Queensferry travel guide and discussion

Looking for the perfect blend of gothic history, fairytale streets, and engineering marvels? Edinburgh is absolute magic. Here is my 3-day guide to exploring Scotland’s capital, featuring the iconic fortress and a stunning trip out to the coast! If you are planning a UK trip, Edinburgh is an absolute must-visit because it feels like two completely different worlds packed into one compact city. The city is split down the middle by a beautiful park. On one side sits the Old Town, a medieval maze of dark stone, cobblestones, and hidden underground alleyways. On the other side is the New Town, a stunning example of elegant 18th-century Georgian architecture. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Day 1: Historic Old Town & Fortress Views Morning: Edinburgh Castle. Start your trip early at this historic fortress standing tall over the city. Walk up the cobblestone Royal Mile, explore the ancient stone ramparts, and take in the panoramic views of the city skyline. You got chance to see Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performing, specifically on month of August for those fascinated by army bands and bagpipers 😄. The National War Museum is within the castle compound. You can buy the tickets through Trip.com for hassle free visit. Afternoon: Victoria Street & The Royal Mile. Walk down Victoria Street, the colorful, curved street that inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Grab lunch at a local pub and explore the hidden "closes" (narrow alleyways) off the main street. Get Trip.com bus ticket if you plan to tour around city but for me i used rented car as i travel to many places out from city. Evening: Sunset at Calton Hill. A short walk up this central hill treats you to iconic Athenian-style monuments. It’s the absolute best spot in the city to catch the sunset and take photos of the skyline. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Day 2: Engineering Marvels & Coastal Vibes Morning: Journey to South Queensferry. Take a short 30-minute train ride from the city center out to the coast to see the breathtaking bridges spanning the Firth of Forth. Afternoon: The Queensferry Bridges. Walk along the waterfront to marvel at the massive, world-famous Queensferry Crossing and the historic red steel arches of the Forth Bridge. Grab a coffee or lunch at a seaside cafe with prime views of these engineering icons. Evening: Seafood 🍤 in Leith. Head back toward the city and spend your evening in the vibrant waterfront district of Leith, known for its incredible historic docks and top-tier seafood restaurants. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Day 3: Volcanic Peaks & Fairytale Hidden Villages 🗻 Morning: Arthur’s Seat Hike. Wake up early and hike up this extinct volcano right in the city center. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit for a 360-degree view of Edinburgh and the North Sea. Afternoon: Dean Village. Escape the urban bustle and walk down to this hidden, picturesque 19th-century village nestled along the Water of Leith. It feels like stepping straight into a fairytale book. Evening: Princes Street Gardens & New Town. Stroll through the beautiful gardens separating the Old and New Towns. If you love art, pop into the National Gallery (it's free!) before a cozy final dinner. 💡 Trip.com Travel Tips: Booking Tip: Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle entry tickets online a few days in advance right on Trip.com, as the morning time slots sell out quickly! Getting to Queensferry: Simply catch a regular train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Dalmeny Station. From there, it's just a lovely 10-minute downhill walk to the waterfront bridge viewpoints. Edinburgh: Old World Charm. New World Magic. What are you waiting for?

This marked our third visit to the Dakota Edinburgh. Previously, we've stayed twice before flying out of Edinburgh Airport and once for New Year's Eve, and each time, the hotel seems to improve. On this occasion, with an early flight ahead, we decided to check in the night before to avoid a rushed morning. As usual, we opted for an upgrade, which always adds a special touch to the experience. This time, we splurged on one of the Signature rooms, which featured an array of treats and a fully stocked minibar at no extra charge. The rooms and facilities consistently exude a luxurious, boutique-style charm, far from the feel of a mere hotel chain. From the exterior, the building might seem like just an office block nestled in a residential area, but don't let appearances fool you. Inside, the design creates a warm and cosy ambiance, cleverly utilizing lighting to keep natural daylight out of common areas so that the atmosphere remains inviting, whatever the time or weather. The staff here never fail to impress—always friendly and welcoming in a way that feels genuine rather than rehearsed, with nothing ever being too much trouble. Yes, the hotel is situated away from the city centre, but it’s conveniently close to a tram stop, making trips to town quick and hassle-free. You can leave your car at the hotel, avoiding any traffic stress. Were this hotel located in the city centre, a suite of such quality with an included minibar would surely exceed £500 per night. The restaurant consistently delivers excellent food and outstanding service on regular evenings. While the New Year's Eve dinner fell slightly short of expectations, likely because of the holiday rush, it wouldn’t deter us from returning time and again. For both single-night stays and longer visits, this hotel remains my top choice whenever I travel to Edinburgh. It offers a touch of luxury without an exorbitant price tag. If you're looking to spoil someone, opt for a Signature room—it truly elevates the experience. Thank you, Dakota, for yet another memorable stay!

