Leith
Leith ...
T
he district of Leith rests on the shores of the Firth of Forth at the mouth of the Water of Leith. The original harbour dates back to the 14th century and has been the port of Edinburgh for hundreds of years. Today Leith has developed into a picturesque waterfront area, lined with bistros, stylish bars and excellent restaurants. There are independent galleries and cultural festivals, such as the Leith Festival. Main attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at the quay and the Conran designed Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Tourists come in huge numbers every year to board the decks of the Royal Yacht, where four Royal couples spent their honeymoon, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana. She has sailed more than a million miles around the globe and was finally decommissioned in 1997, marking the end of a Royal Yacht. Britannia was voted “Best Visitor Attraction in the UK” in 1999. If you feel like a good walk, then this is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are still remains of the past in Leith, with old piers being a reminder of the Victorian Age. The Victoria Dock, Albert Dock and Edinburgh Dock have barely changed from the way they were in the past.
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THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
Ocean Terminal 0131 555 5566 www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk No visit to Leith or indeed Edinburgh is complete without stepping aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. A floating home to Her Majesty, The Queen and The Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles, the vessel is now on permanent display in Leith where you can follow in the footsteps of royalty and discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. The Royal Yacht has won Best Attraction in the UK 2020, as voted for by Which? members. The Queen’s former floating palace, berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, came out on top when nearly 5,000 Which? members were asked to rate the UK’s 50 most visited attractions.
TAPA BARRA Y RESTAURANTE
19 Shore Place 0131 476 6776 Tapa:Leith is an authentic Spanish Tapas experience set among white washed walls that make you feel at home in a Spanish style bodegas. Choose from a fantastic selection of freshly made dishes together with a fine wine list and then relax and enjoy the vibrant but casual atmosphere.
FISHERS IN LEITH
1 Shore 0131 554 5666 www.fishersbistro.co.uk The original Fishers, nestled on the historic Shore. Fishers in Leith is still winning awards 20 years after it first opened. Two beautiful indoor dining areas or a summer terrace, the choice is yours while you enjoy the fabulous atmosphere along with their fantastic seafood selections.
OCEAN TERMINAL SHOPPING CENTRE
Ocean Drive 0131 555 8888 www.oceanterminal.com Ocean Terminal is a unique shopping experience at Edinburgh’s waterfront in Leith. With over 70 big brand and individual shops as well as Debenhams and Marks & Spencers Simply Food, the centre is regarded as a fabulous mix of relaxed shopping combined with a wide selection of bars, cafes and restaurants.