5 Reasons to Visit Portobello

Portobello is a lovely, traditional seaside town just 2 miles from Edinburgh City Centre. We visited in December 2022 whilst staying at nearby Drummohr Glamping and Camping (highly recommend) and I absolutely fell in love with the place. 

If you're planning a trip to Edinburgh or are staying in the Scottish borders or even if you're looking for somewhere to stop off when driving along the East Coast, I cannot recommend Portobello enough. 

Getting There 

Portobello is:

• 2 hour 30 minute drive from Newcastle
• 70 minute drive from Berwick-Upon-Tweed
• 45 minute drive from North Berwick 
• 10 minute drive from Edinburgh City Centre 

Here is a list of car parks. We parked in Bridge Street Car Park (EH15 1DH) which was free on the day of our visit. We visited in Winter and got parked no bother, I imagine this place is popular in summer and would recommend getting there early. 

There are plenty of buses from Edinburgh Centre to Portobello Beach and they should take around 20 minutes. 

Portobello is well connected with cycle routes too and you can cycle here from Edinburgh. 

Portobello is Dog Friendly 

Just a quick note to say that Portobello Beach is dog-friendly all year round and there are lots of dogs on the beach and prom enjoying walks with the family. There are plenty of dog-friendly cafes etc......too and some of the little stalls along the prom sell homemade dog treats to takeaway. 

It's the perfect place to enjoy a day out with your dog but maybe not the best seaside resort to visit if you're not keen. 

5 Reasons to Visit Portobello 

1 - 2 Miles of Award Winning Sandy Beaches 

There are 2 miles of beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy at Portobello. Ideal for a walk along the prom with a surfaced walkway, plenty of seating and lots of takeaway kiosks serving food and drinks. There are amusement arcades and ice cream stalls too. It's a pretty perfect seaside spot.

There is a kayaking and sailing club by the beach and beach vollyball is regularly played here too. The beach is dog-friendly all year round. 

2 - Turkish Bath & Victorian Swimming Pool

Credit : Portobello Swim Centre

I love that Portobello has it's own authentic Victorian Turkish Baths (one of only three in Scotland). The perfect place to relax when enjoying a short break in the area. Prices are reasonable too at £8.75 for a 1 hour 45 minute session (over 18s only). 

You can also enjoy a family swim in the pool here. The centre was built back in 1898 and is one of only remaining survivors of early bathing culture in Edinburgh. 

Find out more / book a session here. 

3 - Civerinos Pizza 

This is one of the main reasons for our visit. Lots of people DM'd me saying we must try this pizza. Ah it was so good but what I loved was the chilled eating style. Pull up a deckchair, sit in the covered. / uncovered seating outside or even light a fire on the beach and enjoy with friends. 

You can order by the slice (they're huge) or a whole pizza pie to share. Don't miss their parmesan fries too - absolutely divine! 

Find out more here. 

4 - Figgate Park 

Figgate Park is a lovely wildlife park with accessible walkways and boardwalks, a large pond, otters, swans and lots of other wildlife. A nice and scenic place for a stroll. Find out more here. 

5 - The Shrimp Wreck 

The Shrimp Wreck is a fantastic fish shack on the prom by the beach. Located next to Civerinos and with plenty of seating outside, it's ideal for a quick seafood fix. 

We loved the fish finger sandwich and spicy prawns. 

Find out more here. 

Where to Stay & Visit Nearby 

• Edinburgh East Premier Inn is within walking distance of the beach and has family rooms from £30 - (ad) find out more and book here.
  
  
• Drummohr Camping & Glamping is a fantastic site and just 6 miles from Portobello 
  
  
• Whitekirk Hill is a fabulous holiday resort with 5* lodges located 25 miles South of Portobello 
  
  
• Dynamic Earth Edinburgh Review 

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