About South Queensferry
Nestled on the shores of the Firth of Forth, South Queensferry offers a picturesque and tranquil setting with stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges. Though small in size, this charming town has a rich history, a welcoming community, and a variety of attractions that make it a great place to call home. With excellent transport links to Edinburgh and beyond, South Queensferry provides the perfect blend of small-town living with easy access to city conveniences.
Is South Queensferry a good place to live?
South Queensferry is a delightful place to live, offering a mix of coastal charm and suburban comfort. The town’s unique character is highlighted by its vibrant shorefront, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Firth of Forth. The iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to the town's sense of history.
Despite its size, South Queensferry boasts a range of amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, while the surrounding area offers plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities. The town has a close-knit community feel and has a good selection of schools and leisure facilities, making it ideal for families and commuters alike.
Property in South Queensferry ranges from historic homes and quaint cottages to modern developments, offering a variety of options to suit different tastes and lifestyles.
What is the transport in South Queensferry like?
South Queensferry is well connected by road, rail, and bus, making it an agreeable location for those who commute to Edinburgh or the surrounding areas. The town benefits from excellent transport links, ensuring easy access to the capital and beyond.
South Queensferry by bus
A reliable bus service connects South Queensferry to Edinburgh and other nearby towns, with frequent services running throughout the day. Lothian Buses operates routes such as the 43, which offers a direct link to the city centre, while Stagecoach provides services to other destinations, including Livingston and Dunfermline.
For a convenient trip to Edinburgh Airport, residents can use the Airlink 100 service, which operates 24 hours a day, providing a quick and easy connection to the airport.
South Queensferry by rail
Dalmeny railway station, located just outside the town, provides regular train services to Edinburgh Waverley, with a journey time of around 15 minutes. Trains from Dalmeny also head over the bridge into Fife and further afield, making South Queensferry an excellent location for commuters.
South Queensferry by car
South Queensferry enjoys excellent road links, with the A90 connecting the town to Edinburgh in just 20 minutes by car. The Queensferry Crossing offers quick access to Fife, while the M9 motorway is nearby for routes towards Stirling and Glasgow. This makes South Queensferry a strategic location for those who travel frequently.
What are the schools in South Queensferry like?
South Queensferry is home to several well-regarded schools, making it a family-friendly location with excellent educational options.
The primary schools in the area include Queensferry Primary School, Echline Primary School and St. Margaret’s RC Primary School. Families with children living in the eastern reaches of the town can also consider Dalmeny Primary School.
For secondary education, Queensferry High School serves the community, offering a broad curriculum and strong extracurricular programmes.
Additionally, South Queensferry’s proximity to Edinburgh means residents also have easy access to further education institutions in the capital.
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What are the best things to do in South Queensferry
South Queensferry offers plenty of attractions and activities for both locals and visitors. The town’s beautiful waterfront, historic buildings, and scenic walks along the coastline provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed lifestyle.
One of the standout attractions is the Forth Rail Bridge, a marvel of Victorian engineering that draws visitors from around the world. The Forth Boat Tours are a popular way to experience the stunning views of the bridges and nearby islands, including Inchcolm Island, with its historic abbey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several walking and cycling routes along the John Muir Way, which passes through South Queensferry, offering breathtaking views of the Forth and beyond. Hopetoun House, a stately home and one of Scotland's finest examples of Georgian architecture, is just a short drive away and offers lovely grounds and gardens to explore.
Food lovers will appreciate the town’s range of dining options, from cosy cafes to waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood. The Boathouse and Orocco Pier are popular spots for dining with views of the Forth.
Residents who appreciate aquatic activities can visit Port Edgar Watersports where they can enjoy sailing, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. At the Honey Pot Creative, budding artists of all ages can try ceramic painting, clay modelling and many more creative classes. At nearby Craigie’s Farm, Deli and Shop, kids can play in a brilliant outdoor play centre. In summer, the farm offers “pick your own fruit” days.
Culturally fascinating events in South Queensferry include the Ferry Fair that features the procession of the Burryman, and the Loony Dook, a New Year’s Day tradition of diving into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth!
Types of property in South Queensferry
South Queensferry offers a diverse range of properties to suit a variety of buyers. Historic homes and charming period cottages can be found in the heart of the town, while modern developments provide more contemporary options. Whether you’re looking for a quaint stone-built house with views of the Forth, a sleek new build, or a spacious family home, South Queensferry has something to suit all tastes and budgets.
With its scenic beauty, historic charm, and excellent transport links, South Queensferry is an attractive place to live for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to city amenities.
Planning on moving to South Queensferry?
Due to its convenient commuter links and generally more affordable property prices, South Queensferry has seen a surge in popularity, drawing a wide range of homebuyers—from couples and young families to downsizers and retirees. If you're ready to make the move, explore the available houses and flats for sale today.
SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
Find a solicitor estate agent in South Queensferry
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in South Queensferry and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in South Queensferry
South Queensferry offers a variety of primary schools, as well as one high school (Queensferry High School) serving the town and nearby villages. There are 4 primary schools in South Queensferry, and the town's close proximity to Edinburgh allows residents to access several further education establishments in the capital. For more details on the best schools in South Queensferry, click here.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in South Queensferry on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in South Queensferry, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
You can use their interactive catchment map to find which schools are in your catchment area.
The average price of homes in South Queensferry is £323,226. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/10/2024.
In the last couple of decades, South Queensferry has seen considerable growth in the housing market, in particular a huge number of new housing developments in the outskirts of the town. The town continues to expand as a number of ongoing housing developments are currently underway including projects from Taylor Wimpey, Cala Homes and Lovell Homes.
For details on council tax bands and charges in South Queensferry, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
South Queensferry has an abundance of family-friendly activities including numerous play parks, the Honey Pot Creative café, and the nearby Craigie’s Farm, Deli and Shop. For more details on family-friendly attractions in South Queensferry, click here.
Highlighting its historic charm and picturesque setting, South Queensferry has a fantastic array of cultural and recreational facilities including the Queensferry Museum, the Forth Bridges, Port Edgar Marina, Hopetoun House, Dalmeny Estate and much more. The town also has a much-loved leisure centre featuring a swimming pool, gym and sports hall.
As a town with a particularly strong sense of community you'll find several groups, clubs and associations for local residents. These include the Queensferry District Community Sports Hub, South Queensferry Playgroup, Friends of Ferry Glen, Queensferry Rowing Club and a variety of local parent and toddler groups. In terms of festivals and events, the Ferry Fair is the highlight of the year for many families, where you can enjoy a parade, live music, children's entertainment, rides and the historic Burry Man procession.
South Queensferry at a glance*
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