“The Ferry” is a town which sits to the west of Scotland’s Capital City, Edinburgh. This post explores our favourite things to do in South Queensferry.
Tourists that visit South Queensferry can enjoy a walk through the town and admire views of the Forth Bridges that cross over to the Kingdom of Fife.
South Queensferry offers a relaxing break for those visiting this part of Scotland. There are many great hotels, cafés and restaurants scattered around the town centre.
Things to do in South Queensferry
South Queensferry is a destination for daredevils.
This Scottish town has two sides with shark diving and 361ft viewpoints being just a couple of things to do in South Queensferry.
There are many other (more relaxing) tourist spots here – Get to know this vibrant Scottish town in our list of Things to do in South Queensferry below.
The Forth Bridge
The world-famous Forth Bridge was completed over 125 years ago and it is the most iconic tourist attraction in the area.
The Bridge has become one of Scotland’s most photographed features.
This spectacular site is recognised by UNESCO and thousands of tourists flock to the sites around it to take in the views. This is a must on the list of things to do in South Queensferry.
The Forth Road Bridge is also nearby, it opened in 1964.
Visitors to the town can learn more about the village and its beautiful bridges at the South Queensferry Museum.
Your View
If you are lucky enough to be visiting South Queensferry while the town is hosting “Your View” experiences – then you must add it to your list.
This incredible experience which is organised by Barnardo’s gives visitors the chance to see an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline – from a viewing platform which is raised 361 feet in the air.
Tickets to these events are often limited.
Viewings are held throughout the day and visitors can choose between three different ticket packages: Classic, Sunrise or Sunset, and Ultimate.
Boat trips
There is no better place to take a boat tour than in this part of Scotland.
South Queensferry is well known for its nautical past as it was once the main point to board ferries over to Fife.
There is still a port today in this town with many boats heading out to the islands of the Forth.
During a tour, you will travel under the famous Forth Bridge and spot local wildlife and learn more about the history of the islands in the East of Scotland.
Some tours also land on Inchcolm, which is home a 12th century abbey and remnants of Second World War defences.
Queensferry Museum
If you are looking for a free and fun activity in South Queensferry, check out the town’s Museum.
This popular tourist venue showcases some of the great traditions of historic South Queensferry and Dalmeny. After an education experience, from here you will also get first-class views out onto the Firth of Forth and the Forth Bridge.
Stately homes in South Queensferry
Most famous is Dalmeny House and Hopetoun House. These are two fine stately homes located on the outskirts of South Queensferry.
Many visitors to the town choose to visit these attractions as they boast stunning grounds, classic architecture and historic artefacts.
Hopetoun is situated near Edinburgh.
This 6,500-acre estate provides a unique day for visitors that want to take part in traditional Scottish outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting.
Not to be missed, you will find Estate reared beef, lamb and poultry and wild game sold at the Hopetoun Farm Shop located on the Estate.
Next up is the fabulous setting of Dalmeny House which has been home to the Earls of Rosebery since 1662.
The estates here are picture-perfect with beautiful landscapes and breathtaking backdrops.
Views from this tourist attraction near South Queensferry include the shores of West Lothian and the upland moors of Leithenwater in the Scottish Borders.
Sharkdive
Take the plunge with this once in a lifetime experience.
At Deep Sea World in North Queensferry, you can get wet and wild during scuba session and swim with one of the world’s most mysterious and creatures – the shark.
During this extraordinary experience, you will not only get up close and personal to sharks but also stingrays and shoals of beautiful fish.
Visitors that want to partake in the shark dive at Deep Seaworld must be over the age of 16.
Once you arrive you will receive a full briefing from an expert instructor. This instructor specialises in diving with this kind of species.
Don’t be afraid as the instructors accompany divers at all times. Instructors guide you along the way during your underwater safari.
The highlight for many divers is coming face to fin with 10ft sand tiger sharks.
Deep Sea World in North Queensferry is open every day (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) and it is an excellent day out for those visiting this part of Scotland.
John Muir Way
You better get your hiking boots ready if you are going to attempt the John Muir Way!
Planning coastal walks during your visiting South Queensferry? Embrace the Scottish outdoors by joining this iconic Scottish walk.
John Muir was a fundamental player in American conservation movement and is known ‘the father of national parks’.
The route which starts at Helensburgh and ends at Dunbar (John Muir’s birthplace) is134 miles long.
Edinburgh
South Queensferry is only over 8miles away from Edinburgh.
The Scottish capital is a must-see city. This should be on your Hitlist if you are visiting the town and it’s surrounding areas.
There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh. Edinburgh hosts the world’s biggest art and comedy festival, The Fringe.
There is also a hike up Arthur’s Seat. Here you can take in the views of this unique and unspoilt cityscape.
Visitors to Edinburgh must do the pilgrimage to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, for a day (or night) of traditional Scottish site seeing.
More things to do in Edinburgh & The Lothians
- Things to do in Bathgate
- Things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Haddington
- Things to do in Linlithgow
- Things to do in Livingston
- Things to do in North Berwick
