A Guide To South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland

A Guide To South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland.
The lovely seaside town of South Queensferry lies around ten miles north-west of Edinburgh City Centre and is one of my favourites towns in the whole of Scotland. South Queensferry used to be the main crossing point for Fife before the arrival of the bridges over the Firth of Forth. For more of our 'Must-See' places in Scotland visit www.adventuresinscotland.uk/.
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For great views of all the bridges South Queensferry is the perfect vantage point. One of the best ways to take in the amazing views is to head for The Boat House Restaurant and enjoy a meal on their outside terrace, which directly overlooks the bridges. The town itself is very pretty and there are lots of wonderful independent shops and cafes to discover. Please support them as much as you can when you visit. To find out more about the town please visit the Queensferry Museum at 53 High Street EH30 9HP which also doubles as the local registry office. The museum is a treasure trove of artefacts and information and perfect for any history buffs.
By Bus from Edinburgh City Centre: - The Lothian Country bus 43 & X43 from St Andrew Square and the West End is every 20 mins. Sundays every 30 mins. The N43 runs in the evenings. Journey time is about 35 minutes.
By train from Edinburgh Waverley is every 20 mins and takes just 15 minutes. There's a short walk down the path from the station to the Hawes Pier under the Forth Rail Bridge.
The Forth bridges are among the best recognised in the world. The Forth Railway Bridge itself is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland's most recognised and iconic landmarks. It opened in 1890 and was built by over 4,500 men. The bridge is 2.5km long and its towers are over 100 metres high. The Forth Bridge opened in 1964 and is of similar length. The bridge uses almost 50,000 km of wire to suspend the road deck from its 150 metre high towers. The old road bridge has now been replaced by the Queensferry Crossing which opened on the 30th August 2017. The new bridge replaces the old one which is now only open to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. If you want fabulous views of the Forth estuary it's well worth walking over the old road bridge on a bright, sunny day. The Queensferry Crossing was the longest 3 tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world when it opened and is 8,858 feet long. On a bright day the supporting steels look amazing and together with the other two bridges make quite an awesome sight.
One of the many things I love about South Queensferry are all the lovely independent shops and cafes from ice-cream parlours, old fashioned sweetie shops, antique shops, hardwear stores and even fashion boutiques. Please support them as much as you can when you visit as they add greatly to the character of the High Street which would be greatly diminished if they disappeared. I noticed last week that the jewellery shop is closing which is really sad, as it's been there for many years.
Overall, South Queensferry is well worth a visit. It's easy to get to by train or bus from the centre of Edinburgh which takes just over half an hour on a good day and up to an hour in the busy summer months. I personally love visiting on a clear, crisp winter's day when there's fewer people around. I can also recommend visiting nearby Hopetoun House which is one of Scotland's finest stately homes. If you have time, the 4.5 mile Shore Walk from the Hawes Inn in South Queensferry to Cramond Village (see video • A Winter's Day in Cram... ) is highly recommended. We truly are exceptionally lucky in Scotland to have such a gorgeous town with such spectacular views of such amazing bridges. Also, if you fancy a boat trip out to Inchcolm Island and its Abbey in the Firth of Forth, you can catch the 'Maid of The Forth' Ferry from the harbour located opposite the Hawes Inn. Either book online at www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/ or visit the ticket shop during the spring/summer season (I also have a video of this trip - • Inchcolm Island, Firth... ).
For more of my 'Must-See' places to visit in Scotland, please visit my 'Adventures In Scotland' website at: www.adventuresinscotland.uk/
You might also like the following videos:
Boat Trip to Inchcolm Island on the Maid of the Forth - • Inchcolm Island, Firth...
Cramond Village - • A Winter's Day in Cram...
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#SouthQueensferry #QueensferryCrossing #ForthRailBridge #ForthBridges
© David Wheater, Guide to South Queensferry, West Edinburgh, Scotland 2020.
Music Credits:
Lots of Love, Judy - David Celeste
What My Mama Said - Humble Hey feat. Emmi
Catch The Wave - Velvet Moon
When We Were Younger - Loving Caliber
No Need to Beg Pardon - Velvet Moon

[@colinbenfield326]

I was born and raised in Dunfermline and had no idea how beautiful South Queensferry is. Was just a train stop on the way to Edinburgh when I was young .

