With a history stretching back more than 4,000 years, Cairnpapple Hill near Bathgate in West Lothian is one of the most important neolithic sites in northern Europe. A Class II henge with either timber posts or standing stones was constructed over the hill top in around 3000 BC.With a history stretching back more than 4,000 years, Cairnpapple Hill near Bathgate in West Lothian is one of the most important neolithic sites in northern Europe. A Class II henge with either timber posts or standing stones was constructed over the hill top in around 3000 BC.
With a history stretching back more than 4,000 years, Cairnpapple Hill near Bathgate in West Lothian is one of the most important neolithic sites in northern Europe. A Class II henge with either timber posts or standing stones was constructed over the hill top in around 3000 BC.

Edinburgh history: 7 fascinating prehistoric and ancient sites just a short drive from Edinburgh you can visit

We take a look at the best prehistoric and ancient sites you can visit within a short drive of Edinburgh city centre.
Gary Flockhart
By Gary Flockhart
Published 12th Mar 2023, 14:12 BST
Updated 12th Mar 2023, 18:09 BST

From Neolithic and Bronze Age hill settlements and burial mounds as old as the pyramids of Giza, to Iron Age remains and Roman-era forts, there are plenty of fascinating things to see in and around the Capital.

Take a look through our photo gallery to discover 7 incredible prehistoric and ancient sites in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Dunbar’s Doonhill features the remains of two timber-built halls, one being home to a 6th century chieftain and the other a 7th century Anglo-Saxon hall.

5. Doonhill Homestead

Dunbar’s Doonhill features the remains of two timber-built halls, one being home to a 6th century chieftain and the other a 7th century Anglo-Saxon hall. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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One of the Capital’s best-known Roman era archaeological sites can be at Cramond. Established around 140AD, the fort is believed to have been occupied on and off by the Romans for at least eighty years. A sculpture, dubbed the Cramond Lioness, is among the many great finds at the site.

6. Cramond Roman Fort

One of the Capital’s best-known Roman era archaeological sites can be at Cramond. Established around 140AD, the fort is believed to have been occupied on and off by the Romans for at least eighty years. A sculpture, dubbed the Cramond Lioness, is among the many great finds at the site. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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In use during the 1st century AD, this Roman fortlet near West Calder in West Lothian was first excavated in the 19th century. The remains of defensive ditches forming a clearly discernible rectangular rampart can still be seen today.

7. Castle Greg

In use during the 1st century AD, this Roman fortlet near West Calder in West Lothian was first excavated in the 19th century. The remains of defensive ditches forming a clearly discernible rectangular rampart can still be seen today. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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