I visited the UK's best seaside town - just 20 minutes from city
Portobello is a charming, historic seaside town that is part of Edinburgh - and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre
Edinburgh is my favourite place anywhere in the world, but it's hard to ignore that during the summer months, the city can feel a bit too bustling and loud due to the International Festival. The array of performers, shows, and comedians can be entertaining, but if you're seeking a break from the hubbub, consider venturing to its stunning seaside.
Many Edinburgh visitors are oblivious to the fact that just on the city's outskirts lies Portobello, a quaint, historic coastal town that's part of the city. I'm absolutely smitten with Portobello for its awe-inspiring beach and unique independent shops, so I highly recommend it for anyone in search of a peaceful retreat from the chaotic city centre.
Portobello beach is renowned for its incredibly soft white sand, making it an ideal location for a picnic or simply unwinding with a good book by the sea. The best thing about it is how tranquil it is - as long as you don't go at the weekend.
From treasure hunts to photographers, yoga sessions or even beach clean-ups, the community is really active, creating a very close-knit and cosy atmosphere, reports the Express. It also boasts some stunning, gothic-style Victorian homes along the promenade, and there's a plethora of charming little cafés and restaurants to explore.
My absolute favourite dining spot at the beach is The Boathouse. It serves the most delicious pizzas I've ever tasted and is situated at the very end of the promenade, so it tends to be quiet.
However, Portobello is brimming with fantastic eateries, making it a must-visit for those seeking a quality dining experience without the city centre price tag. My absolute favourite pastime is to pop in for lunch at Greek Artisan Pastries, an adorable blue-and-white bakery that stands out on the main street. Their savoury pies are always a delight, served warm and fresh with such a wide variety that I'm always spoilt for choice.
Tanifiki, one of the friendliest coffee shops I've ever visited, is renowned for its African coffee blends. The owner is a gem, but the entire team are consistently pleasant and incredibly helpful every time I drop by.
With an array of sweet baked goods and luxurious coffee on offer, Tanifiki is a place I simply can't resist. On my last visit, I indulged in a sea salt brownie, but their scones are also a personal favourite and come highly recommended.
For a tipple, head over to the Foresters, which boasts a cosy beer garden and scrumptious pub grub. Their fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding are the best I've ever had, warranting a visit every few months just to relive the experience.
Edinburgh is famed for its vast array of bookshops, but if you're a bibliophile, The Portobello Bookshop is a must-visit. This independent bookstore offers some of the best picks hand-selected by staff members, ensuring I always discover something unique to read when I stop by. They also boast a fantastic range of independent books and magazines, sparking interest in subjects you may never have considered before.
Portobello is an extraordinary location brimming with independent shops that are worth a visit, and I've barely begun to uncover the hidden gems of this underappreciated coastal town.
Portobello is just a 20-minute car journey from Edinburgh city centre, or approximately a 35-minute bus ride. It's about an hour's walk, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, it's advisable to take public transport or a taxi.
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Scottish Sun
23 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
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Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
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My local UK train station has been crowned one of the best in Europe – with secret museum, sports bars & Victorian organ
TOP RAIL My local UK train station has been crowned one of the best in Europe – with secret museum, sports bars & Victorian organ Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRAIN stations are places we love to hate, they can be busy and loud, but there are a few that make the travel experience more bearable - sometimes even enjoyable. One of those is London Bridge which has been named as one of the top train stations in Europe and as a regular commuter, I can see why. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 London Bridge Station is one of the best in Europe Credit: Alice Penwill 8 The index placed London Bridge Station in 10th place thanks to its facilities and links Credit: Alamy The London-based station that sees 50 million passengers a year came in tenth place on the European Railway Station Index for 2024. The index ranked 50 rail hubs across the continent and based it on 16 categories, from tickets to the number of in-station services. Other factors were how long station ticket offices were open, variety of tickets, train delays, Wi-Fi, accessibility and the number of shops and restaurants. London Bridge station sits in tenth place, joint with Leipzig Hbf in Germany which both scored 85 out of 118 points. While I can't comment on Leipzig Hbf, London Bridge is a station I'm very familiar with. Now, I don't think anyone can ever say that the commute is the best part of their day, but London Bridge certainly makes it easier. I travel into London Bridge three days a week, and after venturing into multiple London stations throughout my life - I can say it's one of the best. For one, it has lots of shops and restaurants whether it's getting a meal deal in Boots, or a Pret coffee, treats from M&S, or even window shopping in the designer shops like Reiss and All Saints. 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