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Colin, yes it's a really lovely place to visit. I was brought up in Edinburgh and only really started to appreciate it when I was much older. Thanks for watching, best wishes, David :-)

[@yuepeng8906]

Like the music you put in this video

[@Sandy5094]

I loved this guide to South Queensferry I have never been here but I live in Glasgow so no excuse I have some time off in July so a visit will be going in my diary,I did once date a mystery man who lived in the village but that was a long time ago, Thanks David that was amazing.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Sandy, I really appreciate your kind words about the video. There's lots I could have done better with it, but I'm so glad you enjoyed it nonetheless. Your mystery date sounds intriguing. It is quite a romantic place for a first date. Thanks & best wishes, David :-)

[@georgegraham3342]

Many thanks David for your excellent video showcasing South Queensferry. I came to Australia with my parents in 1961, before the road bridge was completed. I fondly remember the ferry service from South to North Queensferry, having travelled often as a wee boy in the 1950’s to visit family in Fife. On busy holidays dad chose to drive via Kincardine rather than wait for the ferry in a very long queue. Thank you for the many views of the Forth rail bridge - better with steam train!! George

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi George, how wonderful that you have such lovely memories of the ferry and steam trains going over the bridge. I would loved to have seen them. I came across some great information about the old ferry service in the Queensferry Museum and there was a picture of the extensive queues which looked huge. I'm sure the road bridge was welcomed by many a commuter, although I'm sure the ferry was greatly missed too. I've been lucky to spend quite a bit of time in Australia and I hope you're getting through the lockdown OK. We've just heard that we're easing lockdown next week which will be a huge relief. I'll be able to do a bit more filming and perhaps even a bit of fishing. Stay safe and thanks for commenting. Warmest best wishes, David :-)

[@jimwilson4651]

Damn your videos make me homesick! We are under 5 feet of snow and -30c temperatures here in northern Canada and there the flowers are blooming. Loved your "train of thought" moment with the train entering and exiting your ears! I agree with you on timing a visit to South Queensferry; there's times we've been there and it's almost empty and then there's summer days when it's just absolutely heaving with people.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Jim, I love your 'train of thought' observation - I wish I'd thought of that. When I spotted it, I couldn't not acknowledge it as it looks so funny. So good to hear you like South Queensferry too. I particularly love the walk to Cramond on a clear Spring day, although it's great at any time of year. You're absolutely right about visiting in low-season. I think taking the bus or train is a great option which a lot of people don't always consider. It's a beautiful sunny day here in Edinburgh today, although the rain we've had over the last month has been biblical. It' been the wettest winter on record and whether it's got anything to do with climate change I don't know. Hope you're managing to keep warm in Canada with all that snow and very low temperatures. Thanks again for your support. I should have another video up on the 1st of February. Best wishes, David

[@jackscharf6933]

Me and my family are going there and staying in Parkhead house next June thought id check out what Queensberry's all about, Thanks David wonderful video great tips!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Jack, that’s fantastic you’re visiting and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. South Queensferry is a wonderful place and I’m sure you’ll thoroughly enjoy it. I can also recommend Port Edgar Marina which is just a short walk away from the town centre. There’s fabulous views of the bridges and some nice places to eat. Have a wonderful time. Best wishes David ps don’t forget to subscribe 😀

[@d0hoey0]

Great video thank you. Very therapeutic. Ive only been to South Queensferry a couple of times but want to go back now. IGreat choice of music as well. Love catch the wave Velvet Moon hadn't heard it before but Love it with the stunning scenery thanks again

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I deeply appreciate it. It’s a really wonderful spot and we visit as much as we can. I’m sure you’d enjoy going back. I hope to have another video out on Friday. Many thanks for your kind support. Best wishes, David ps glad you liked the music 😀

[@maurasantos5007]

Thanks for the video. Actually, I was in this stunning town yesterday. Truly charming and beautiful place to visit. :-)

