It was named the second best coastal town in the UK last year, and it’s easy to see why. With a two-mile long beach, a charming high street and great food, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip.
A coastal suburb just a 15-minute journey from a major UK city should be the next addition to your autumn travel itinerary. Despite the crisp air, a seaside trip is always a fantastic way to shake off any stresses, and you can’t beat the stunning views across the water.
I recently had a day out in Portobello near Edinburgh on a sunny yet chilly day, and I’m kicking myself for not visiting sooner. With a bustling high street filled with independent retailers, delicious food, and excellent public transport connections, it’s an ideal spot if you’re looking to venture off the beaten track.
A mere 15-minute bus ride from the city centre dropped us right in the heart of the town, and it was immediately apparent that this place was something special.
Of course, our first port of call was a brisk walk along the seafront. The weather was very nice and bright bright, but cold, however it was quite invigorating after the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.
Portobello’s beach stretches two miles, boasting a Victorian-style promenade and views over the Firth of Forth. As it was a sunny Sunday morning, it was quite busy, with numerous families out for walks and dogs joyfully darting across the sand, reports the Express.
The first thing that struck me about the beach was its cleanliness. It’s evident that the locals of Portobello, or ‘Porty’ as it’s fondly referred to, take immense pride in their environment.
I regret not visiting during the summer months, as I can see this being a fantastic spot for sunbathing and maybe even taking a dip in the sea.
Last year, Portobello was named the UK’s second-best coastal town by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach bagged a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, which really proves its charm.
After a stroll along the beach, we worked up quite an appetite. The seafront at Portobello beach is lined with a variety of eateries and pubs, from massive pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.
Many of these places offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine practically on the beach, which was lovely to see.
We decided to try Shrimp Wreck, a seafood joint with a small yet appetising menu. This street food stall gained fame after featuring on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu and is renowned for its fish finger sandwiches – it even made it to the finals of the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.
Naturally, I opted for the dish that was all the rage. The battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and the best chips I’ve ever tasted, all in a soft roll, was probably the messiest thing I could have eaten, but I have no regrets.
Next, it was time to properly explore the high street where the bus had dropped us off. It’s tucked just behind the promenade, and while it wasn’t as bustling as the beach itself, there were still plenty of people milling about – and crucially, plenty of shops open too.
One of the highlights for me was The Portobello Bookshop, a delightful independent bookshop brimming with novels, cookbooks and so much more. The space was bright, cosy and inviting, and the kind of place that you could spend hours browsing and not get bored.
They also host events, such as Q+A’s with authors, so it’s worth checking out what’s on if you’re planning a visit there.
Cove is another must-visit if you’re a fan of a gift shop. This one was overflowing with all the trinkets you could ever want, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, as well as lovely cards and mouth-watering chocolate bars too.
The high street of Portobello might not be the largest but it’s definitely one of the most charming I’ve seen. There are more food and drink places here, as well as pubs and even an Aldi, so you’re not going to run out of options quickly.
One spot we missed, which I’m eager to return for, is the swim centre. Nestled in Portobello, you’ll discover a genuine Victorian Turkish bath, one of only 11 in the UK, along with a gym and fitness studio, so this is definitely on my list for the next visit.
If you’ve never ventured to Portobello, it truly is the ideal location for a weekend getaway – even as the weather turns chillier. Its proximity to the lively city of Edinburgh makes it perfect if you’re seeking a break from urban life and fancy some time indulging in food, drink and relaxation by the water.