Musselburgh Racecourse

By train

Wallyford or Newcraighall, then the free bus

ScotRail’s Edinburgh Waverley–Wallyford journey averages 13 minutes. Wallyford is on the North Berwick line and Newcraighall is on the Borders Railway. The course runs a free raceday courtesy bus from both stations, with fixture-specific times online. At Wallyford, board beside the Park and Ride. The bus returns after racing.

By public bus

From Edinburgh and East Lothian

East Coast Buses 106, 113, 124 and X24 stop on Linkfield Road, around four minutes on foot from the gates. Lothian 26 and 44 stop at Musselburgh Police Station, around ten minutes away. Allow extra time on big racedays, when local traffic is busy.

By car and coach

Free parking; EH21 7SD for the public car park

The public car and coach parks are at the top of Balcarres Road, less than a mile from the A1 and less than two miles from the A720. Parking is free. It is about five minutes on foot to the entrance, or use the free car-park shuttle. Cars may be left overnight, but that is parking only, not permission to camp.

Taxi and drop-off

Main entrance, Linkfield Road EH21 7RG

Drivers may set down outside the main entrance before continuing to the car park. Arrange the return pickup before racing finishes and expect road delays. Local taxi firms are listed on the racecourse’s Find Us page.

Accessible parking

Reserved spaces and a 500-metre shuttle

Blue Badge spaces are near the front of the public car parks at the top of Balcarres Road. The entrance is about 500 metres away and a free shuttle serves it. For a non-standard parking requirement, call 0131 665 2859 before travelling.

Musselburgh and the A1

Best for a short taxi or drive to the racecourse.

• Ravelston House, hotel, restaurant and bar on North High Street, roughly five minutes by car from the course
• Premier Inn Edinburgh A1 (Musselburgh), at Carberry Road by the A1, around ten minutes by car in ordinary traffic
• Carberry Tower Mansion House, country-house rooms and The Hearth restaurant, around ten minutes by car

Edinburgh and the coast

Use rail or bus and leave the car behind.

• Premier Inn Edinburgh A1 (Newcraighall), beside the Borders Railway station used by the free raceday bus
• Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh, opposite Waverley station for the 13-minute train to Wallyford
• Marine North Berwick, a coastal hotel on the same rail line; change from the train to the courtesy bus at Wallyford

Newhailes House and Gardens

A National Trust for Scotland estate on Newhailes Road. Guided house visits explain the Dalrymple family and its rococo interiors; the grounds and play area make it useful for mixed-age groups.

Musselburgh Museum

A volunteer-run museum covering the town from its Roman settlement through fishing, mining, mills and modern life. It is a compact rainy-day option in the town centre.

Musselburgh Links

The historic nine-hole course sits inside the racecourse. Local tradition links Mary, Queen of Scots with golf here in 1567, and the unusual shared landscape explains much of the racecourse’s character.

Fisherrow Harbour and the River Esk

Walk west from the town centre to the harbour and shore, or follow the Musselburgh Trail plaques beside the river. It is free and easy to fit around an afternoon train.

Inveresk Lodge Garden

The National Trust for Scotland’s sheltered walled garden lies in the historic village of Inveresk, south of the town. Seasonal planting makes it a quiet contrast to a crowded raceday.

The Brunton programme

The arts organisation stages music, comedy, cinema and family shows in Musselburgh and Haddington venues while its main Musselburgh home is unavailable. Check the named venue carefully when booking.

Bags, food and drink

Security may search bags at the entrance. The public food offer includes Café 1816, Pinkie’s Deli, bars and street-food units; Pinkie’s lists vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-aware choices. If you have a medical dietary need, contact the racecourse before bringing your own food.

Dress and weather

General admission has no formal dress code. Major social days are dressier, but much of the viewing is outside and cover is not guaranteed. Bring waterproof layers and footwear suitable for standing on lawns or grandstand steps.

Payment and programmes

The course sells printed race programmes and also makes a digital programme available from the fixture page on the day. Bring a card, and some cash for the independent bookmakers.

Dogs and pushchairs

Assistance dogs are welcome. If you’re thinking of bringing a pet dog or a pushchair, call the office on 0131 665 2859 first.

If racing is abandoned

Keep your ticket: the terms for that fixture apply. Hotel, travel and hospitality bookings have their own cancellation terms and aren’t automatically refunded with your admission.

Leaving and returning

Ordinary re-entry is not allowed. If you must leave for an urgent reason, speak to Customer Services or security before going through the exit.

Betting is optional

You don’t need to bet to enjoy the day. If you do, you must be 18 or over; set a limit before you arrive.

Children’s admission

Under-18s are free with a paying adult except on New Year’s Day, Edinburgh Cup day and Ladies Day. Each paying adult or concession can bring up to four children. Book the child ticket in advance: if a meeting sells out, none will be issued at the gate.

The family meeting

The Superhero Family Raceday on 20 July 2027 combines the Flat card with themed entertainment and fancy dress. Gates open at noon, the first race is 2:30pm and the last is 5:30pm.

Facilities and breaks

Children’s dishes are offered in the Harris Tweed Bistro, and the public cafés provide simpler food. The site is largely outdoors, so plan warm layers, sun protection or waterproofs and identify a quieter meeting point before the crowds build.

In an emergency

Call 999 and give the address, Musselburgh Racecourse, Linkfield Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7RG. Then tell a member of staff.

Racecourse office

Call 0131 665 2859.

After your visit

Official results are on the BHA results page.