Queensferry brings together the Forth Bridge, local history, a longer bridge trail and activities on the water. For your planning, it helps to choose a clear focus: you can explore the railway structure and the town’s history, or include routes and activities around South and North Queensferry.
The Forth Bridge: a structure with a long history
The 2.5-kilometre-long Forth Bridge is a painted steel truss cantilever bridge for railway traffic. It crosses the Firth of Forth and connects the counties of Edinburgh and Fife. It opened on 4 March 1890 and has been in continuous operation ever since. The bridge is considered one of the most ambitious engineering achievements of the 19th century and Scotland’s most distinctive industrial monument. Its design, function and long history of operation give your visit a specific technical and historical focus.
Local history and community art
The Queensferry Museum presents the history and traditions of historic Queensferry. It offers views of the bridges and telescopes for observing local wildlife. The Briggers Memorial commemorates the men and boys who died during the construction of the Forth Bridge.
Community art is another part of local discovery: Guardian of the Bridges is a public art installation based on designs and mosaics by pupils from Queensferry. Hawthorn Bank Walled Garden is a community garden. One of its distinctive features is a 13-metre-long sea-glass mosaic depicting the front view of South Queensferry. The museum, memorial, art installation and garden each offer a different focus—from local history and remembrance to community creativity.
On foot, by train or along the trail
Dalmeny railway station is on the East Coast Main Line. From there, steps and paths through the landscape lead to Hawes Promenade in about a 15-minute walk. This walking time is an estimate; when planning, take the steps and paths into account if their condition is important to you.
Another option for planning is the Forth Bridges Trail: it is about five miles long and runs through South Queensferry and North Queensferry. Along the trail, you can cross the bridges on foot, by bike or by train. This makes it possible to plan the walk from the station to Hawes Promenade separately from the longer trail route.
Water, mudflats and local traditions
Hawes Pier is directly below the Forth Rail Bridge. Regular boat trips depart from there and from nearby Port Edgar Marina. Port Edgar is also a lively hub for water sports, offering taster sessions and guided outings, including stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, keelboat sailing, canoeing and sea kayaking.
The mudflats reveal another side of Port Edgar: they are part of the Firth of Forth SSSI and provide a habitat for wading birds. Nature enthusiasts will find a different focus here from the marina’s water sports activities.
For a visit at a particular time of year, Ferry Fair Week is a special occasion: it takes place every August in South Queensferry. This tradition includes the Burryman, a man from the local community decorated with burrs, who walks through the village.
Discover more destinations: Newbridge, Leith, Ratho, Currie.
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