Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
Cramond
Cramond village makes for a great day out from Edinburgh, during your stay with us at Parliament House Hotel. This coastal suburb in the north-west of Edinburgh is easy to reach from the city centre, taking around 30 minutes by bus. There is plenty to do while visiting. Stroll along the promenade, watch the boats in the harbour and enjoy the local shops and attractions. When the tide is out, you can even walk over the beach causeway to Cramond Island, a small island in the Firth of Forth. However, it’s important to allow enough time to get back, before the tides come in again. See tide times.
Walking to Cramond Island
One of Cramond’s main attractions is its tidal island, located just across the Firth of Forth. When the tide goes out, a walkway to the island is uncovered and it is possible to get across in about 15 minutes. Here, you can take a walk around the island. There are some interesting old military relics from World War Two, and great views out over the water. The area is also a sanctuary for wildlife.
The tide can come in quite quickly, so don’t get stranded on the island! Make sure you know the tide times before you go and allow enough time to get back. There is a notice board by the causeway, you can also check the tide times online. Or text CRAMOND to 81400 to receive the safe crossing times sent to you from the RNLI.
‘We spent a relaxing and chilled afternoon at Cramond in this beautiful location. It was so easy to get to, just a short bus ride from Princes Street and a welcome respite from the busyness of the town.’
– Cramond Village Tripadvisor Review
Visiting Cramond village
The village has shops, cafes and historic attractions, such as Cramond Roman Fort and Tower. There’s lots of interesting architecture, from the 18th-century village houses and school house to the Kirk and Kirkyard. The Maltings is an education and exhibition centre, which runs guided walks of the village and surrounding area. The nearby Lauriston Castle, a 16th-century tower house with extensive grounds, is also a great place to explore.
There is a regular bus service from Edinburgh city centre to Cramond village. The bus journey takes around 30 minutes. Please check the Lothian Buses website for the latest timetables.
If you’re looking for more places to visit during your stay in Edinburgh, take a look at our Edinburgh Guide for all the best attractions, festivals and things to see and do.
