Summer in Edinburgh: 5 waterfront attractions you shouldn’t miss

When you think of Edinburgh, the first things that spring to mind are the imposing castle, the winding Royal Mile and the misty Highlands in the distance. Yet the Scottish capital has a side that surprises many visitors: the water. The Firth of Forth, a wide inlet of the North Atlantic, lies just a few kilometres from the city centre, and with it come sandy beaches, harbour villages, underwater worlds and a royal ship. Anyone visiting Edinburgh in summer who wants to make the most of the long Scottish summer evenings should definitely plan a trip to the water’s edge. We’ll show you the five best destinations.

Portobello & Portobello Beach – Edinburgh’s beach gem

Just around five kilometres east of the city centre lies Portobello, Edinburgh’s charming seaside resort on the Firth of Forth. The wide sandy beach stretches for several kilometres along the coast and attracts locals and visitors alike on warm summer days. The promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, and the colourful cafés and small restaurants right on the beach serve fresh fish and chips or homemade ice cream.

Portobello was a popular seaside resort for the people of Edinburgh in the 19th century, and this Victorian charm is still evident today: The colourful house fronts, the mini-golf course and the laid-back atmosphere make it a place where time seems to pass a little more slowly.

How to get there: Take bus number 26 or 45 from the city centre; the journey takes about 20 minutes. In summer, it is also possible to cycle along the coastal path.

Musselburgh & Musselburgh Beach – A historic coastal town with sea views

A little further east, around ten kilometres from Edinburgh, lies Musselburgh – one of Scotland’s oldest towns. The name derives from mussels, which have been harvested here for centuries, and even today the town is renowned for its fresh seafood.

Musselburgh Beach stretches along the Firth of Forth and offers sweeping views of the bridges and the water. In season, the beach is bustling with kitesurfers and walkers, whilst birdwatchers can spot grey herons, oystercatchers and, if they’re lucky, even seals in the nearby nature reserves. The historic old town, with its medieval Tolbooth and the old bridge over the Esk, makes Musselburgh the perfect day-trip destination for anyone looking to combine the coast with culture.

How to get there: Take Lothian Buses route 30 or 44 from Edinburgh – journey time approx. 30 minutes. Alternatively, take the train from Waverley Station to Musselburgh (approx. 10 minutes).

The Royal Yacht Britannia – Royal heritage in the Port of Leith

If you’d rather experience the water from aboard a legendary ship, the Port of Leith is the place for you. There you’ll find the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former state yacht of the British Royal Family, which covered over a million nautical miles between 1953 and 1997 and served 135 official state visits.

Today, you can explore the ship at your own pace – from the royal bedrooms to the dining room and the engine rooms. Audio guides take you through more than 200 rooms, recounting the royal voyages, state banquets and the daily lives of the crew of over 200. The Sun Lounge Deck, with its view of the harbour, is a special spot in summer.

Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through the lively Leith district, which has developed into one of Edinburgh’s coolest areas in recent years.

How to get there: Take the tram to Ocean Terminal, about 25 minutes from the city centre. Check opening times and tickets online in advance.

Deep Sea World – Scotland’s underwater world in North Queensferry

Beneath the impressive Forth Rail Bridge, one of the world’s most iconic bridges, lies one of the UK’s most exciting aquariums: Deep Sea World in North Queensferry. The aquarium is home to sand tiger sharks, stingrays, moray eels and thousands of other marine creatures.

The highlight is the 112-metre-long underwater tunnel, through which you walk on a moving walkway – whilst sharks and rays glide leisurely overhead. For the brave, there are even diving experiences right in the shark tank. A visit isn’t just fun for children; it’s an impressive encounter with the deep sea for all ages.

The surrounding area is also well worth a visit: North Queensferry lies right on the banks of the Firth of Forth and offers spectacular views of the three Forth bridges, of which the Railway Bridge has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.

How to get there: Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Queensferry – the journey takes about 20 minutes. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the station to the aquarium.

Cramond Island – Adventure on Edinburgh’s Tidal Path

Few people know that Edinburgh has its own island that can be reached on foot – at least when the tide allows. Cramond Island lies in the Firth of Forth and is accessible via a cobbled causeway about one kilometre long. At low tide, you can walk across without getting your feet wet; at high tide, the island is cut off from the mainland by the sea.

The uninhabited island itself is a little adventure: abandoned Second World War bunkers, unspoilt nature and a magnificent view of the coastline make it an unforgettable destination. The village of Cramond on the mainland is also well worth a visit – with its small harbour, the historic Cramond Inn and a lovely coastal walk along the Almond estuary.

Important: Be sure to check the tide timetable before crossing – there’s nowhere on the island itself to wait for the tide to come in! Signs on the causeway provide information on safe crossing times.

How to get there: Take bus route 41 from the city centre to Cramond, approx. 35 minutes.

Your base for all your excursions: the a&o Hostel Edinburgh City

If you’re planning to take part in one of the many water-based excursions around Edinburgh, you’ll need central and affordable accommodation as a base – and that’s exactly what the a&o Hostel Edinburgh City offers. The hostel is situated right on the Royal Mile, just a few metres from the historic city centre, making it the ideal starting point for all the destinations featured here. Buses, trams and Waverley Station are just a few minutes’ walk away.

The hostel offers single and double rooms as well as affordable shared dorms, all with free Wi-Fi. On-site facilities include a guest kitchen, a bar, pool tables and a 24-hour snack bar. For those staying longer, there are even washing machines – perfect for backpackers and anyone travelling on a flexible schedule. Thanks to the a&o Best Price Guarantee, you can enjoy your Edinburgh adventure even on a tight budget.

Edinburgh in summer – more than just a castle and whisky

In summer, Edinburgh surprises visitors with a real variety of coastal attractions: sandy beaches, historic harbour towns, royal cruises, sharks below sea level and a mysterious tidal island – all less than an hour from the city centre. With the a&o Hostel in Edinburgh as your affordable and central base, you can enjoy the city and its surroundings to the full. Pack your sun cream and discover Edinburgh’s blue side!

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Edinburgh!