Colonel Thomas Cadell Memorial

The Colonel Thomas Cadell Memorial sits quietly in East Lothian, a modest tribute to a man most of us have never heard of - and that's rather the point. This isn't one of those grandiose Victorian monuments that dominates the high street. Instead, it's the sort of place that rewards a deliberate detour, particularly if you're already in Prestonpans exploring the area's industrial heritage.

Cadell was an 18th-century figure of some importance locally, though the memorial itself is understated. You're looking at a straightforward stone marker rather than anything elaborate - the kind that makes you pause and actually read what it says, which is far more effective than you'd expect. History buffs and those interested in Scottish Lowland heritage will find it worthwhile, though younger children might need a bit of context to engage with it properly.

The real value is in combining this with a stay at one of the nearby parks. Haven Seton Sands, just under a mile away, offers proper seaside access alongside the memorial visit - you can make an afternoon of it without feeling rushed. Drummohr, slightly further at 2.6 miles, works equally well if you're after a quieter base. Both give you the flexibility to explore Prestonpans itself, which has considerably more to offer visitors interested in Scottish history and industrial archaeology.

Allow 20 minutes here, maybe 30 if you're genuinely interested. Free to visit, naturally. Best avoided during heavy rain - there's no shelter whatsoever - but pleasant enough on a clear day when the light catches the stone properly.