Visit The Shore in Edinburgh | Tour Details & Highlights
The Shore in Edinburgh is one of the city’s hidden gems — a captivating riverside area with cobblestone streets and excellent fresh seafood.
Hop on Bright Bright Tours to experience all the Leith Shore offers. Explore its rich maritime legacy, thriving culinary scene and scenic views of the Water of Leith.
About The Shore in Leith, Edinburgh
The Shore runs along the final section of the Water of Leith before it
flows into Leith Docks and merges with the Firth of Forth.
A Glimpse into The Shore’s History
Several monarchs have spent time in the area, including Mary, Queen of Scots, George IV and Princess Anne of Denmark. Plaques commemorate the landings of Mary Stuart and George IV in The Shore. Though Queen Victoria has a bronze statue in the final section of The Shore, it honours the soldiers of the South African War. She, however, disembarked at the Edinburgh Docks.
The Shore has a rich history of firsts, including Leith’s first public street lighting, introduced as oil lamps in 1771. This innovation is darkened by the area’s decline into disrepair during the second half of the 20th century. However, there has been a revival since the 90s, bringing new development to the once-neglected area.
The Maritime Heritage
Since the Anglo-Saxon times, the area has been a hub of maritime significance. A key event was the Rough Wooing in 1544 when English ships unloaded artilleries on its quayside.
The Shore’s shipbuilding history spans over 600 years. Unfortunately, this ended with Robb Ltd closing in 1983.
In the late 90s, the Royal Yacht Britannia was retired in Leith, marking another notable chapter in the area’s maritime legacy.
Visiting the Leith Shore with Bright Bus Tours
Getting to The Shore is a breeze with a Bright Bus pass!
Here’s everything you need to know before hopping on board and heading to this vibrant Water of Leith destination.
Join Our Britannia Tour
On our Britannia Tour, hop off at Stop 3 — just two stops from the Royal Yacht Britannia. It’s also the perfect way to round off your day after completing the Water of Leith Walkway, which culminates at The Shore in Leith.
Duration of journey: 1 hour 10 minutes
Frequency: Every hour
Starting Point: Waterloo Place, or join at any of our Britannia Tour stops, including the Royal Botanic Garden
Ticket Price: Starts at £16
Highlights on Edinburgh’s Leith Waterfront
Explore a selection of attractions and activities you’ll find at The Shore in Leith.
Commercial Quay
Unwind at an outdoor restaurant or artisan cafe in the Commercial Quay. This waterfront hotspot boasts two Michelin-star restaurants, The Kitchin and Heron.
For craft beer enthusiasts, Campervan Brewery’s Lost In Leith Bar & Fermentaria offers the perfect escape. This welcoming space features beloved classics and intriguing “weird and wonderful beers” from across the globe. Gather friends for a beer academy session, or savour a perfectly poured pint while watching boats glide by on the quayside.
Customs House
This 1910s neo-classical Georgian landmark was once the first place ship captains visited when arriving in Leith to declare cargo and pay duties. Today, the imposing building has transformed into a vibrant and creative sanctuary.
Beneath King George III’s coat of arms, which still proudly adorns the entrance, resident artists now breathe new life into the historic space. The building opens its grand doors for community gatherings, artistic shows and weddings.
Keep an eye on Customs House’s social media for public events and art exhibits illustrating the building’s value to Leith’s cultural landscape.
The King’s Wark
Originally built by James I in 1434, King’s Wark was a royal residence, armoury and storehouse. Over the centuries, its prime location on The Shore saw it repurposed as a smugglers’ hideout, plague hospital, weigh house and hub for merchants. After its destruction in the 1544 Hertford Invasion, Mary, Queen of Scots, had it rebuilt.
Today, the historic building houses one of Scotland’s oldest traditional pubs, aptly named The King’s Wark. Housing association flats now occupy the upper levels.
The Water of Leith Walkway Journey’s End
The famed Water of Leith Walkway is a 13-mile route tracing Edinburgh’s historic river. It finds its natural conclusion at the Victoria Bridge. Whether you’ve completed the entire journey or are meeting companions who made the trek, this landmark offers the perfect finale.
Victoria Bridge once held the distinction of being Britain’s largest swing bridge. Today, it stands as a static sentinel over the river’s mouth. Though it no longer pivots to allow ships to pass, it serves a new purpose. Pedestrians can now cross safely where the Water of Leith meets the Firth of Forth.
The SS Explorer
Step aboard the majestic SS Explorer, one of the world’s last surviving steam trawlers. Like the Royal Yacht Britannia, this historic vessel has National Historic Ship status. Essentially, it is a “listed building” that floats.
Stretching an impressive 61.57 meters, this retired fishery research ship now peacefully rests at Leith Docks. Maritime history enthusiasts and curious visitors can explore its decks through free pre-arranged tours.
Facilities
The Shore offers excellent facilities to make your visit comfortable.
Dining Options
The Shore has various restaurants, pubs and food styles that suit all tastes and budgets.
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pub meal, fine dining or fast food, there’s something for everyone.
Traditional Scottish Pubs
For a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, The King’s Wark serves affordable meals with excellent service. If you enjoy live music, visit The Shore Bar on Sundays, where you can enjoy classic British fare paired with jazz.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The Leith Shore’s Michelin-starred trio — The Kitchin, Heron, and Martin Wishart — offers world-class dining. For more starred culinary delights, venture into town to Adfern and The Little Chartroom.
Accommodation
If you’d like to spend a night or two by the Water of Leith, the area has a range of charming accommodations.
Stay near a beautifully rare merchant’s house or a historic Leith hostel, each reflecting the rich heritage of The Shore.
Former Seamen’s Hostel
The Sailor’s House was originally built in 1883 to house 56 seamen, nine officers and 50 shipwrecked seamen. The building is now part of the Malmaison Hotel Group.
18th-Century Style Pavillion
The Pavillion at Lamb’s House sits in the shadow of the A-listed Lamb’s House, a stunning example of Scotland’s historic merchant homes built in 1610. It is designed in a Neo-Georgian style and combines timeless antique touches with modern comforts.
Bright Bus Tours: Shore Excursions With a Red-Top View
Since 2019, Bright Bus Tours’ iconic red open-top buses have shown travellers Edinburgh’s real magic. We’re Edinburgh’s official open-top tour provider and your friendly ride from the airport.
Sure, we’ll take you to amazing spots, but we’re also the savvy traveller’s secret for cheaply getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city. Our Airport Express is quick, affordable and connects seamlessly with our tour stops.
What makes us different? We genuinely care about your experience. Visit Scotland gave us four stars for customer service and quality. But honestly, we’re more proud of the smiles we see daily.
We’re locals who love sharing our city. Need restaurant recommendations? Wondering where to find the best whisky? Looking for that perfect photo spot? Just ask! We support our fellow local businesses because we’re all part of what makes Edinburgh unique.
The perks of our hop on, hop off bus to see Edinburgh:
- Give your feet a break and see more of the city
- Save money on airport transfers
- Want privacy? Our private tours have you covered
- Dogs are welcome!
- Fully accessible for wheelchair users
Join us — we’d love to show you around The Shore Edinburgh and the rest of our beautiful city!
Book our Two Tours, Two Days sightseeing tour for 48 hours of merriment.