Edinburgh cruise port guide (Rosyth and South Queensferry)
Why go?
A forbidding castle, labyrinthine lanes, haunted passageways and underground streets, Edinburgh has been bewitching visitors for centuries. Cruise ship passengers will also enjoy the excellent museums and galleries, shopping opportunities and fine dining available, making this the highlight of any itinerary.
Cruise port location
Rosyth Port, located on the north bank of the Forth River has two berths for cruise ships and is 14 miles (24km) from the centre of Edinburgh. For South Queensferry, cruise ships dock in the River Forth and tenders take passengers to Hawes Pier, which is 8.6 miles (14km) from the centre of Edinburgh.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
No. A taxi or shuttle bus, often put on by the cruise operator, takes 40 minutes to reach Edinburgh city centre from Rosyth Port and shuttle buses from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry take 25 minutes. There are also public buses available from the pier to the centre.
Getting around
The majority of Edinburgh’s attractions can be reached on foot, once you're in the city, as the medieval centre is relatively compact. Buses frequently ply the streets and there is also an efficient tram service with 15 stops across town.
Getting there
Rosyth Port is a 30-minute taxi or bus journey from Edinburgh Airport, where onward connections can be made to national and international airports.
Inverkeithing is the nearest train station to Rosyth Port and the journey to Edinburgh Waverley Station takes 20 minutes. Passengers will need to take a taxi from the station to the cruise terminal which is 1.9 miles (3km) away. South Queensferry is a 25-minute taxi or bus journey from Edinburgh Airport and a 15-minute train journey from Dalmeny Station to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. Hawes Pier is a short walk from the platform.
Hotels
One of the most spellbinding hotels in the city is The Witchery by the Castle, with its sumptuous suites reminiscent of a gothic fantasy filled with ornate tapestries, claw-footed bath tubs, and velvet-draped four-poster beds.
The Royal Scots Club is a private club open to non-members and offers a good value-for-money stay with its central, yet peaceful, location and excellent service.
Families will love the Apex Grassmarket Hotel with its imaginative kids’ menus, rubber ducks, which come with each room, cots, bottle warmers and wallet-friendly deals, which see children aged 12 and under staying and eating for free with each paying adult.
Budget-conscious travellers will enjoy staying at B+B Edinburgh with its spotless rooms, tasty breakfasts and complimentary bike hire.
What to see and do
What can I do in four hours or less?
Head straight for Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock for commanding views of the city and a fascinating introduction to the history of the town. Then stroll through the well-kept Princes Street Gardens that nestle in the castle’s shadow before wandering down the bustling Royal Mile, where you can shop around for souvenirs or have a well-earned coffee. Finish your walk at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarchy in Scotland.
What can I do in eight hours or less?
For those tight on time, hop-on-hop-off tour buses can be a great way to see all the key sites in one journey before choosing one or two to explore in more detail.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed at Leith, a 15-minute bus ride from the centre. Families will enjoy this award-winning attraction’s audio tour of the royal apartments and bedrooms and Sun Lounge – the Queen’s favourite room.
Back in the city centre, art buffs can check out the city’s three National Galleries packed with old masters, portraits and more modern offerings.
Edinburgh also harbours a spooky secret; a warren of streets underneath the Royal Mile, frozen in time since the 17th century and allegedly haunted. Join one of the informative guided tours to learn more about this hidden history.
What can I do with a bit longer?
Spectacular countryside surrounds Edinburgh, so why not don your hiking boots and head to the Highlands with its heather-clad hills and glinting lochs, including the famous Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. You can also visit the intriguing Rosslyn Chapel with its extraordinary stone carvings.
Eat and drink
It’s possible to sample all the famous Scottish foods you’ve heard about such as haggis, smoked salmon and porridge in Edinburgh – and some you haven’t such as neeps and tatties (mashed swede and potatoes), Cullen Skink (a creamy, smoked fish soup) and Cranachan (oats soaked in whiskey layered with raspberries, whipped cream and honey). For an intense sugar rush, nibble on tablet, which is similar to a crumbly fudge or buttery shortbread and wash it down with a can of neon orange-coloured Irn Bru, often referred to as Scotland’s other national drink (aside from whiskey, of course).
Don’t leave Edinburgh without…
There are plenty of Scottish-themed souvenirs ready to be snapped up, including gorgeous cashmere, tweeds and knits and delicate glasses and decanters made from Edinburgh crystal. If you need any courage to bare your knees in a tartan kilt complete with sporran, then perhaps a wee dram of Scottish whiskey or sip of Edinburgh gin will help.
Need to know
Edinburgh is a safe city as long as the usual precautions are taken.
Best time to go
The cruise calendar runs from April to September. Edinburgh is at its busiest in the summer months and the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs throughout August, attracting large crowds. If you’re planning on spending time in the city before or after your cruise during this month, then make sure you book accommodation and tickets for shows well in advance.
Closures
Most museums and attractions are open daily.
Save money
The Edinburgh City Pass is available for one, two or three-day visits and offers free entry to various attractions and tours.
