Is Leith worth visiting for foodies?

Absolutely. Leith is considered Edinburgh's culinary hub, featuring everything from Michelin-starred dining to historic pubs like Teuchters Landing and fresh seafood at the Shore.

Can I see the Royal Yacht Britannia for free?

You can view the exterior of the ship from the Ocean Terminal quay for free. However, boarding the vessel and exploring the state apartments requires an admission ticket.

What is the best time of day for a walking route in Leith?

The afternoon is ideal, as it allows you to enjoy the maritime atmosphere and finish your stroll at the Shore just as the evening buzz begins in the local bars and restaurants.

Is the Leith maritime walk accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the route is mostly flat. Some areas around the Shore have historic cobblestones, but there are usually paved paths or lowered curbs nearby to accommodate wheels.

How do I get to Leith from Edinburgh city centre?

The easiest way is to take the Edinburgh Tram (North Bridge to Newhaven line) and get off at 'Foot of the Walk' or 'Ocean Terminal'. Many buses also run frequently from Princes Street.

What is the significance of Leith Links?

Leith Links is historically significant as the site where the first official rules of golf were written in 1744. It was also a key military site during the 16th-century Siege of Leith.

Are there public toilets along the Leith walking route?

Public facilities are best found at the end of the route in Ocean Terminal. Along the way, you will find many customer toilets in the cafes and pubs at the Shore.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the rugged charm and sophisticated spirit of Leith, Edinburgh's historic port, through this self-guided walk. For centuries, Leith operated as a separate entity from the Royal Mile, serving as the gateway for goods, royals, and ideas entering Scotland. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant neighborhood where industrial-era warehouses sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants. This neighborhood stroll invites you to explore the layered history of the shoreline, from the grassy expanse where the first rules of golf were drafted to the permanent berth of the sovereign's floating palace. As you navigate the winding streets and the picturesque Water of Leith, you will encounter the architectural legacy of the maritime trade. Historic custom houses and merchant homes tell stories of wealth built on wine, wool, and timber. This walking route is designed for those who want to experience Edinburgh beyond the castle walls, offering a blend of seafaring grit and modern culinary excellence. Whether you are interested in the 16th-century arrival of Mary Queen of Scots or the modern regeneration of the docks, this audio walk provides a comprehensive look at the area's identity. You can start exploring with Zigway at your own pace, stopping to sample local seafood or a dram of whisky at one of the many historic pubs along the Shore. This experience is more than just a history lesson; it is an immersion into a community that has retained its fiercely independent character despite being formally incorporated into the city a century ago. From the legendary Leith Links to the prestigious Royal Yacht Britannia, this maritime-themed journey captures the essence of a neighborhood that is constantly reinventing itself while honoring its salty roots. Experience a walking tour Edinburgh locals would recommend to see the true heart of the port. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Stand on Leith Links, the site of the first official rules of golf

Admire Lamb's House, a rare 17th-century merchant’s residence

Explore the neoclassical Custom House, the administrative heart of the old port

Relax at The Shore, Leith’s premier destination for food and drink

See the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II

Walk along the Water of Leith and experience the modern dockland vibe

Tour Stops (6)

Leith Links

Welcome to Leith Links, a vast green space with a surprising sporting history. While many associate golf with St Andrews, it was actually here in 1744 that the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith drafted the first ever 'Rules of Golf' for their first competition. As you look across the grass, imagine the area not just as a park, but as a site of military history; the mounds you see were used as artillery ramparts during the Siege of Leith in 1560. Today, it serves as the lungs of the neighborhood, a place where the maritime community once gathered to socialise and compete away from the busy docks.

Lamb's House

Standing before you is Lamb's House, one of the most significant survivors of Leith's golden age of trade. Built in the early 17th century for a wealthy merchant named Andrew Lamb, this building is a classic example of Scottish domestic architecture from the period. It is often linked to Mary Queen of Scots, who is said to have rested here upon her return from France in 1561, though the current structure likely dates slightly later. Notice the steep gables and traditional stonework; it represents the immense wealth that passed through these docks when Leith was Scotland's primary connection to the Hanseatic League.

Custom House Leith

This grand neoclassical building is the Custom House, completed in 1812. For over a century, this was the administrative nerve center of the port. Every ship entering Leith had to declare its cargo here, paying duties on everything from French claret to Baltic timber. The building's imposing facade was designed to project the power and prosperity of the British Empire. While its use has changed over the years—now often serving as a community arts hub—it remains a monument to the days when the wealth of Edinburgh was calculated by the weight of the goods processed within these walls.

Teuchters Landing

You are now at Teuchters Landing, a pub that occupies the former waiting room of the Abercorn Ferry. Before the bridges and modern roads, this was where passengers caught the boat across the Firth of Forth. The name 'Teuchter' is a colloquial, often cheeky term for Highlanders, reflecting the diverse mix of people who passed through this port. The outdoor pontoon seating offers a perfect view of the Water of Leith. It’s a great example of how Leith’s industrial infrastructure has been repurposed into the cozy, social spaces that define the neighborhood today.

The Shore Bar and Restaurant

The Shore is the heart of Leith’s modern culinary scene. This specific bar and restaurant has long been a landmark, known for its dark wood interiors and live jazz. This area was once a rough-and-tumble dockside, but in the late 20th century, it became the epicenter of a 'foodie' revolution. As you look around the waterfront, you'll see buildings that were once warehouses for tea, grain, and wine, now housing some of the best seafood restaurants in the UK. The blend of salty sea air and the aroma of high-end cooking is the quintessential scent of modern Leith.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Our final stop is the Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal. Launched in 1953, this ship served Queen Elizabeth II for over 44 years, traveling over a million nautical miles. It was a floating residence, a setting for state banquets, and a private family retreat. While the ship is now a museum, its presence here in Leith symbolizes the neighborhood's enduring royal connections. Note that access to the ship itself requires a ticket, but even from the quay, you can appreciate the sleek lines of what was once the most famous ship in the world. This marks the end of our maritime journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

The direct walking distance is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km). If you follow this self-guided route with stops, it typically takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on how long you spend at the Shore.