Do you like to be beside the seaside? Believe it or not, Edinburgh is a coastal city with over 15 miles of shoreline. The city’s coast is made up of a variety of fascinating areas including 2 miles of sandy beach, a historic yet still busy working port, quaint harbours and fishing villages. And of course, right the way along you can take in stunning views across the Firth of Forth and the North Sea.
Edinburgh’s port of Leith, just a couple of miles away from the city centre, has a fascinating history as the one-time most important gateway to Scotland – and the reason for Edinburgh becoming the capital city. It has been a centre of trade and industry for over a thousand years. Yet Leith also has a case for being the home of golf. To find out why, ask your Scottish Tourist Guide.
These days Leith has become one of the most fashionable areas of Edinburgh with Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy bars lining the Shore. We know exactly where to find the best fine dining or the yummiest cake and coffee!
Leith is the permanent home of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Until 1997 Britannia was the Queen’s floating palace, used by Her Majesty and the rest of the royal family for official visits and holidays alike. Today she is berthed here and open as an award-winning visitor attraction.
Make the most of a visit to Edinburgh’s coast in the company of a Scottish Tourist Guide who can fill you in on the history, geology, wildlife and communities that lie on Edinburgh’s sea-lined northern boundary.
Shore Visits
Cruise ships of all sizes stop frequently at Edinburgh’s shore, served by three local ports: Leith, only a few miles from the city centre; South Queensferry, under the iconic Forth Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Rosyth, just across the river. If you are arriving on a cruise ship and have a few hours, or a few days, docked in Edinburgh, a Scottish Tourist Guide can help you make the most of your time here. We can meet you at any of the ports for a tour and ensure you return in good time for the ship’s departure.
To book your STGA Blue Badge guide go to Find Your Guide