30 miles from Edinburgh, Dunbar receives less rain and more sunshine than most of Scotland. The town was the birth place of explorer, naturalist, and influential conservationist John Muir, and the coastal path that bears his name. The town also hosts a number of notable buildings - including Dunbar Castle and Dunbar Town House, both of which date to the 1500s.placeholder image
30 miles from Edinburgh, Dunbar receives less rain and more sunshine than most of Scotland. The town was the birth place of explorer, naturalist, and influential conservationist John Muir, and the coastal path that bears his name. The town also hosts a number of notable buildings - including Dunbar Castle and Dunbar Town House, both of which date to the 1500s.

9 of the most charming villages and towns to visit in Edinburgh and the surrounding area

Callum McCormack
By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 28th Jul 2024, 04:45 GMT

Edinburgh is a uniquely charming city, but it is also surrounded by a variety of endearing towns and villages.

From Royal Burghs founded almost 2,000 years ago to top sporting attractions, the Lothians are home to some incredible places.

You can visit mysterious chapels, embark on treks into Scotland’s beautiful countryside or take in some of the nearby beautiful beaches.

Take a look at our gallery of the most charming villages and towns in and around Edinburgh and plan your next trip.

Starting life as a market town, Peebles played a part in the woollen industry of the 19th and early-20th century. The village is now the beginning of the John Buchan Way, named after the writer and diplomat John Buchan, who has many associations with the area.

5. Peebles

Starting life as a market town, Peebles played a part in the woollen industry of the 19th and early-20th century. The village is now the beginning of the John Buchan Way, named after the writer and diplomat John Buchan, who has many associations with the area. | Will Perrett - stock.adobe.com

Photo Sales
Musselburgh has a long and storied past, having first been settled in AD 80 by the Romans. In more recent times, the town has become well-known for it's racecourse and Musselburgh Links golf course - thought to have been the longest continually played golf course in the world dating back to 1672.

6. Musselburgh

Musselburgh has a long and storied past, having first been settled in AD 80 by the Romans. In more recent times, the town has become well-known for it's racecourse and Musselburgh Links golf course - thought to have been the longest continually played golf course in the world dating back to 1672. | Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
Home to Winton Castle, Pencaitland is 12 miles from Edinburgh. Winton is considered to be one of the most architecually important buildings in Scotland thanks to the work of Kings mason William Wallace. In modern times, the town has been home to the Castle Sound Studio. The recording studio has hosted a number of top bands - including Orange Juice, REM, Simple Minds and The Blue Nile.

7. Pencaitland

Home to Winton Castle, Pencaitland is 12 miles from Edinburgh. Winton is considered to be one of the most architecually important buildings in Scotland thanks to the work of Kings mason William Wallace. In modern times, the town has been home to the Castle Sound Studio. The recording studio has hosted a number of top bands - including Orange Juice, REM, Simple Minds and The Blue Nile. Photo: Ray Cox

Photo Sales
The ancient village of Torphichen can trace its roots back to AD 400. The church that originally was founded by St Ninian would morph into the village - although the church was re-built in the mid-1700s.

8. Torphichen

The ancient village of Torphichen can trace its roots back to AD 400. The church that originally was founded by St Ninian would morph into the village - although the church was re-built in the mid-1700s. | Google Maps

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:EdinburghPeebles High StreetNorth BerwickMusselburgh
News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice