Queensferry, Scotland is a port of call for many cruise ships and gateway to historic Edinburgh, about 16 kms away. This charming port is home to the famous Forth Bridge, a Scottish landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

All cruise ships arriving in Queensferry use tenders to take you to shore. If you are planning to take a trip into Edinburgh, check out guides to top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland,Discover Edinburgh Castle, the most well-known historic site in Scotland, and top things to do in historic Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Top things to do in Queensferry

View Forth Bridge a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Forth Bridge is a famous Scottish landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railway bridge connects Scotland to the rest of the UK. It crosses the Firth of Forth, which opens out towards the North Sea. This bridge made it possible to travel by rail from London to Aberdeen. Construction started in 1883 and the bridge opened in 1890.  The distinctive cantilever design became one of the first major steel structures designed in Britain. In 2016, it was voted the greatest man-made wonder in Scotland. You can take the train across the bridge from Dalmeny station, which is located at the top of the hill above Queensferry.

Top things to do in Queensferry. Marvel at the engineering genius of the famous Forth Bridge. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Port of Call – Top things to do in Queensferry. Marvel at the engineering genius of the famous Forth Bridge. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Stop at Hawes Inn

Famous author Robert Louis Stevenson stayed at the 17th century Hawes Inn.  Stevenson wrote part of his novel “Kidnapped” at the Inn.

Discover tFamous author Robert Louis Stevenson stayed at the 17th century Hawes Inn at Queensferry, Scotland near medieval Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carrhings to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Famous author Robert Louis Stevenson stayed at the 17th century Hawes Inn at Queensferry, Scotland near medieval Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Explore 12th century Inchcolm Abbey

Visit Inchcolm Abbey. As you leave Queensferry by cruise ship, you can view the 12th century Inchcolm Abbey. It is one of the best examples in Scotland of a monastic building. It was built by David l in 1235. If you plan to visit the abbey, check for closures. There is a ferry service leaving from Hawes Pier to the Abbey if you would like to explore the area on your own or join a walking tour.

The 12th century Inchcolm Abbey built by David l in 1235 can be viewed as you cruise into port of call Queensferry, Scotland near historic Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

The 12th century Inchcolm Abbey built by David l in 1235 can be viewed as you cruise into port of call Queensferry, Scotland near historic Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Top things to do in Queensferry. South Queensferry. Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

View from South Queensferry. Discover things to do in medieval Edinburgh. Explore Old Town and New Town along with the many museums, monument, memorials and galleries of this historic city. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Visit Forth Road Bridge

View the Forth Road Bridge, the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world.

Take a Queensferry historic walking tour

Take a historic walking tour of Queensferry, which includes the Forth Road Bridge, the Forth Bridge, 17th century buildings and the 19th century harbour area.

Hop on a shuttle to Edinburgh

Take a shuttle into Edinburgh for the day. For a small round trip fee, a shuttle service from the South Queensferry port to Edinburgh is usually offered to cruise ship passengers.

 

Friendly, entertaining shuttle bus hosts on the South Queensferry to Edinburgh route. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Friendly, entertaining shuttle bus hosts on the South Queensferry to Edinburgh route.  Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Returning to the ship after a day of touring historic Edinburgh. Holland America cruise ships tenders for South Queensferry port of call. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Returning to the ship after a day of touring historic Edinburgh. Holland America cruise ships tenders for South Queensferry port of call. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Drummers perform at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Forth Bridge at Queensferry, Scotland near medieval Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Drummers perform at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Forth Bridge at Queensferry, Scotland near medieval Edinburgh. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Visit Edinburgh’s official tourism site and also Visit Scotland for more information on things to do and to book accommodations.

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