Stayed here at the start of September for 2 nights. We had 2 rooms, and overall, it was a fantastic stay. The best part of the experience was the hotel staff, who were exceptionally helpful and friendly. We booked two rooms, including one with disabled access for my mum, who has difficulty walking. The room was excellent overall, with a very comfortable bed. A small downside was how dark it is throughout the hotel—it felt almost like sitting in a nightclub, even during breakfast. For instance, the wardrobe was hard to find since it’s hidden behind both sides of the bed and the room lighting was too dim. However, despite the lighting, I’d gladly stay here again. Key highlights include bottled water, quality toiletries, super comfortable beds, fantastic showers, good food, and plenty of parking right outside, including Tesla chargers on-site. I also appreciated the thoughtful and accommodating service. I ordered an omelette via room service even though it wasn’t on the menu, but they kindly made it for me anyway. It was just an omelette, but that effort truly stood out. One suggestion for improvement: please get rid of the QR code system to access the room service menu. A physical menu or just putting it on the TV would be much better. Already looking forward to my next visit!

This hotel is delightful and perfectly situated between Edinburgh and the airport, making it especially convenient for a final night of vacation. The room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and comfortable. The bathroom was practical with excellent lighting. The restaurant was lovely, tastefully designed, and served high-quality cuisine. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious, a great way to end the trip on a gourmet note. The free parking, located right next to the entrance, was also a real plus. A very charming end to our vacation! However, there were a few downsides. Some mold stains were visible in the shower, which is unfortunate considering the overall quality of the establishment. The hotel is also exposed to noise disturbances: train sounds are noticeable until around midnight, along with road noise, which could bother light sleepers. Lastly, the mattress was slightly too firm for our liking. Despite these minor points, we had a delightful stay and hold fond memories of this final stop of our trip.

My first-ever trip to visit Inchcolm Island was amazing. The crew and staff were lovely, making the journey very interesting. There was a commentary providing all the historical details about the Abbey and more. We even paused to watch a seal family on the rocks, which was such a treat. After that, we visited the Abbey and spent about an hour wandering around. The ride back to Hawes Pier was delightful, sipping wine while passing under the Rail Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing. I highly recommend this boat trip! :) :) :)

We had an amazing stay here; the staff were incredibly accommodating and friendly. Celebrating our 13th anniversary, we were delighted to receive a room upgrade, complimentary bubbles, canapés, and a stocked mini bar. It truly made our stay feel special, and we are so thankful for making our occasion memorable. We will definitely be back!

We had breakfast for two consecutive days, and the food quality was excellent. The service on both days was friendly and very helpful, particularly when the fried eggs were missing on one occasion. Lastly, the upstairs restaurant offered a lovely view.

Conveniently located for our needs before heading to the airport. The Brewers Fayre next door was convenient for food and drinks. It seems they are due for renovations, which would be a welcome update, as both the hotel and the Brewers Fayre feel a bit worn. I’d give 10/10 for the comfort of the bed and pillows, and 8/10 for cleanliness—corners and edges could use a bit more attention with the hoover.

Julian was wonderful – very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The staff made check-in effortless and welcoming, which was a great relief after a busy time at the airport. I highly recommend staying here and will certainly be returning again.

#underratedspots If you’re in Edinburgh and want something beyond the usual Old Town itinerary, save North Queensferry. It’s roughly 30-40 minutes by train from central Edinburgh, and the moment you arrive you get one of Scotland’s most impressive engineering views. The red Forth Bridge opened in 1890 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. What I loved most was how quiet it felt compared with Edinburgh. 📍 What I’d do here: Walk down towards North Queensferry South Bay → photograph the Forth Bridge from water level → follow part of the Forth Bridges Trail → look across to the newer Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing. The full Forth Bridges Trail is around 5 miles and links 16 points of interest across North and South Queensferry, with views of all three crossings. 💡 My tip: come around late afternoon when the red steel catches the warmer light and the clouds over the Firth of Forth become part of the picture. And one fact that made me appreciate it even more: the bridge used around 6.5 million rivets during construction. 📍 North Queensferry South Bay 📍 Forth Bridge

I have to say I’ve stayed here more than 100 times over the past 16 years. You’re always greeted with a perfect smile and welcoming attitude. We arrived early, so our room wasn’t ready, but we left our bags and took a walk to enjoy the view of the bridges. Meanwhile, the reception team prioritised cleaning our room and called to let us know it was ready. The room was spotless, and we were delighted to receive welcome chocolates. We dined at the restaurant, which once again delivered near perfection—every detail made us feel truly valued. Seeing Nikki and Stuart made our visit even more special. Having known them for over 15 years, catching up with them added to our happiness and enhanced the experience. We are fortunate to know them and have the privilege of staying at this hotel. A big thank you to Laura as well, for assisting with our booking. We’ll definitely be back.