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Maura, so glad you had the opportunity to visit lovely South Queensferry. I'm very lucky to live just 20 minutes away and I never get tired of visiting. Best wishes, David :-)

[@leonlowe]

This video provided me with a great "homecoming"! Thanks!!!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Leon, that's great to hear. It only takes me about ten minutes to drive down to South Queensferry and it's somewhere I like to go to blow all the cobwebs away and refresh myself with all that bracing sea air. Thanks for commenting, very much appreciated :-)

[@michaelobrien9825]

Queensferry or the ferry as it's known to the locals, I would thoroughly recommend a visit to for a view of the three bridges especially on a nice day, and if your really lucky you might even catch sight of the seals.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Michael, I couldn’t agree more, the bridges are a really impressive sight and on a lovely day South Queensferry is a wonderful place to be. Thanks for commenting and subscribing. All the best, David

[@martynjg]

Great location for your video David, loved it. We are regular visitors to Queensferry, it's one our favourite places to visit especially at this time of year while its quieter, we like taking a walk through the wooded area overlooking Queensferry and then down the steps next to the Hawes Inn and along the street...👍

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Martyn. So glad to hear you love South Queensferry too. I only live about fifteen minutes away by car and it's somewhere I love to go to just wind down, grab a bite to eat and contemplate life. Thanks again for commenting. Best wishes, David

[@gazof-the-north5708]

3 magnificent bridges from 3 different centuries!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Gaz, yes it really is a magnificent view - one of the best in the world in my humble opinion. Thanks for commenting. Best wishes, David :-)

[@leonlowe]

I've just given this a second viewing and enjoyed it even more than the first time! My first teaching assignment after completing training at Moray House College of Education was with South Queensferry Primary School. My four years in South Queensferry were the best years of my life. It was a quieter village in those days, but remains a delightful destination. Your showcasing of the village is outstanding!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much Leon, that's really kind of you and much appreciated. That's wonderful you enjoyed living there so much. It still one of my favourite towns and we're coincidentally about to head down there today for lunch and a walk with the dog. I still marvel at the view of the three bridges, which are still impressive after all these years. I have been beavering away in the background working on new videos. It's been hard to fit them in, but hope to start publishing them from today, starting with some of my favourite things to do in Glasgow, which should be available this afternoon. Really hope you enjoy it. Thanks for watching again and all your kind words & support. Hope you're well and have a lovely weekend. All the best, David :-)

[@lynnthomason6589]

Thanks so much. I love your videos. You manage to get just the right close up shots of things that interest me in a special way. Safe travels !

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thank you Lynn, I’m so glad you like the videos. They’re great fun to make and I hope to have a few more out soon. Thanks for watching. All the best, David 😊

[@timmyv3488]

We found South Queensferry by accident while looking for Airbnb’s in Edinburgh, and we’ve decided to wind down our first trip to the UK there instead before we head back to the states. I think we made a good choice based on your video!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Timmy, thanks so much for watching the video, it's much appreciated. South Queensferry is the perfect place to wind down. There's a lovely walk along the coast to the Dalmeny Estate which I can recommend too. You can also walk over the old Forth Road Bridge which is lovely on a sunny day. North Queensferry is lovely too, with a super little lighthouse and a lovely pier which is great for photography. Port Edgar is also great with some lovely restaurants. Hope you have a wonderful time and thanks for visiting us. Best wishes, David :-)

[@karinabowlby7735]

Fabulous video. Well done!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thank you Karina, I really appreciate it. It’s a challenge sometimes making them by myself, but I’m hopefully improving as time goes by. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Best wishes, David 🙂👍

[@bergkamp10able]

David, I have just watched this video for the second time, it’s wonderful and I like the music too. I gave it a second look because I have a week in Edinburgh booked for 10th-17th July and South Queensferry is on my list of places to visit.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Gary, please accept my apologies for the delay in replying, I've been having a bit of a KZbin break. Really glad you enjoyed this video. It's one of my favourite places in the Lothians and I regularly nip down for a coffee and a bite to eat. I'm so glad you'll be able to visit soon and I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting South Queensferry. If you have time I can also recommend taking the Maid of Forth out to Inchcolm Island and Abbey, which I also have a video of. Thanks for all your kind words, I really do appreciate it and I hope you have an amazing time when you visit. All the best, David :-)

