Located where the Water of Leith meets the Firth of Forth, Leith is a buzzing port area north of Edinburgh’s city centre. Its main street is lined with globally-inspired eateries and independent stores, while the port is home to historic vessels that include a former royal yacht.
Things to do in Leith
You can stretch your legs on the Water of Leith Walkway, which connects Balerno to the Firth of Forth. Accessible to both walkers and cyclists, it takes in a variety of attractions that include the Royal Botanic Garden, Murrayfield Station and the Union Canal, as well as an Urban Wildlife Site, which is renowned for its birdwatching. At the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, you can learn about the area’s industrial past and the steps being taken to preserve it today.
Moored at Leith’s Ocean Terminal is the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the British monarchy from 1954 to 1997. You can step aboard to explore the luxurious state apartments and see the Land Rover stored in the on-board garage. Be sure to visit the opulent dining room where the Queen hosted presidents and prime ministers around the globe.
One of Leith’s most popular recreational areas is the Leith Links, a grassy open space located on the former site of a golf course. It’s home to children’s playgrounds, soccer pitches and bowling greens, as well as courts dedicated to tennis and petanque. Nearby are the 18 holes of the Craigentinny Golf Course, which offer magnificent views toward Arthur’s Seat.
Getting around Leith
Leith is around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Edinburgh and 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Both buses and trams connect to Leith while the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.