Due to essential maintenance the WEST Footpath/Cycleway is CLOSED except during weekends, please use the EAST Footpath/Cycleway.
Open to all permitted vehicles.
Access Restrictions
Cruise Visitors
Experience a Historic Scottish Community
Queensferry may be just over 15 minutes by train from the centre of Edinburgh but it feels like a typical east coast fishing village.
Spend a while here to ‘get under the skin’ of everyday life in a historic Scottish community. There’s plenty to see and do and you can easily explore on foot for a relaxed alternative to the shuttle bus.
Take a look at the itineraries below to make the most of your time in this charming wee town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you disembark, you'll be met by a team of CruiseForth welcome volunteers in purple jackets. They'll be happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction.
History
Queensferry is named after Queen (Saint) Margaret who, in the 11th century, established a ferry to carry pilgrims travelling to St Andrews and Dunfermline.
By the 17th century, the town was a flourishing port, trading in coal, wool and hides and importing wine, silk, linen and timber from Europe and Scandinavia. Many fine 17th century buildings survive. One of Queensferry’s oldest buildings, Black Castle, dates back to 1626. An imposing building on the High Street, the castle was associated with witch hunts of the time.
By the 18th century, trade had declined until, in 1883, the construction of the Forth Bridge bought renewed prosperity. The bridge workers, known as ‘The Briggers’ were well served by the town’s hostelries, and it is said that at the end of each shift, Hawes Inn would line up 200 pints on the bar. Featured in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped, Hawes Inn remains a popular watering hole.
A Bucket List Experience!
Take the train across the magnificent Forth Bridge.The first passenger train to cross the bridge was driven by Lady Tweedale in 1890. In later years, passengers would throw pennies out of the window to bring them good luck. Many Queensferry residents have fond childhood memories of collecting the pennies at low tide!
Trains run approximately every half hour from Dalmeny Station (a ten-minute walk from the arrival point at Hawes Pier) and the crossing takes around 5 minutes. Alight at North Queensferry to enjoy the beautifully restored Victorian Railway Station and heritage centre.
To return, simply catch the train back over the bridge or take the opportunity to walk across the Forth Road Bridge (1.5 miles) for spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and surrounding countryside.
This experience can be completed within half a day or incorporated into the Forth Bridges Trail for a full days visit.
1/2 Day
- Alight at Hawes Pier and follow the Forth Bridge Trail signs into the historical and colourful High Street. Look out for Black Castle, one of Queensferry's oldest buildings which was associated with the witch hunts of the 16th century.
- As you stroll around, look out for the trail signs which will give you lots of interesting information and folklore.
- Visit Queensferry Museum to see the Burry Man and look through the binoculars to enjoy the stunning panoramic views across the Firth of Forth.
- Grab a coffee and cake at one of the lovely artisan bakeries.
- Browse the independent shops; find antiques and curios in Seakist, beautiful clothes in Joyce Paton, locally made lampshades and gifts in Harbour Lane, mystical goods in Skulduggerry, and authentic Scottish tartan from Caledonia Scotia Kiltmakers.
- Head to Port Edgar Marina to wander around the harbour and do a spot of luxury shopping at Beacon Stores. Enjoy a spot of lunch overlooking the bridges at Scotts, or, if the weather's nice, dine alfresco at Outboard.
- Retrace your steps back to Hawes Pier, leaving time to pop in for a pint in Hawes Inn of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson fame.
1 DAY
- Alight at Hawes Pier and follow the Forth Bridge Trail signs to discover the Forth Bridges Trail - a 5 mile circular walk.
- Highlights of the trail include:
- The Queensferry Museum and the independent shops and cafes in the historic South Queensferry High St.
- Spotting seals, dolphins and puffins in the Firth of Forth.
- The Briggers Memorial - erected to commemorate the men and boys who died during the construction of the Forth Bridge.
- An epic train ride across the Forth Bridge.
- The beautifully restored North Queensferry Victorian Station and Heritage Centre.
- The world's smallest working light tower, built by Robert Stevenson.
- Refuel at:
- Brewhouse or Manna House Bakery on South Queensferry High Street for great coffee.
- Scotts or Outboard at Port Edgar Marina for lunch.
- Rankins in North Queensferry for tea and cakes.
- Arrive back at Hawes Pier in plenty of time to enjoy a well deserved pint in the historic Hawes Inn, made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped.
Lunch with a View!
The Best Tables in Town!
Great food, attentive service and breathtaking vistas.
Nestled at the foot of the bridges, these Queensferry restaurants offer the ultimate views of the Forth Bridges.
Whether you're looking for fine dining or simple fare, you'll want to linger over your meal to take in the dramatic waters, big skies and magnificent iconic structures.
You're guaranteed a warm welcome and a dining experience to remember!
Boat Trips
Forth Boat Tours and The Maid of the Forth operate from Hawes Pier or Port Edgar and offer a variety of cruises to suit all tastes.
Trips include sightseeing cruises, wildlife watching, and evening cruises with music. Both operators also offer trips to the beautiful Inchcolm Island with its well preserved monastic buildings.
Essential Information
Public toilets
- Queensferry High Street (includes accessible toilet)
- Dalmeny Station, South Queensferry (includes National Key toilet)
- Battery Road Carpark, North Queensferry (includes accessible toilet). There is a small fee.
- North Queensferry Station (donation appreciated)
Customer toilets
- Port Edgar Marina and other food and drink outlets.
Post office & cash machine
- Scotmid Coop in South Queensferry, 5 minutes walk from the High Street (55 The Loan, South Queensferry EH30 9SD).
Pharmacy
- Queensferry Pharmacy, 5 minutes walk from the High Street (Unit 33 The Loan, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD).
Accessibility
If the tide is out when you disembark, there will be a walk up an incline along Hawes Pier. If walking is challenging, Thirty Knots, The Hawes Inn and Railbridge Bistro are near to the end of a pier for rest and refreshment stop.
The route from Hawes Pier to South Queensferry High Street is fairly flat and takes about 10 minutes. It is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs but please be aware that the streets are cobbled and uneven in places.
Taxis
- Dalmeny Cars 0131 3000 767
- Ferry Cars 07866 570212
Explore Queensferry
Use our interactive map to discover local attractions, restaurants, accommodation, shopping, bridge viewpoints & more...Use the arrow to reveal the drop down list and select what to display.