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Icons of Engineering
Your 4 Day Engineering Itinerary
The Forth Bridges may be famous as icons of engineering, but did you know that they are surrounded by lots of other fascinating spots for engineering enthusiasts?
Base yourself by the bridges in North or South Queensferry to explore an area rich in engineering heritage. The beauty of staying by the bridges is that both sides of the Firth of Forth – Edinburgh on one side, and Fife on the other – are easily accessible.
There’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s smallest working light tower, the Falkirk Wheel, working steam railways, collections from civil engineering, magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia, the Secret Bunker and exhibitions from Dunfermline’s engineering heritage.
Follow – or pick and mix from - our four-day itinerary to plan a trip that’s rich in engineering sights and heritage.
Get Acquainted with The Bridges
Stay | South Queensferry
From Edinburgh Airport, it’s just 13 miles to the Forth Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay in one of the delightful boutique hotels in charming South Queensferry to soak up fabulous views of the bridges.
See & Do | Forth Bridges Trail
The Forth Bridges Trail is a great way to get acquainted with the iconic three bridges. Start with a train ride across the bridge to North Queensferry and step back in time at the beautifully restored station house and heritage centre.
From here, follow the trail to the miniature light tower built by Robert Stevenson to guide boats safely across the Firth of Forth. By prior arrangement you can light the Argand lamp and become an Honorary Keeper of the Light. Continuing the miniature theme, the adjacent Light Tower Museum, crammed with local information and artefacts, is the smallest museum you’ll ever visit.
Eat | The Wee Restaurant or Rankins
For lunch, head to The Wee Restaurant for an excellent set light lunch on Tuesdays till Thursdays, or the more informal Rankins for a popular brunch and lunch menu (every day except Wednesdays and Thursdays).
See & Do | Forth Bridges Trail
Follow the trail back to South Queensferry, taking in a stroll across the Forth Road Bridge which celebrates its 60th birthday this year. The Picnic Kiosk at the end of the bridge does excellent coffee!
In South Queensferry, follow the trail to the High Street for Queensferry Museum, a range of independent shops and plenty of nice spots for tea and cake. There’s even a beach where you can dip your toes or practice skimming stones. Regular boat trips run from Hawes Pier and are highly recommended. The historic Hawes Inn, with its links to Robert Louis Stevenson, offers more great views over a well-earned beer.
Eat | Dinner overlooking The Bridges
For dinner, Orocco Pier, Thirty Knots, The Railbridge Bistro and The Boathouse and overlook the Firth of Forth, giving spectacular views of the bridges.
Image credit: VisitScotland
The Falkirk Wheel
Eat | Breakfast Rolls
Fill up with breakfast rolls at The Manna House Bakery.
See & Do | The Falkirk Wheel
Today’s icon of engineering is The Falkirk Wheel. This rotating boat lift is a unique fusion of art, technology, and engineering. It replaces a flight of 11 locks to allow vessels easy transfer between two waterways.
A popular visitor attraction, there is a visitor centre and café and the opportunity to experience a boat ride which takes you up in the wheel to get the full 360 experience. It’s quite something!
See & Do | The Kelpies & Steam Railway
It’s a 30-minute drive to the wheel. There’s plenty of paid parking and you can take a nice wander along the towpaths. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a 7km direct walk along the Forth and Clyde Canal to the famous Kelpies – or you can hop in the car.
On the way home, The Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo’ness makes for a nice stop. On selected days, you can enjoy a ride on a steam train along the Forth Estuary and over the Avon Viaduct.
Eat | Dinner in the Marina
For dinner, continue the boating theme at Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry. Eat at Scotts for simple, laid-back dining and admire the boats from the jetty.
Image credit: VisitScotland
Dunfermline Museum and The Secret Bunker
Travel | By Car
For today’s itinerary, you’ll need a car if you want to include a stop off in Pittenweem. Public transport can get you to both Dunfermline and within a mile of The Secret Bunker.
See & Do | Museum and Dunfermline
Park up at The Picnic Kiosk in South Queensferry for a coffee and a bacon roll at the Forth Bridges Viewpoint before heading 20 minutes north to the Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries to enjoy the excellent Museum. Here you’ll find displays relating to engineering in mining and transport bought to life through video footage, stories, and songs.
There’s long term paid parking 5 minutes from the museum and the onsite Granary Café offers splendid views of Dunfermline Abbey and The Heritage Quarter.
See & Do | The Secret Bunker
Next, head to Scotland’s Secret Bunker in Troywood, near St Andrews. It’s about an hour’s drive.
Concealed by an unremarkable farmhouse, the bunker is a labyrinth of tunnels encased in concrete 100 feet below ground. Operational until 1993, you’ll get a real insight into the twilight world of cold war, with dormitories, a control room, command room, two cinemas and a café. Unsurprisingly, there are lots of stairs but, if you can manage them (there’s no lift), the bunker makes for a fascinating visit.
Eat | Pittenweem
From the Secret Bunker, it’s a 10-minute drive to the beautiful fishing village of Pittenweem to stroll around the picturesque harbour.
Enjoy dinner at Michelin Guide listed The Dory Bistro and Gallery. For more informal dining, the West End Bar is a cosy traditional pub serving home cooked food.
Image credit: VisitScotland
Institution of Civil Engineers Museum and Britannia
Eat | Dalmeny Deli
Kickstart your day with coffee from Dalmeny Deli (open weekdays from 7am) next to Dalmeny Station ready to take the train to Edinburgh Waverley.
If you like to spend a full day exploring and are happy to take various modes of transport, the ICE Museum and Royal Yacht Britannia can be done in a day. For a more relaxed pace, pick one attraction.
See & Do | ICE Collection
The Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland Museum has a collection of over 600 artefacts, including several items relating to the Forth Bridges.
To get there from Edinburgh Waverley, take a local train to Curriehill Station. The museum is a 20-minute walk – or an uber ride!
Based in Heriot-Watt University, the museum is informal and unattended but offers a nice wee browse of exhibits such as surveying equipment, tools, drawing office equipment, and letters, portraits, and books. Free to attend, the museum is open weekdays. There are plenty of places to eat on campus including the Courtyard by Marriot.
See & Do | Royal Yacht Britannia
Once you’re back in Edinburgh centre, the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the most famous ships in the world, is easily accessible by the Newhaven tram from St Andrews Square (alight at Ocean Terminal).
Due to nearby construction works, Britannia will be closed 11 - 23 March and 29 April - 5 May. Outside of these dates, you can discover the stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board. There are five decks to explore, plus crew quarters, Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite room, the engine room, and the Royal Sailing Exhibition. Pre-booking is strongly advised.
The Royal Deck Tearoom offers a simple menu with stunning views, or you can treat yourself to a Champagne Cream Tea.
Yotties Week (13 May - Thurs 16 May) sees the return of the former Royal Yachtsmen to help with maintenance, and they’re always happy to chat to visitors with tales of their time on the Britannia.
Eat | Ice Cream and Beer
If you’ve done both attractions, we recommend a wee nap on the train home, followed by a cold treat from one of South Queensferry’s excellent ice cream parlours or a pint in The Ferry Tap - a traditional Scottish pub with regular live music.
Image credit: VisitScotland
Useful Links
See & Do
Eat & Drink
Forth Bridges Trail
The Forth Bridges Trail offers a great introduction to the bridges and local area.It takes in many points of historic interest, introduces local tales and folklore, and offers some incredible panoramic views.
A circular five mile route, the trail can easily be completed in a day. Take a picnic or stop off to sample the cafes along the way.
Walk or cycle, experience an epic train ride across The Forth Bridge and enjoy a boat trip on the Firth of Forth.