It is home to interesting attractions, cosy pubs, and much more.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The coastal town is around just 10 miles out of Edinburgh(Image: ClaudineVM / Getty Images)
Autumn is already halfway over and winter is on the horizon. Many people across Scotland and beyond will therefore be looking to book a cosy staycation somewhere in the country as we approach the end of the year.
There are countless incredible getaway spots in Scotland, but some are especially beautiful over the colder months. One picturesque seaside town was even once crowned the top winter getaway spot in the country.
As previously reported by the Daily Record, Queensferry near Edinburgh was named as the best travel destination for winter 2024 by Tripadvisor. The coastal town was singled out on the website’s Winter Travel Index, which shows the top trending travel destinations in the UK and across the world.
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Queensferry, also known as South Queensferry, is located around 10 miles to the northwest of Edinburgh’s city centre. The town is nestled along the shores of the Firth of Forth, between the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing.
Sitting in the shadow of the Forth Bridges, the views around Queensferry are dominated by the iconic crossings. Visitors can learn more about them at the Queensferry Museum, which features both permanent displays and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the bridges and the general history of the area.
Another popular tourist activity in Queensferry is a sightseeing cruise on the Maid of the Forth. The 90-minute cruise takes passengers beneath all of the Forth Bridges, as well as to the stunning Inchcolm Island that is home to a 12th century abbey and various wartime fortifications.
A sightseeing cruise is a great way to explore the waters around Queensferry(Image: kruwt / Getty Images)
Queensferry also features plenty of restaurants and pubs where visitors can get away from the winter cold and enjoy some warming food and drink.
Top choices for eateries include The Railbridge Bar and Bistro and Rogue Bros The Boat House, while among the cosy pubs dotted around town are The Hawes Inn and The Ferry Tap.
For those interested in a Queensferry getaway this winter, there are plenty of accommodation options to consider. The area is home to both self-catered holiday rentals and popular hotels.
At the moment, an entire guest house in Queensferry can be booked through Airbnb. The Nook, which sleeps up to four guests, is available at a price of £351 for two nights.
The contemporary studio features a glass fronted living space that accommodates living, sleeping, and cooking. It also features an outdoor terrace where guests can look out over the water.
The Nook(Image: Airbnb)
On Airbnb, the property has an average rating of 4.91 out of five based on 151 reviews. Previous guests have praised it as “very cosy” and “really special”, though one visitor stated that it “really lacks anywhere comfortable to sit”.
Elsewhere, the “luxury property” Totleywells Grange is available through holidaycottages.co.uk. Sleeping up to 10 people, the accommodation is located a few miles out of Queensferry and can be booked for around £1,500 for three nights.
The property features a large dining area, as well as snugs and social spaces both inside and out. Meanwhile, there are six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a large enclosed garden.
Totleywells Grange(Image: holidaycottages.co.uk)
Totleywells Grange has earned positive feedback on holidaycottages.co.uk, with guests noting its “amazing views” and “beautiful decor”. However, its location a few miles outside of Queensferry may put some holidaymakers off.
Meanwhile, Queensferry is home to a number of hotels for those uninterested in a self-catering holiday. The Orocco Pier Hotel looks out over the water and features 17 bedrooms, a café bar, and a restaurant, while the Dakota Hotel Edinburgh is a modern hotel with an award-winning restaurant.