Hawes Pier
Historic ferry pier where centuries of Scottish maritime heritage meet modern tourism beneath the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.
Hawes Pier is a historic waterfront landmark in South Queensferry, built around 1812 by renowned Scottish civil engineer John Rennie. Located directly beneath the Forth Rail Bridge, this Category B listed structure served as the departure point for the ferry crossing that operated for centuries until the Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964. Today, it remains a significant heritage site and tourist attraction, offering views across the Firth of Forth and serving as a departure point for boat tours to nearby islands.
A brief summary to Hawes Pier, Queensferry
- Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, EH30 9TB, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the dramatic views of all three Forth bridges and the surrounding landscape. The pier offers exceptional photography opportunities, especially during golden hour when the bridges are beautifully illuminated.
- Combine your visit with a boat tour to Inchcolm Island to experience the Firth of Forth as travelers have for centuries. Check departure times in advance, as services vary seasonally.
- Explore the adjacent Hawes Inn and surrounding High Street to understand the pier's role within South Queensferry's broader heritage. The town has been named Scotland's most beautiful, with numerous historic buildings and local attractions nearby.
- Allow time to walk the waterfront and observe the working harbor. The pier remains an active maritime location, and you may encounter fishing boats, pleasure craft, and commercial vessels using the Firth.
- Visit the nearby Queensferry History Group resources and local information boards to deepen your understanding of the pier's role in the town's 11-century connection to Queen Margaret and the ancient ferry service.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
From Edinburgh city center, take bus services X90 or X91 (Stagecoach) toward South Queensferry, approximately 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Services run regularly throughout the day. Buses stop near the High Street; from there, follow signs toward the waterfront and Hawes Pier, a 5–10 minute walk downhill. Cost approximately £3–5 per journey.
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Train
Take the Scotrail train from Edinburgh Waverley to South Queensferry station, approximately 15–20 minutes. From the station, walk downhill toward the town center and follow signs to the waterfront; the pier is approximately 10–15 minutes on foot. Train fares typically range from £4–8 depending on time of booking.
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Car
From Edinburgh, take the A90 north across the Forth Road Bridge toward Fife, then exit toward South Queensferry town center. Follow signs to the waterfront and Hawes Pier car park. Journey time approximately 20–30 minutes from central Edinburgh. Parking is available near the pier; check local signage for current rates and restrictions.
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Walking
From South Queensferry High Street, walk downhill toward the waterfront following signs to Hawes Pier. The route is on paved streets and footpaths with moderate gradient; approximately 10–15 minutes depending on starting point. The final approach to the pier involves some steps and uneven surfaces; not suitable for mobility-impaired visitors without assistance.
Hawes Pier, Queensferry location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hawes Pier, Queensferry
A Gateway Built by Engineering Genius
Hawes Pier stands as a testament to Scotland's engineering heritage, constructed around 1812 by the celebrated civil engineer John Rennie, likely in collaboration with Robert Stevenson. This Category B listed building has endured for over two centuries, its sturdy Victorian stonework weathering the tides and seasons of the Firth of Forth. Positioned almost directly beneath the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, the pier occupies a dramatic location where industrial heritage and natural landscape converge, creating a setting rich with historical significance.The Ferry's Final Chapter
For centuries, Hawes Pier served as the vital departure point for the ferry crossing that gave South Queensferry its name. The ferry service itself traces its origins to the 11th century, when Queen Margaret established a crossing to facilitate pilgrimages to Dunfermline Abbey. This ancient connection to royalty and religious devotion transformed a simple river crossing into a named place of historical importance. The pier continued its essential function until 1964, when the opening of the Forth Road Bridge rendered the traditional ferry service obsolete, marking the end of an era that had defined the town's character and economy for nearly a thousand years.A Hub of Local Life and Commerce
Beyond its role as a ferry terminus, Hawes Pier was embedded in the fabric of South Queensferry's community. The adjacent Hawes Inn, dating from the 17th century and featuring in Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novel Kidnapped, served as a change house for stagecoaches during the 18th century. The nearby Hawes Garage, originally constructed as stables and coach houses, evolved into Queensferry's first garage and taxi service. From the 1950s onwards, the garage became famous for providing elegant vehicles—Lagondas, Rolls Royces, and horse-drawn carriages—for the annual Ferry Fair procession, where the Ferry Fair Queen and her court paraded through town in style.Modern Purpose and Tourist Access
Today, Hawes Pier has been reimagined for contemporary visitors. The pier now serves as a departure point for tourist boat services, including ferries to Inchcolm Island, allowing modern travelers to experience the Firth of Forth much as their predecessors did centuries ago. The location offers unobstructed views of the three Forth bridges—the historic Rail Bridge, the modern Road Bridge, and the newer Queensferry Crossing—creating a unique vantage point where three eras of engineering achievement are visible simultaneously.Architectural Significance and Heritage Status
The pier's designation as a Category B listed building reflects its architectural and historical importance to Scotland's built heritage. Its Victorian-era construction techniques and materials have proven remarkably durable, allowing the structure to continue functioning and welcoming visitors more than two centuries after its completion. The lighthouse associated with the pier adds another layer of maritime heritage, guiding vessels through one of Scotland's busiest waterways and serving as a beacon of the region's seafaring traditions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hawes Pier, Queensferry
0.0 km
Historic ferry pier where centuries of Scottish maritime heritage meet modern tourism beneath the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Frankie & Benny's
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Volunteer Arms Lounge Bistro
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The Pentland Restaurant
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Carlucci Restaurant
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The Oatridge Hotel & Restaurant
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The Viceroy Fine Dining
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Incontri
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Jack 'O' Bryan's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Kreative Dunfermline
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Primark
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ScotlandShop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
