ACTIVITIES – Outside Edinburgh

BOAT TRIP AND GUIDED TOUR DEPARTING FROM EDINBURGH

OutsideEdinburgh is a project dedicated to discovering the treasures hidden in the surroundings of the city of Edinburgh.

On this occasion, we offer you the opportunity to explore the northern coast of the city on a fascinating boat trip. The activity begins in Edinburgh, near Waverley station.

There, accompanied by one of our professional guides, we will embark on an 11-minute journey to South Queensferry using the most eco-friendly mean of transport: the train.

ONCE IN THE VILLAGE…

Upon arriving in the village, our guide will provide a brief introduction to its history and grant you a few minutes to explore its charms on your own. South Queensferry is a small coastal village from which the Forth Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015) connects it to the historic County of Fife. Its streets welcome visitors with picturesque and colorful architecture, immortalized by Robert Louis Stevenson in the novel “Kidnapped.”
The quaint fisherman’s cottages blend with significant historical buildings that overlook the fjord washing the shores of this village with fewer than 1000 inhabitants.

Next, we’ll enjoy a leisurely walk to the harbor, where we’ll board the Maid of the Forth. Onboard, you’ll have all the amenities, including a bar service, heated indoor areas, and restrooms. The cruise will be accompanied by our guides’ explanations, ensuring you don’t miss any details of what we can see from the deck, as well as the history of the three magnificent bridges spanning the Firth of Forth.

We will have the opportunity to observe resident gray seal colonies from the boat, and depending on the season, we may see puffins, cormorants, and even dolphins or whales. Afterward, we will proceed to disembark on Inchclom Island. An island knonw for its impressive medieval Abbey, founded in the 12th century, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Scotland.

During our visit to the island, our guides will accompany us inside Inchcolm Abbey, where we’ll delve into its thrilling medieval history.

From the bell tower, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and explore the Hermit’s Cell—a refuge that once sheltered kings during shipwrecks.

There will be ample time for our companions to stroll around the island, discovering every nook and cranny, so you’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely walk and explore the island on your own. For the more prepared, it’s the perfect opportunity for a picnic.

Our stay on the island lasts an hour and a half, after which the boat will pick us up to return to the village.

Following our adventures, we’ll board the boat for the journey back to the mainland.

Feel free to ask our guides any lingering questions during the ride, and take advantage of the opportunity to explore the deck and capture any remaining photographs.

Upon returning to the village, you’ll have the option to stay in South Queensferry.

There, you can explore some of our recommended sights and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Alternatively, you can return to Edinburgh accompanied by our guide, where the activity will conclude.

If you choose to return with the guide to Edinburgh, we’ll make our way back to the capital and ascend to Dalmeny train station. After a short return journey to Edinburgh Waverley station, the activity will come to an end.

We look forward to having you join us!

WE ARE SORRY…

Although the ship’s deck is wheelchair accessible for vehicle entry, Inchcolm Island is not. Therefore, the activity is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.

GROUPS AND CELEBRATIONS

For groups larger than 30 people, please contact us through the appropriate form.

ENTRY TO INCHCOLM ISLAND

Both the Abbey and Inchcolm Island are managed by Historic Environment Scotland, an organization dedicated to sustaining and enhancing Scotland’s historic environment.

Entry to the Island and the Abbey are included in the price.

ENJOY WITH US THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE!

BOOK NOW