Portobello Beach
Just east of Edinburgh lies the picturesque seaside town of Portobello. A charming coastal suburb with two miles of sandy beach and a Victorian promenade. On a sunny day, this is a popular place to visit near the city. Easy to reach from the city centre by bus, in under half-an-hour. Enjoy refreshments in the cafes and bars on the promenade, sunbathe on the golden sands, and visit nearby attractions such as Portobello Swim Centre and Figgate Park. Portobello makes for a great day trip, during your stay with us at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh.
A day at the beach
When the weather allows, a day at Portobello Beach means sunbathing on the sands, playing arcade games at the amusements and cooling off with an ice cream in a local café. In fact, legend has it that the “99” ice-cream with a flake, now a British classic, was invented in a café at 99 Portobello High Street!
Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club and Edinburgh Beach Volleyball Club are both based here and there are regular events held on the beach throughout the year, such as sporting competitions and the Big Beach Busk.
“Sat on one of the many benches to eat our fish and chips. Watched beach volleyball, evening swimmers, paddle boarders & folks with beach BBQ’s and little bonfires. What a great way to spend an evening”
– Portobello Beach Tripadvisor Review
Things to do in Portobello
When you’re not playing or relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy around Portobello. The High Street is close by, with a mix of shops selling books, gifts, antiques and more. Portobello Swim Centre is an elegant Victorian swimming pool on the sea front, with its own relaxing Turkish baths. A lovely public park, Figgate Park, is nearby with space to walk and explore the local wildlife. And there is a local farmer’s market on the first Saturday of every month.
Portobello is a delightful seaside town with Victorian architecture, wonderful views out to the Firth of Forth, and a fabulous wide sandy beach. Great for a visit from Edinburgh, especially on a warm, sunny day. Find out how to get there.
