Things to see in South Queensferry
South Queensferry lies northwest of Edinburgh and is a convenient base for visiting the World Heritage-listed Forth Bridge. Boat tours around the Forth Bridge and Inchcolm Island are popular.
This is a view of the harbour town on the Firth of Forth. A walk through the town combines waterfront scenery with historic streetscapes.
The structure of the Forth Bridge and how it looks from the site are introduced in detail in the article below.
The nearest station to South Queensferry is Dalmeny Station.
The walking route from Dalmeny Station to the center of South Queensferry is similar to an easy hiking trail.
Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge is a railway bridge listed as a World Heritage Site. From the waterfront in South Queensferry, you can look up at the enormous bridge and its continuous red steel structure from below. A unique highlight of the town is being able to see a train crossing the bridge and the townscape within the same view.
The red bridge stands out vividly against the blue sky and sea. As you change your viewing position, the overlap of the bridge piers and the perceived distance from the water also change, allowing you to compare different views while walking along the waterfront around Hawes Pier.
South Queensferry Tolbooth
The Tolbooth is a distinctly Scottish building that served as a council chamber, courthouse and prison. It offers a glimpse into South Queensferry's history beyond the waterfront Forth Bridge.
South Queensferry is not only a base for visiting the Forth Bridge but also a pleasant town to explore on foot. The route from the High Street to the waterfront winds past buildings and lanes, allowing you to walk between spots with distant views of the bridge and places where you can take in the town’s finer details.
Essential information about South Queensferry
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Find information about attractions, places to eat, and activities in and around South Queensferry.
South QueensferryHead to South Queensferry for the very best views of the River Forth.edinburgh.org - 📍 Location
- South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
- 🕒 Opening hours
- There are no standard opening hours for exploring the town. Check the opening hours of individual shops and attractions and the operating times of boat tours.
- 💶 Admission
- Walking around the town and enjoying the waterfront views are free. Attractions and boat tours charge separate fees.
- ⏱️ Suggested duration
- Allow around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours to enjoy views of the Forth Bridge and walk around the High Street area. ⚠️ If you add a boat tour to Inchcolm Island, allow about half a day, including sailing and check-in time.
Getting to South Queensferry
The train journey from Edinburgh Waverley station to Dalmeny station takes approximately 20 minutes.
From Dalmeny Station, walk downhill for about 10 minutes to Hawes Pier, the boarding point for Maid of the Forth.
Train and bus
Lothian Country route 43 serves South Queensferry. Boarding-point information varies, so check the operator’s timetable for the correct stop on the day of departure.
By car
Maid of the Forth lists free parking by the sea and free on-street parking spaces on Hawes Brae. In good weather and on weekends and public holidays, it is reassuring to arrive with extra time to find a parking space.
Things to see in South Queensferry
Emergency vehicles
The H M Coastguard Mitsubishi L200 V is the 5 generation of the Mitsubishi L200.
"H M Coastguard" stands for "His/Her Majesty's Coastguard", the United Kingdom's coastguard service.
The H M Coastguard Ford Transit Connect II is the 2th generation of the Ford Transit Connect.
The British Coastguard is marked with a yellow-and-navy checkerboard pattern. Some vehicles, such as this one, have their bodywork finished in matching navy.
The Police Scotland Vauxhall IV is a vehicle used by Police Scotland. It is the 6th generation of the Vauxhall Astra.
"SEMPER VIGILO" is Latin for “Always vigilant” and is the motto of Police Scotland.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Edinburgh: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transport and Suggested Itineraries”.
