Timeline
15:20
Stop for a gin tasting at Lind and Lime Distillery. James Lind, for whom the distillery is named, pioneered the use of limes to prevent scurvy at sea, making this the perfect prelude to a waterfront evening. The tour and tasting costs £30.
15:50
Walk 13 minutes to The Ship on The Shore for a bite. This smart waterfront spot serves excellent seafood. On weekdays it opens at 11:30, and on weekends at 10:00, so you will be covered whichever day you visit. The walk from the distillery is short and along the shore.
16:10
Find your spot at the Royal Yacht Britannia. Access is through the shopping centre on the 2nd floor. As the sun sets toward the SW around 16:10, the golden light will wash over the ship’s hull and the water. The last admission is 2 hours before closing, so you have plenty of time to explore inside or wait outside for the final glow.
16:40
End your evening at Ocean Terminal, just a 3-minute walk away. This huge undercover shopping centre is built on the former shipyards where the Britannia was once serviced. It houses bars and food outlets if you want to extend the night, or you can simply enjoy the atmosphere of the space that once served as a terminal for cruise passengers.
Local tip
The golden light starts around 15:00, giving you a nice buffer if you want to arrive early and grab a seat with a view.
Check before you go
- Lind and Lime Distillery is open Mo-We 11:00-18:00 and Th-Su 11:00-20:00.
- The Ship on The Shore is open Mo-Fr 11:30-13:00 and Sa,Su 10:00-22:00.
- Ocean Terminal is open Mo 10:00-18:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-20:00, and Su 11:00-18:00.
- Royal Yacht Britannia admission closes 2 hours before closing time (Apr-Oct 6PM, Nov-Mar 5PM).
Worth knowing
- The Ship on The Shore is open at 15:50 only on Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Edinburgh (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).