Archaeology and History 
East Lothian is rich in archaeological and historical remains from Scotland’s oldest hunter-gatherer house (dating to ca. 8300 BC) to more recent times. The county is rich in prehistoric remains, particularly cropmark sites, and fabulous medieval remains.
The East Lothian landscape is dominated by two major landmarks- Traprain Law and North Berwick Law, both substantial Iron Age hill forts, but with evidence indicating they were both occupied for a considerable longer period. You might also want to visit the fantastic remains of White Castle hill fort just above Garvald and Chesters fort at the foot of the Garleton Hills.
East Lothian played an incredibly important role during the early Christian period and East Lothian is home to a large number of beautiful churches dating from the 12th century through to the 19th century. Visit St Andrew’s Church in North Berwick, St Martin’s and St Mary’s in Haddington, Dunglass Collegiate Church, Seton Collegiate Church and Aberlady Parish Church for a taster of what East Lothian has to offer.
East Lothian also has a number of fabulous and very important castles to explore. Dirleton is set within beautiful manicured grounds, Tantallon on the edge of a dramatic coastline and Hailes snugly located on the River Tyne, below Traprain Law. Athough sadly succumbing to the ravages of coastal erosion, the important remains of Dunbar Castle are situated overlooking the harbour and are very much worthy of a visit.
East Lothian can also boast being home to some of Scotland’s most important battle sites. The battle at Athelstaneford was fought in the 9th century and gave birth to the Saltire (Scotland’s national flag), Pinkie was fought in the 16th century, Prestonpans in 1745 and one of two major battles have been fought to the south east of Dunbar (1650)
Traprain Law was the capital of Votadini (the indigenous Iron Age tribe) and a 45 – 60 minute walk takes you through the ramparts and on to the summit of one of East Lothian’s highest landmarks. Excavations have revealed evidence for occupation from the Bronze Age through to the medieval period. Free. Open all year.
Directions: Situated approximately 3 km south-west of East Linton. Car Park. Picnic benches. Interpretation.
A 60 minute walk takes you up through the ramparts of this impressive Iron Age hill fort and past the remains of Bronze age and Iron age hut circles. Once on the summit there are some examples of East Lothian’s military history-a Napoleonic watch tower and a WW2 look out post. There are fantastic views from the top to North Berwick below and to Bass Rock, Fidra, the Forth and Fife. Free. Open all year.
Directions: The North Berwick Law car park is located just off the B1347 to the immediate south of North Berwick. Car Park. Interpretation.
White Castle nestles within the foothills of the Lammermuirs and is a fantastic hill fort with very impressive ramparts and ditches,. From here there are amazing views across the fertile plains of East Lothian to Traprain Law and North Berwick Law. Well worth a visit. Free. Open all year.
Directions: Approximately 3km south-east of Garvald along the single tracked road to Whiteadder Reservoir. Car Park. Interpretation.
Easily accessible, the Chesters is an unusual hill fort in so far as the impressive ramparts and ditches suggest a heavily defended Iron Age settlement and yet it is immediately over looked by surrounding hills. Watch out for the obvious signs of Iron Age round houses within the interior of the fort.
Directions: Signposted from the B1377 road (to the west of Drem). Car Park. Interpretation. Free. Open all year.
The remains of a delightful 12th –16th century chapel located on what is now a grassy coastal promontory next to the harbour. Pilgrims from all over Scotland and beyond would have visited this impressive small church before crossing the Firth of Forth to complete their journey to St Andrews in Fife. The whitewashed 16th century porch serves as a small interpretation centre. Free. Open all year.
Directions: St Andrew’s Kirk can be found next to North Berwick harbour and the Scottish Seabird Centre.
The fantastic full standing remains of an early 12th century church with a vault and buttresses added during the 13th century is well worth a visit. St Martin’s Church was originally a chapel belonging to St Mary’s nunnery. Free. Open all year.
Directions: Located within the Nungate area of Haddington. Take the road East out of Haddington towards Traprain Law. Interpretation.
St Mary’s Church is an incredibly impressive and breathtaking building. It has a history which originally dates back to the 12th century, however, the majority of what can be seen today is 14th-15th century in date. It is regarded as one of the largest churches built during this period and is comparable to some of the smaller Scottish cathedrals. Much of the church was ruined during the mid 16th century Siege of Haddington and has seen many refurbishments since that period. Free. Open all year.
Directions: Situated off Sidegate, Haddington follow the signs once in Haddington. Interpretation. Café.
Situated within the Dunglass estate are the inspiring remains of Dunglass Collegiate Church. The church is 15th century in date and has a distinctive roof of large flat stone slabs. The tranquil interior is home to a number of grave slabs, some of which are 16th century in date. Go to http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ for more information on this property. Free. Open all year.
Directions: From the A1, follow the signs for the church from the Cockburnspath roundabout. Parking. Interpretation.