We joined the tour that included a visit to Inchcolm Island. It turned out to be a fantastic day out, greatly enhanced by the excellent sunny and warm weather, as well as the friendly and welcoming staff on board. This boat trip is highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the Forth and pass underneath the bridges. On the return journey, a dolphin was spotted under one of the bridges, and the boat paused to allow everyone a chance to see it. Additionally, Inchcolm Island itself is wonderful to explore, particularly the ruined Abbey!

Went for our 10th wedding anniversary. Got a complimentary upgrade to a suite and a free glass of champagne while waiting for our room to be ready. Excellent service by Brooke at reception—nothing was too much trouble.

Stayed for two nights on a Monday and Tuesday in a superior sea view room. Had dinner both nights at Antico. We found the hotel, staff, and food to be excellent. It's a busy hotel with a fantastic atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Gluten-free options were not an issue, and they were happy to assist. The view across the Forth to the bridges was lovely from our window. The bedroom even had a steamer in the wardrobe, along with an iron.

We live in Edinburgh but had never tried this before. The booking staff were wonderful; I accidentally booked the wrong day, but they quickly fixed it for me. The team on the boat was very informative, as were those on Inchcolm Island. Seeing some seals was an absolute delight!

Had an absolutely wonderful experience and would definitely stay here again. The staff was outstanding and very helpful—special thanks to Brooke at the front desk, who went above and beyond to assist with our check-in and luggage, and Craig, who provided a friendly and helpful airport transfer. The entire team was incredibly accommodating. The hotel was beautifully designed, and the rooms were spacious and lovely. The decor stood out, especially the charming shaggy dog in the lobby.

I've lived in Edinburgh for over 30 years and had never thought of doing this tour until yesterday. I'm so glad we decided to try it. We opted for the 3-hour tour that included Inchcolm Island, and it was absolutely fabulous. The boat itself was wonderful, with a charming little bar where we enjoyed a cuppa and a snack while cruising down the river. The informative narrative added a great touch, and we even got to see some seals basking in the sun. The undeniable highlight was Inchcolm Island. Although I've seen it countless times from the shore, stepping onto the island was an entirely different experience. The birdlife, the Abbey, and the war-era buildings were all fascinating to explore and learn about. It was truly an incredible visit.

Visited specifically to grab some photos for my Outlander-loving sister, but it turned out to be well worth it. Clear signs lead you to the car park and then down to the castle entrance, where there’s a coffee van and a merchandise stall. Our plans shifted, so we arrived a day earlier than our tickets, but the staff were very accommodating and let us in without issue. Inside, there’s only one room open for viewing, set up as a mini-museum with Outlander replicas, costumes, props, and show-related information. A helpful guide is also on hand to dress you up for a fun photo with Jamie’s cutout! While there are walking trails around the grounds, we stuck to exploring the immediate surroundings, including a visit to the Highland cows at Coos & Ewes near the castle. You can walk to Hopetoun House from here, though bear in mind it’s closed throughout July.

We went on a mystery day tour, which turned out to be so much fun. Each time we passed a sign, we tried guessing our destination—wrong every time! Eventually, we ended up in Dunfermline, a place I’d never visited before. It was lovely, although the weather wasn’t ideal, but we still had a wonderful day. We crossed the new Forth Bridge, returned via the old one, and stopped at a stunning spot for photos. All I can say is wow! Thank you for an amazing day out.

I always enjoy staying at the Dakota Hotels and feel genuinely welcomed every time. I was pleasantly surprised when Craig recognized me from my previous visit—it was such a delightful surprise. Craig truly is a great asset to the Dakota Edinburgh.

We visited Midhope on June 4th. Because of a mobility disability, I couldn’t handle the incline leading up to the Castle. Our tour driver, Campbell Cameron from Tartan Tours of Oban, spoke with an employee named Alex, who kindly allowed us to drive up to the Castle for me to take pictures. As a big Outlander fan, this gesture meant so much to me! Thank you, Alex and Campbell!

