South Queensferry may be small, but it has played an important role throughout Scottish history. This picturesque waterfront town gets its name from Queen Margaret, who, in the 11th century, established a ferry crossing here to help pilgrims and travellers reach St Andrews. Over time, South Queensferry grew into a key port and transport hub. Thanks to its rich history, there are a lot of things to see and do here during a day trip.
South Queensferry is located only 10 miles from the capital, making it one of the best day trips from Edinburgh. There are also some beautiful hotels in South Queensferry and the surrounding area. Whether you want to take a boat ride on the Firth of Forth, explore historic landmarks, or enjoy the stunning views of the bridges, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Its location makes it easy to visit from Edinburgh, and other nearby destinations such as Dunfermline, Dundee, and St Andrews. The town is sometimes overlooked by visitors, but South Queensferry definitely makes an excellent addition to any Scottish itinerary.
Best things to do in South Queensferry
South Queensferry Harbour
Your first stop during a day trip to South Queensferry should be the harbour area. This is the historic heart of the town centre, and for centuries it’s served as the key transport link across the Firth of Forth. South Queensferry Harbour today remains a beautiful spot to take photos, both of the pier and of the bridges in the distance. If you want one of the best angles of the Forth Bridge, this is the place to go.
Take some time to stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere here before moving on to other parts of the town.
Walk down Harbour Lane
Tucked away next to the harbourfront is Harbour Lane – one of the most photogenic streets in South Queensferry. This narrow cobblestone passage connects the harbour with the historic High Street, and it’s lined with lovely stone buildings as well as a popular souvenir shop selling locally made products (Harbour Lane Studio). The lane is very short, so you can easily add it to your list of things to see in South Queensferry.
The Ferry Tap
One of the most iconic pubs in South Queensferry is The Ferry Tap. The building dates back to the 17th century, and its exterior is definitely eye-catching. It’s well known for its welcoming atmosphere and as a gathering place for visitors and locals wanting authentic Scottish hospitality. Even if you’re not planning to eat here, it’s worth stopping outside the pub to take a photo. You can even grab a quick drink if you want, before exploring the rest of South Queensferry.
Queensferry Museum
An often overlooked attraction in South Queensferry, despite being located along the main street, is the Queensferry Museum. It’s not a big museum, but it contains a lot of interesting information about the town, covering everything from medieval ferry crossings to the construction of the Forth Bridges.
In the exhibits, you can look at a mixture of artifacts, historic photographs, and even interactive displays that help bring the past to life. This is a great museum to add to your itinerary if you want to gain a better understanding of how significant a role in Scottish history South Queensferry has played over the past centuries. Admission is free, too, so it won’t cut into your budget.
Admire the views of the Forth Bridge
What many people visit South Queensferry for is the views of the Forth Bridge. The bridge opened in 1890, and at the time, it was one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Victorian era. Its unique design has made it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Scotland and earned it UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2015. There are many locations you can see the bridge from, but some of the best views can be found along the harbourfront.
It’s very common for the waterfront to be busy with photographers around sunset, when the lighting is perfect for pictures. One of my favourite viewpoints in South Queensferry is located along High Street, under the name “Bridge and a bench” on Google Maps. If you’re planning to take the train into Fife, you’ll cross over the Forth Bridge and be able to see its design up close.
Go shopping on High Street
If you’re looking to support local businesses and browse independent shops and galleries, High Street will really impress you. This historic street has still retained much of its traditional character, with many businesses taking up shop in historic buildings. You can find everything from handmade crafts to Scottish souvenirs and local produce on High Street – not to mention an abundance of cafes and restaurants. You won’t find major brands here, but you will discover unique local products and maybe go home with a few souvenirs from your time in Scotland.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything on High Street, it doesn’t hurt to look around. You’ll need to walk along High Street to get to most of the main attractions in South Queensferry anyway. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the Black Castle, which is the oldest dwelling house in town, built in 1626.
Hop on the Maid of the Forth
One of the best things to do in South Queensferry is to take a sightseeing cruise aboard the Maid of the Forth. Cruises depart from Hawes Pier, offering visitors the chance to experience the Firth of Forth from a unique perspective while learning about the history of the town, the bridges, and the surrounding area. Along the way, you may even spot some seals or other wildlife.
There are a few cruise options available, ranging from 90-minute tours of the bridges to 3-hour tours that include access to the iconic Inchcolm Island. I opted for the longer cruise, and it was by far my favourite experience in South Queensferry. Maid of the Forth is a family-run business, too, so you’ll be supporting locals, which is always a bonus.
Find The Guardian of the Bridges
While I was walking to buy a ticket for the Maid of the Forth, I noticed an interesting mosaic sculpture along the side of the road. It’s called The Guardian of the Bridges and was created by a local artist with the help of over 700 schoolchildren. The sea serpent serves as a symbol of the heritage of the town, and it has become a popular photo spot since it was unveiled. It’s now lovingly referred to as the “Loch Ness Monster of Queensferry”.
