Best Landmarks in East Lothian

6 landmarks

1. 
   01
   Historical landmark4.4★154 reviews

   Hopetoun Monument

   The Hopetoun Monument is a striking 29-meter sandstone tower atop Byres Hill near Haddington, East Lothian. Erected between 1824 and 1827 in memory of John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, it offers panoramic views of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh, and surrounding hills. Visitors can climb 132 steps inside the narrow spiral staircase to reach a viewing platform, experiencing both history and breathtaking scenery.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs

   7 min drive · 3.7 km·Haddington EH41 3SJ

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2. 
   02
   Historical landmark4.4★82 reviews

   Preston Tower

   Preston Tower is a partially ruined 15th-century tower house located in Prestonpans, East Lothian. Originally built by the Hamilton family, the tower has a turbulent history marked by multiple burnings during the Anglo-Scottish conflicts, including attacks in 1544 and 1650. Now a Scheduled Monument, it stands within a walled garden alongside a 17th-century doocot, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval defensive architecture and local heritage.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   26 min drive · 13 km·30 Cross Cottages, Prestonpans EH32 9EJ

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3. 
   03
   Historical landmark4.3★59 reviews

   St Martin's Kirk

   St Martin's Kirk in Haddington, East Lothian, is a rare surviving 12th-century Romanesque parish church ruin. Built in the mid to late 1100s, it reflects Scotland’s medieval religious heritage and is linked to John Knox, a key figure in the Scottish Reformation. Though partially destroyed in 1560, its remnants offer a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural history of the region.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   10 min walk · 0.8 km·15 Bullet Loan, Haddington EH41 4AY

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4. 
   04
   Historical landmark4.5★24 reviews

   Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue

   The Duke of Wellington Equestrian Statue stands prominently outside Register House at 9 Waterloo Place in Edinburgh. Created by Scottish sculptor Sir John Steell and unveiled in 1852, this magnificent bronze statue depicts the Duke mounted on his famed horse Copenhagen. It commemorates Wellington’s decisive victory at the Battle of Waterloo and is regarded as one of the finest equestrian monuments in the UK.

   Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   52 min drive · 26 km·9 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BG

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5. 
   05
   Historical landmark5.0★2 reviews

   East Peaston

   East Peaston is a small historic settlement nestled in the scenic countryside of East Lothian, Scotland, near Ormiston and Tranent. Known for its rural charm and traditional architecture, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat with a glimpse into Scotland’s agricultural heritage. Surrounded by rolling fields and farmland, East Peaston combines tranquility with a touch of historical significance in a picturesque setting.

   Time to spend 1–3 hrs

   22 min drive · 11 km·East Peaston, Ormiston, Tranent EH35 5NL

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6. 
   06
   Historical landmark

   Black Castle - East Lothian

   Black Castle in East Lothian is an ancient Iron Age hillfort featuring multiple defensive earth banks, located near Haddington. Though now a ruin, it offers a glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric fortifications and strategic landscape, surrounded by picturesque countryside and steeped in local history.

   Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   18 min drive · 9.2 km·B6355 road

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