My friend and I recently joined Andy for an incredible 1-day Group Outlander Tour. As a fan of the series, I had high expectations, but Andy exceeded every one of them. He is kind, funny, and engaging, with a deep passion for Scotland and its history that shines through. We visited three castles, one palace, and one cemetery, all used as filming locations for Outlander. Andy shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and photos from the show, helping us visualize how the sites were transformed for TV. He also pointed out areas of Doune Castle where Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed. At Midhope Castle, we clinked glasses with a wee dram of Sassenach Whisky, and ended the day with a toast using Irn-Bru. Andy even remembered my note about needing gluten-free food—he provided GF snacks in the van and ensured I had a GF menu at lunch. If I return to Scotland, I’ll absolutely book another tour with Andy and Highlander Tours. Don’t hesitate to book a tour—it's an experience you won’t regret!

Great venue. I was invited here as part of an event. The staff were amazing as always, and the atmosphere and cleanliness were spot on. The only downside for me was the food, which I ended up leaving most of. Some chips were slightly undercooked, and others seemed like leftovers. On the bright side, the fish was well-cooked, and the coffee was excellent.

Day in the sun Queensferry

South Queensferry: A Charming Seaside Town and 3 Historic Scottish Bridges If you're looking for a relaxing getaway near Edinburgh that's easily accessible and offers a perfect blend of classic vibes, nature, and world-class architecture, South Queensferry is an absolute must-visit! This little coastal port town is packed with vibrantly colored buildings and boasts the most stunning viewpoints of the bridges crossing the Firth of Forth. Let's dive into the ultimate highlights you need to check off your list when visiting this town. 1. Admire the 3 Iconic Bridges (The Three Bridges) What truly sets South Queensferry apart is its unparalleled view of the "Three Bridges" spanning the Firth of Forth, with each bridge representing the engineering marvels of three entirely different centuries: Forth Bridge (The Red Railway Bridge): A UNESCO World Heritage site. This classic rust-red steel cantilever bridge from the 19th century (opened in 1890) looks epic and powerful from every angle. Forth Road Bridge: A 20th-century suspension bridge for road traffic (opened in 1964) that steps up the elegance and modern appeal. Queensferry Crossing: A massive, state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge from the 21st century (opened in 2017) featuring a sleek and contemporary design. Get your cameras ready: Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront on the High Street, and you'll find the perfect shot of the iconic red bridge in all its glory against the skyline and the water. 2. Take a Relaxing Stroll Through the Old Town (The Historic Town) South Queensferry's charm goes way beyond its bridges—its historic town center is impossibly cute. The main road (High Street) still features its original cobblestones, lined on both sides with classic Scottish-style buildings painted in alternating pastel hues. Here, you'll find cozy cafes, restaurants serving fresh seafood right from the ocean, and local artisan shops selling unique souvenirs and crafts. It's the perfect spot to wander around, sip on a coffee, and just unwind to the sound of the waves. 3. Step Back in Time at the Queensferry Museum If you want to dive deeper into the town's roots, you have to check out the Queensferry Museum (located right on High Street). This local museum chronicles the rich history of this port town from its early days to the present. Inside highlights: An in-depth exhibition detailing the construction of the Forth Bridge (featuring rare historical photographs and models). Local traditions: Discover the story behind "The Burryman," one of the town's oldest, most bizarre, and long-standing traditions. Bonus: The museum's windows offer one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots to view the bridges. 📌 How to Get There From Edinburgh: Catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Dalmeny Station (it only takes about 15-20 minutes). From there, take a scenic 10-15 minute walk down the hill to the seaside town, and you'll reach all the highlights! ✨

I last visited Midhope in 2021, shortly after the Covid lockdowns, and was amazed at how much had changed! Now, visitors can access the ground floor, with views extending to the upper levels, along with many added historical details and information. The restoration has been handled beautifully and doesn’t feel overly commercialized or "Disney-fied" at all. The guides were welcoming and knowledgeable, making it a truly lovely experience.

Queensferry beach Beautiful place near Edinburgh, a must-visit place.. #edinburgh #queensferry #citydaytours #beachlife #travel #couplestrip #naturalwonders #staycation #seascapes #familytravel #holidays

I went on a 3-hour cruise today, including 1.5 hours on Inchcolm Island. It was truly a pleasant surprise. The staff were very friendly, and there were lots of interesting commentary during the trip. I was delighted to spot some seals, and the boat itself was comfortable with a covered area offering snacks and drinks, as well as an open deck. The island visit felt like an escape; you explore it on your own, and time just flew by. There’s a gift shop with island info, details about the abbey, and nesting birds in summer, along with hot drinks and snacks. A fantastic time overall.