Walk across the Forth Road Bridge
Did you know you can walk across the Forth Road Bridge? Since vehicle traffic mostly uses the new Queensferry Crossing, cyclists and pedestrians have it almost all to themselves. I took the bus from Dunfermline to North Queensferry, and walked across to South Queensferry from there. It took me around 45 minutes, including several stops for photos. It’s an unbelievable experience in Scotland, and you won’t find views like it anywhere else.
The Forth Road Bridge officially opened in 1964, and it was once the longest suspension bridge outside of the United States. It’s still as iconic as ever, so it’s definitely worth walking along if you have some spare time during your day trip to South Queensferry.
Visit North Queensferry
If you see signs pointing to Queensferry, this is what locals call South Queensferry, but don’t confuse it with North Queensferry, which is on the other side of the water. This is another charming village that historically served as the northern terminal for the ferry route established by Queen Margaret. The village has retained much of its traditional charm, with plenty of beautiful stone cottages, narrow streets, and stunning waterfront views to admire.
While North Queensferry is very often overlooked by visitors, it offers some of the best views of the Forth Bridge. If you plan to walk across the bridge from South Queensferry, you’ll probably be able to squeeze in a short stop in North Queensferry, too.
Take a boat over to Inchcolm Island
Without a doubt, my favourite thing to do in South Queensferry is taking a ferry over to Inchcolm Island. The island is located in the middle of the Firth of Forth and is often referred to as the “Iona of the East”. The island has been an important religious site since the 12th century, and it’s home to Inchcolm Abbey, which is one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval abbeys. Visitors can also explore military fortifications from WWI and WWII, so there’s a lot of history to discover.
If you’re visiting in the springtime, watch out for the seagulls because they use the island for breeding and can be very aggressive if you go too close to their nests. I purchased a ferry ticket with the Maid of the Forth for their 3-hour sightseeing tour, which costs £29.50. This includes a 90-minute sightseeing cruise with commentary, where you pass under all three bridges, and 90 minutes to spend on Inchcolm Island, which is run by Historic Environment Scotland.
Visiting Inchcolm Island is one of the most unique things to do near Edinburgh, and is a great addition to any day trip to South Queensferry.
Visit nearby Outlander filming locations
If you’re a fan of Outlander, you’ll find both Edinburgh and South Queensferry perfectly positioned for exploring some fantastic Outlander filming locations. I’d recommend having a car to do this or joining a tour, as many of the sites aren’t easily accessible by public transportation. Midhope Castle is situated very close to South Queensferry, which served as Jamie Fraser’s home, Lallybroch. Blackness Castle is also located nearby, and was used to film Fort William scenes, and Hopetoun House was heavily used for several scenes in the earlier seasons.
Entry fees for each of these attractions vary, and I’d recommend researching their opening times in advance. If you only have time to visit one filming location, Midhope Castle is very interesting to see in person, though the building is a ruin, so access to the interior is prohibited.
Where to eat in South Queensferry
Dune Bakery
One of the most viral bakeries in Scotland is located in the heart of South Queensferry. Dune Bakery is a popular spot at any time of the day. Known for its freshly baked treats, this modern artisan bakery has earned quite a big following in recent years. You can find everything from cinnamon buns to unique handcrafted croissants, sourdough bread, and seasonal pastries on display.
This is also a great specialty coffee spot in South Queensferry. There are a few tables you can stand at inside, but I’d recommend using one of the tables outside or a nearby bench so you can take in the waterfront views.
The Railbridge Bar and Bistro
There are some great restaurants in South Queensferry to choose from, most of which are locally run. If you’re getting off the ferry at Hawes Pier, and are feeling a bit hungry, like I was, The Railbridge Bar and Bistro is a good option. The menu focuses on classic Scottish cuisine, and they use locally sourced ingredients, too. I opted for their soup of the day, which was cream of mushroom, but they have plenty of dishes available, like fish and chips, burgers, and pub favourites. The view overlooking the waterfront and the Forth Bridge is beautiful as well.
Is South Queensferry worth visiting?
Despite its small size, spending a day in South Queensferry is something I’d highly recommend. It offers the perfect combination of unique attractions, incredible views, and history, making it one of the best day trips from Edinburgh, and in Scotland as a whole. There’s plenty to see and do in South Queensferry, from scenic sightseeing cruises to cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. Whether you’re interested in photography, wildlife, or history, South Queensferry is definitely worth visiting and is sure to make a big impression on you.
If you have any questions about spending a day in South Queensferry, which cruise to go on, or where to eat, please get in touch. You can reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll find lots of helpful travel tips and inspiration for your next trips.
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