[@patrickfallon9143]

A wonderful film of one of my favourite towns which was formerly in West Lothian. The Forth Bridge is an iconic monument and I never tire looking at it? When I first saw it in person I was surprised of it's red colour as it was green on our currency! The music on the film was very good as well.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Pat, much appreciated. It's one of our favourite towns. The rail bridge really is a thing of wonder and I never get tired of photographing it. Hope you have a lovely weekend and thanks again for your lovely comment. All the best, David :-)

[@annastasiaforrest-mcneill1900]

This is my hometown and I absolutely love it.. kind of gutted the best cafe in the ferry wasn’t in your video though (the bikers cove). Still an awesome video and showed a lot of what the town has to offer

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Annastasia, so pleased you liked the video. I love South Queensferry, it's somewhere I go a lot to relax and chill out. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Best wishes, David :-)

[@Sandy5094]

Hi David, the video is perfect as is and I loved the Velvet Moon tracks played in the video quite lovely indeed.Out of interest what do you think you could have done better with this video. I will check out your other videos in due course. Thanks once again for posting.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much Sandy. I'm always learning and spotting things I could do better! Thanks for all your kind words and I really hope you enjoy my other videos. Have a great week. Best wishes, David

[@bergkamp10able]

Wonderful video, David. I am a regular visitor to the capital, sometimes twice a year but I have never been to South Queensferry. That will be rectified on my next trip. Thank you. I did have a short break booked for the weekend of April 12/13th, which had to be shelved for obvious reasons. I like the music too. Excuse my ignorance but who is it?

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Gary, so glad you enjoyed the video and I'm really sorry you had to cancel your trip here. It's very frustrating. We're due to start a small easing of lockdown next week, so fingers crossed that's the start of a greatly needed recovery. Tourism is really suffering here and we need to really put plans into effect to get people earning again, although safely of course. I can thoroughly recommend visiting South Queensferry. I live just a fifteen minute drive away and regularly visit to wind down and take some time out. Sorry I forgot to post the music credits. Will look out the tracks and post them in the description for you. Thanks again for your kind words and support. Hope you can make it here soon. Warmest best wishes, David

[@bergkamp10able]

David Wheater. Myself and a group of friends have travelled up to the capital for many years, always taking in a Hibs, game. Despite none of us having any Scottish blood, one of the guys even joined the London Hibs Supporters Club. The group slowly diminished over the years and my dear friend, Dean, who was the guy that joined the LHSC, sadly lost his life to pancreatic cancer. I have however kept the tradition going on my own and now visit once or twice a year. When I came up with the guys, weekends were a glorified drink up, as you can imagine but since then my visits have become more and more cultural, I’ve even managed to get my lady to come too. I have fallen in love with the city, I call the best in the world

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

@@bergkamp10able Hi Gary, I'm really sorry to hear about your friend. Your visits sounded like a lot of fun and it's really lovely that you carry on the tradition. I'm really pleased you like Edinburgh. I am very biased having grown up here, but it is a fabulous city and the access to the countryside and beyond is amazing. I consider myself incredibly lucky and the older I get the more I fall in love and really appreciate the country of my birth. When you visit again, please get in touch and I'd be very happy to show you some of my favourite places around the city that are often missed. Best wishes, David :-)

[@bergkamp10able]

David Wheater. Thank you, that’s very kind

[@johnbowyer6902]

It is beautiful indeed. Now if the civil engineers can extend the Edinbough Tram system to also cross the old road bridge, giving another method to travel from the city to Queensferry South. This could alleviate traffic concerns. The trams too are beautiful to lol at.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks John, greatly appreciate you commenting. We definitely need to improve our public transport system and your trams idea sounds a good one. Best wishes, David

[@shionadalgarno6430]

Pity all based on the high street. Much more to see 🤷‍♀️

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Shiona. You must have missed my other videos. If you've got time, perhaps you could make your own video of the parts you'd like to show. All the best, David :-)