South Queensferry
South Queensferry is a small town, around half an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. Easy to reach by car or bus from the city centre. This is where you’ll find the iconic Forth Bridges, which stretch across the Firth of Forth, over to Fife. A great place to visit for boat trips, where you can take in views of the bridges and see some of the magnificent local wildlife. There are also plenty of independent shops, places to eat and local attractions to enjoy.
The Forth Bridges
There are three bridges which stretch across the Firth of Forth estuary from South Queensferry in Edinburgh to North Queensferry in Fife. The iconic Forth Bridge is the original rail bridge, completed in 1890, which is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge was added in 1964 and this is currently used for buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Finally, the Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, for cars and other road traffic. These three bridges, laying side by side, represent three different centuries of engineering.
From South Queensferry you can view all three bridges, and you can walk across the Forth Road Bridge in the middle for amazing views. You can also take the 3 Bridges Sightseeing Tour by boat with Maid of the Forth, which cruises under all three bridges and explores the local history and wildlife.
‘Beautiful. The best bridge in the world. Like a lovely red Meccano structure. The shape of it is magnificent. South Queensferry is a lovely little place.’
– Forth Bridge Tripadvisor Review
Things to do in South Queensferry
In addition to the spectacular views of the Forth Bridges, there are plenty of other reasons to visit South Queensferry. Popular attractions include Maid of the Forth boat cruises, Queensferry Museum and the Ferry Brewery. There are also many historical sites in the area, such as Hopetoun House and Dalmeny House. The town centre has a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. There are picturesque cobbled streets and a beautiful harbour.
It’s easy to get to South Queensferry on a day trip from Edinburgh while staying with us at Parliament House Hotel. You can reach South Queensferry by car in around half an hour. There are also buses available from Princes Street, which take about 40 minutes. If you need any help with directions, please ask our friendly reception team during your stay.
