Newhaven is a great spot for those looking to experience Edinburgh’s coastal side. This page provides a list of things to do in Newhaven Edinburgh, plus a map showing each location, and hotel suggestions too.

Newhaven in Edinburgh, A coastal town with a lighthouse, stone wall, and harbor buildings under a partly cloudy sky.
Newhaven Harbour

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About Newhaven

Once a buzzing fishing village, Newhaven holds onto its old-world charm despite sitting just a stone’s throw from the city centre. At its heart lies the picturesque harbour, where colourful boats bob alongside the iconic Newhaven Lighthouse.

Known for its fresh seafood and scenic walks along the Firth of Forth, Newhaven is also home to a variety of excellent seafood restaurants and markets.

Just nearby, attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal make Newhaven an attractive option for a day trip just outside the main city.

Hello 👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger regularly travelling between London and Edinburgh for my day job. I’ve made it my priority to explore both cities as much as possible and share my insights with you.

There’s a map at the bottom of the post, and I’ve also included tour links (from Viator) and hotel links (from Booking.com) where appropriate.  

7 Cool Things to do in Newhaven, Edinburgh.

Now on to my guide to things to do in Newhaven, Edinburgh (Scotland).

1. Visit Newhaven Harbour.

Naturally, the highlight of any visit to Newhaven is the harbour – a nod to its past as a fishing village and oyster port, and still with a very authentic vibe.

Take a leisurely stroll along the pier, where colourful boats bob gently on the water, and soak in the peaceful waterfront atmosphere.

The harbour serves up postcard-worthy views of the Firth of Forth, and lots of photo opportunities.

2. Enjoy fish and chips on the waterfront.

Newhaven is renowned for its seafood, and there are several places to experience excellent food along the harbour front.

The most famous restaurant here is called The Fishmarket (it used to be called Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill, but this closed in 2023). The old red building just to be a victorian fishmarket, hence the new name.

Below are some lunchtime photos taken at the Fishmarket in October 2024.

Situated right by the harbour, the restaurant offers a delicious menu featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood.

Opt for oysters, smoked salmon, or traditional fish and chips while taking in the scenic coastal views.

3. Walk along the Leith path.

If the weather plays along, the waterfront path linking Newhaven with Leith and Granton makes for a delightful stroll.

A small harbor with several docked boats, a lighthouse in the background, and a stone path along the water's edge. Overcast sky overhead.
Newhaven

This scenic walk provides beautiful views of the coastline and is perfect for a relaxed afternoon outing. Along the way, you’ll find benches to sit and enjoy the peaceful seascape.

4. Admire Newhaven lighthouse.

The iconic Newhaven Lighthouse is a must-see landmark.

A tall, white lighthouse with a pink base stands by the sea under a blue sky with clouds. A railing surrounds its base, and water is visible in the background.
Newhaven Lighthouse

Note: There is also a Newhaven in East Sussex (England), which also has a lighthouse, but we are talking about the one in Newhaven Edinburgh!

Originally built in 1869, the lighthouse stands proudly at the end of the harbour, offering a perfect spot for photography. The lighthouse is particularly striking at sunset, when the light glows over the water.

5. Pick up some fresh seafood at Welch Fishmongers.

For seafood lovers, a visit to Welch Fishmongers in Newhaven is a must.

A red building with large windows and an arched roof stands under a blue sky, featuring a clock and potted plants on the sidewalk.
Welch Fishmongers

Established in 1959, Welch’s Fishmongers is a traditional Scottish fishmonger.

Known for its wide selection of fresh, locally caught fish and seafood, this is where to go for top quality fish. All of the fish and shellfish are caught sustainably, and prepared on the premises.

6. See the ‘love padlocks’ by Newhaven lighthouse.

One of the more romantic and unique sights in Newhaven is the collection of love padlocks attached to the railings near the Newhaven Lighthouse.

Metal railing on a pier decorated with numerous padlocks, overlooking a calm body of water and distant land on a clear day.
Newhaven padlocks

Couples from around the world have visited this scenic spot to leave padlocks as a symbol of their love, often inscribed with their names or initials. The keys are tossed into the sea, symbolising unbreakable bonds and eternal affection.

The view from this spot is especially stunning at sunset, making it a perfect place for couples to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Explore things to do in Newhaven as you admire the picturesque harbor with boats docked near a charming town. The backdrop features buildings and a church steeple under a partly cloudy sky, while a railing adorned with padlocks adds an enchanting touch to the scene.
Newhaven Harbour Edinburgh.

7. Visit Ocean Terminal and Royal Yacht Britannia.

A short distance from Newhaven harbour Edinburgh, is Ocean Terminal.

This is a large shopping and leisure complex where you can also board the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith harbour, Edinburgh at night.
Royal Yacht Britannia

This historic yacht was once home to the British royal family on their annual cruise around the western isles of Scotland. It was also intended for Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip to seek refuge in the event of nuclear war.

