South Queensferry, a coastal town just beyond Edinburgh, offers a vibrant high street and is home to Craigies Farm, recently named the UK's best farm shop. Known locally as 'The Ferry', the town features 17th-century buildings and a waterfront that provides a contrast to the nearby city.
A town of bridges and independent shops
The town is the location of the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge, which crosses the Firth of Forth. This red steel bridge appears at its best at dusk and stands alongside the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing.
The principal high street is filled with independent boutiques. Visitors can start with coffee from Dune, try pastries or shortbread from The Little Bakery, and browse vintage finds and local handicrafts at The Ferry Lane.
Craigies Farm: the UK's finest farm shop
A 10-minute drive from the high street leads to Craigies Farm, a family-owned farm established in 1966. The on-site café serves dishes from eggs benedict to seasonal soups, and the deli offers locally sourced meats, cheeses, freshly baked goods and newly laid eggs.
The farm shop was crowned the finest in the country after a study by Cottages and Castles evaluated more than 70 shops across the UK based on reputation, food offering and visitor experience. Craigies Farm also won Pick Your Own Business of the Year at the 2026 Farm Retail Awards and is known for its tulip and pumpkin festivals.