One of the finest surviving collegiate churches in Scotland originally dating to the 13th century. The interior is incredibly beautiful and ornate. This church is within a lovely woodland setting and is an oasis of tranquillity. In the grounds are the remains of what is thought to be priests' houses. Go to http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ for more information on this property. Admission charges. Seasonal opening hours.
Directions: Just before Longniddry on the B1961.
A 15th century tower with adjoining 18th century nave. Evidence suggests that the church has origins back to the early medieval period (8th century AD) and that it had important links with early Christian centres at Iona and Lindisfarne.
Free. Open all day April-October, other times subject to request. Go to www.aberlady.org/Church for more details.
Directions: Just off the High Street, Aberlady.
Built on a natural rocky outcrop are the complex and fantastic remains of Dirleton castle. Originally late 13th century in date the castle was built in approximately three phases. There are vaulted kitchens, grand halls and pit prisons. The beehive dovecot is also definitely worth a visit as are the fabulous designed garden grounds surrounding the castle. Go to http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ for more information on this property. Admission charges. Seasonal opening hours. Visitor Centre.
Tantallon is located in a truly stupendous location, over looking steep cliffs and the sea. Originally dating to the 14th century, this vast castle has seen a turbulent history and associated with many important historical figures, Mary Queen of Scots being just one of them. There is a lot to see and explore here, including the dovecot and immediate grounds. Go to http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ for more information on this property. Admission charges. Seasonal opening hours. Car Park. Visitor Centre.
Directions: Follow signs from the A1 and A119.
Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Tyne are the remains of what is believed to be the oldest stone castle in Scotland dating to the late 1200s. Entering through the curtain wall there are two towers, a vaulted kitchen and a grand hall to explore. In a lovely tranquil location, this is a lovely small castle to spend some time visiting. Free. Open all year.
Directions: From East Linton follow the signs south-west of the village along minor roads for approximately 2 km.
Although coastal erosion has removed much of this truly important castle, fragmentary remains still survive and it is definitely worthy of a visit. Situated at the mouth of Dunbar harbour, this castle has possible roots as far back as the 11th century. Because of its position between Edinburgh and the Border,
the castle has seen a turbulent history and associated with many important historical figures. Dunbar Castle was where Mary Queen of Scots was held after Bothwell kidnapped her and later married her. Free. No access into castle.
Directions: The castle is located at Dunbar Harbour. The remains are perhaps best seen from the swimming pool, where there is also ample parking.
Athelstaneford Battle Site Occupying a beautifully restored dovecot within the grounds of Athelstaneford Church a short audio-visual dramatisation of the 9th century battle can be seen. It was during this battle that the St Andrew's Cross (the Scottish saltire) first appeared in the sky. Adjacent to the dovecot is a viewing point with an interpretative panel and there are spectacular views northwards towards the battle site. The Heritage Centre is open daily between 09:00 and 18:00 from April to October and on St. Andrew's Day. Admission is free.
Directions: Directly off the High Street, Athelstaneford.
The Battle of Pinkie is regarded as one of Britain’s most important battle sites. Attempts by the English to link the two kingdoms of England and Scotland, through the marriage of the young Queen Mary of Scots and Prince Edward (later Edward VI) of England, collapsed into open conflict in 1544-5. It is an exceptionally important battle site because of the rarity of battle sites still surviving from this date, the amount of lives lost and the types of weaponry that was employed during this period. Access available all year. Free. No on-site interpretation.
Directions: The battle site sits within a large working landscape. Currently, the best way to experience the site is to walk into the battle site from Inveresk Lodge (National Trust for Scotland) in Musselburgh (follow signs from A1) along Crookston Road. There is a battle memorial stone to commemorate the battle at the eastern end of Crookston Road. Open all year. Admission is free. No on site interpretation.
The Battle of Prestonpans took place on September 21, 1745. The Jacobite army loyal to James Francis Edward Stuart and led by his son Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, defeated the army loyal to the Hanoverian George II led by Sir John Cope. For more information on the battle and a downloadable walking guide go to http://www.battleofprestonpans1745.org/ Open all year. Admission is free.
Directions: The battle site sits within a large mixed use landscape. Currently, the best way to experience the site is to either climb up to the top of the viewing mound at Meadowmill (take A198 off the A1 and follow signs for Meadowmill sports centre and Battle site, where parking is available) or follow the self-guided walk described in the battle leaflet downloadable from the website above.
In 1650 Cromwell’s forces defeated King Charles II’s forces under Leslie to the South-East of Dunbar. The battle of Dunbar was one of Cromwell’s most important victories. Open all year. Admission is free. No on-site interpretation.
Directions: The battle site sits within a large working landscape. Currently, the best way to experience the site is to either view from Doon Hill (follow signs from the A1 immediately south east of Dunbar along single track roads to the car park of Doon Hill (see http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/) or visit the battle commemoration stone on the side of the A1087 road into Dunbar.