Things to do in Tranent

Activities, attractions and tours

Signpost in English and Scots Gaelic indicating the location of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans (it had previously been known as the Battle of Gledsmuir and The Battle of Tranent).
Signpost in English and Scots Gaelic indicating the location of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans (it had previously been known as the Battle of Gledsmuir and The Battle of Tranent).
The High Street
Butterdean Wood, East Lothian, Scotland.
Farmland, House of Muir. Big arable field. Hedges have been recently (2003) removed to make this field.
Photo by Richard Webb (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
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Top places to visit

1. Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop a craggy volcanic rock close to the heart of town, Edinburgh Castle is the city's oldest building and is steeped in a history spanning almost a millennium. In its time, it has endured sieges, served as the base for military campaigns and been a famous home of Scottish kings and queens. The admission fee to the castle includes a guided tour but you are also welcome to explore the ramparts under your own steam. The castle's website offers a suggested itinerary.
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Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Royal Mile

A visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a trip along the Royal Mile with its hundreds of years of rich Scottish heritage and culture. This cobblestone stretch runs all the way from Edinburgh Castle on one side, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the other. To this day, its series of streets come together to make up the Old Town's foremost thoroughfare, where you can see its historic buildings and admire some of the city's best sights.
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sunset time, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland

3. University of Edinburgh

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.
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University of Edinburgh featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

4. Edinburgh Zoo

Spanning over 33 hectares to the west of the city, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 different animals from around 200 different species.
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Edinburgh Zoo featuring marine life and zoo animals

5. National Museum of Scotland

Be engrossed for hours in the National Museum of Scotland’s fascinating exhibits. This celebrated attraction packs hundreds of displays into its high-ceilinged galleries and white-marble corridors. A comprehensive look at Scottish history adds local interest, while exhibits dedicated to anthropology and technology give the museum a global perspective.
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National Museum of Scotland which includes interior views

What to do in Tranent

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle showing heritage elements and a castle

Edinburgh Castle

A focal point of Scottish history that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline and which has served as a fortress, a palace and home to the crown jewels.

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile which includes street scenes, a house and heritage architecture

Royal Mile

With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.

Royal Mile
Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Princes Street
Scenic sight in Edinburgh with the Castle in the background. Scotland.

Grassmarket

During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Grassmarket
Aerial view of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Roseburn St, Edinburgh, VK

Murrayfield Stadium

Catch an event at Murrayfield Stadium and enjoy other activities in Edinburgh such as golfing.Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Murrayfield Stadium
University of Edinburgh featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

University of Edinburgh

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo showing zoo animals and land animals

Edinburgh Zoo

Admire an array of rare and endangered species that are conserved at the city's renowned wildlife attraction.

Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh royal playhouse theater

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
street view of George street at Edinburgh, scotland

George Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at George Street. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

George Street

Frequently asked questions

Is Tranent worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Tranent. Don't forget to experience the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Tranent?
Kick your day off with a visit to Portobello Beach and Palace of Holyroodhouse. Then, tour different areas of Tranent for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tranent?
The top tourist attraction in Tranent is Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Tranent?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city sights, such as Glenkinchie Distillery, Seton Sands and Joppa Shore. The average stay in Tranent is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Edinburgh isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Tranent with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Tranent with kids.

What to do in Tranent for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Tranent for adults including Glenkinchie Distillery and Pickering's Gin Distillery.
Are there free things to do in Tranent?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Tranent is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Seton Sands is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.