The yacht was in service from 1954 to 1997, and it travelled more than one million nautical miles to over 600 ports in 135 countries.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is now a museum where you can explore the rooms and learn about royal life at sea.


Map of things to do in Newhaven, Edinburgh.

This Google Map shows all of the things to do in Newhaven as listed in this post. If you are viewing on a phone, you can use two fingers to pinch and drag the map.


Where to stay in Newhaven, Edinburgh.

Below I have selected three great hotel options for a stay in Newhaven, Edinburgh.

1. Ocean Serviced Apartments

The Ocean Serviced Apartments offer comfortable, modern accommodations with stunning views of the Firth of Forth.

The apartments come fully equipped with kitchens. It’s also a short walk from Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Book your apartment here.

2. Malmaison Edinburgh

Situated nearby in Leith, Malmaison Edinburgh is a stylish boutique hotel offering luxury rooms and a contemporary vibe.

Housed in a former seaman’s mission, this hotel offers character and charm along with modern amenities. It’s also well-located for exploring both Newhaven and the wider Leith area. Book the Malmaison here.

3. The Raeburn

Located a little further from Newhaven in the quaint Stockbridge area, The Raeburn is a boutique hotel offering luxury and comfort in a historic building.

It has spacious, well-appointed rooms, a stylish bar, and a restaurant serving seasonal Scottish cuisine.

Stockbridge is a vibrant neighbourhood with easy access to both Newhaven and Edinburgh city centre. You can book the Raeburn here.

Alternatively you can check out all hotels near Newhaven.

Map of hotels in Newhaven.

Here is a map from Booking.com showing hotels and accommodation by location. You can zoom in, zoom out, drag and move the map. If you click the map, it will take you to Booking.com where you can look more closely at your options. 

 

I recommend reserving your room immediately to get the best price. It’s usually free to reserve on Booking.com, and you can always cancel lat


FAQs for things to do in Newhaven Edinburgh. 

Below are some frequently asked questions about Newhaven. 

Q: How do I get to Newhaven from Edinburgh city centre?

A: You can easily reach Newhaven from Edinburgh city centre by bus or taxi. Several Lothian Bus routes, such as 7, 10, and 16, run from the city centre to Newhaven Harbour. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive by car or taxi, depending on traffic.

Q: What is Newhaven known for?

A: Newhaven is known for its rich maritime history, picturesque harbour, and fresh seafood. The area was once a bustling fishing village and retains much of its coastal charm today. Visitors come to enjoy the scenic views of the Firth of Forth, the iconic Newhaven Lighthouse, and excellent seafood restaurants.

Q: What are the best guided tours in Edinburgh?

These are the top tours in Edinburgh according to Viator reviewers:

  1. Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
  2. The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
  3. Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh
  4. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
  5. Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

Or alternatively you can view all Edinburgh tours here.

Q: Can you visit the Newhaven Heritage Museum?

A: The Newhaven Heritage Museum used to be open but has been closed for some time. However, you can still enjoy the historical plaques and information boards around the harbour that tell the story of Newhaven’s past as a fishing village and its famous fishwives.

Q: Is Newhaven good for seafood dining?

A: Yes, Newhaven is a fantastic spot for seafood lovers. Restaurants like Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill offer fresh, locally sourced seafood right by the harbour. There are also great seafood markets such as Welch Fishmongers, where you can purchase fresh fish and shellfish.

Q: What attractions are near Newhaven?

A: Close to Newhaven harbour Edinburgh, you can visit Ocean Terminal for shopping and entertainment or tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, a top attraction where you can explore the former royal vessel. The nearby areas of Leith and Stockbridge also offer unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

Q: Is Newhaven a good place for walking?

A: Yes, Newhaven offers lovely walks along the waterfront with scenic views of the harbour and the Firth of Forth. You can also take longer walks to Leith or Granton, following the coastal path for a peaceful stroll by the sea.

Q: What’s the best time to visit Newhaven?

A: Newhaven is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is warmer, and you can fully enjoy the harbour, outdoor dining, and coastal walks.

Q: Can I visit the Newhaven Lighthouse?

A: While you can’t go inside the Newhaven Lighthouse, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the area. You can walk up to it at the end of the harbour for great views of the sea and the surrounding coastline, especially at sunset.

Q: Are there any family-friendly things to do in Newhaven Edinburgh?

A: Yes, Newhaven port is a family-friendly area with fun things to do nearby. Children will enjoy the harbour, spotting boats, and visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia nearby. There are also parks and family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Q: What are the love padlocks by the Newhaven Lighthouse?

A: The love padlocks by the Newhaven Lighthouse are part of a romantic tradition where couples attach padlocks to the fence or railings near the lighthouse as a symbol of their love. The keys are often thrown into the sea, symbolising eternal love. It’s a lovely spot to take a stroll and admire the collection of locks left by visitors from around the world.


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