South Queensferry, a coastal town just outside Edinburgh, offers a serene autumn escape with its scenic waterfront, 17th-century architecture, and the UK's best farm shop, all reachable by a short train ride from Scotland's capital.
Known locally as 'The Ferry', the town features a high street filled with independent shops. Its iconic red steel Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO-listed structure, spans the Firth of Forth and looks spectacular at sunset, alongside the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing.
Independent Shops and Local Delights
Visitors can explore split-level streets and browse independent boutiques. The high street offers stops like Dune for artisanal coffee, The Little Bakery for pastries and traditional shortbread, and The Ferry Lane for vintage treasures and local crafts.
Just a 10-minute drive from the high street, Craigies Farm, a family-run operation founded in 1966, awaits. The farm includes a cafe serving eggs benedict and seasonal soups, plus a deli offering local meats, cheeses, baked goods, and freshly laid eggs.
Award-Winning Farm Shop
Craigies Farm was named the best farm shop by a study from Cottages and Castles, which assessed over 70 shops across the UK on reputation, food offering, and visitor experience. The 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.
