8-acre green space featuring play areas for toddlers and juniors, a football pitch, cycle path, seating, and picnic spots, ideal for family strolls and playtime. Nearby, Fort Kinnaird (“The Fort”) offers a large retail and entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and a cinema… perfect for family outings.
The Craigmillar Community Arts Centre on Newcraighall Road hosts arts workshops, theatre performances, exhibitions, and contributes to the annual Craigmillar Community Festival. The area also commemorates its mining heritage with a local sculpture and a plaque for filmmaker Bill Douglas, which is a nod to Newcraighall’s cultural roots.
Families can join the Craigmillar Community Festival, supported by the local arts centre. There’s also a Breakfast Club at Newcraighall Primary School offering early care with arts, crafts, and games for P1–P7 children. Additional creative community offerings include the “Seen and Heard” cross-arts sessions and “Come Bake with Us” informal baking and chat afternoons nearby, though slightly outside Newcraighall, they’re easily accessible.
Newcraighall at a glance*
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