The Royal Yacht Britannia (at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre) is one of Edinburgh’s main tourist attractions, but not so many people know that a twenty-minute walk west (a mere 7 minutes on the bus) will take you to the quaint and rather cute Newhaven Harbour.
James IV of Scotland created it in 1504 to build the warship ‘Michael’, and, in the 19th century, it was the start of the route to New York via Glasgow. Well known for its oysters (until 1890), and once involved in whaling, it was Scottish folk songs about the herring business such as Caller Herring which first brought it to my attention. Fishing boats, including one I see regularly unloading its crab cargo, still work out of here supplying a warehouse where the catch is processed and a retail fishmonger, Welchs, which has an astonishing array of fresh and frozen seafood and associated goods.
Try taking a walk around the area. It projects into the sea with footpaths, breezy seating, a housing development, a leisure centre (with an outside pool), and a pool of protected water where you can see swans most of the year round (and cygnets in the Spring). It takes about an hour. There are also many restaurant outlets here, a climbing wall in an old church opposite, and cafes for drinks and snacks nearby.
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
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"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'
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"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
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Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
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"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
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Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
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"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...
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"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!
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"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
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The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...
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"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...
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The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.
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