Portobello Beach Inexpensive Family Fun

Edinburgh, Midlothian__Edinburghshire, Scotland Central & Stirling

Recommendation added: 26/05/2006 15:57
By: HighHopes (YSUK rating +42)

HighHopes has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"Edinburgh is a seaside city though it's not necessarily thought of in such a manner. However, a trip to Portobello Beach will soon remind you that Edinburgh has far more than a castle on offer.

Portobello is on the Eastern side of Edinburgh which lies on the Eastern Coast of Scotland. It was an independent city until 1896 when it became incorporated into the City of Edinburgh. In the past Portobello would have been important for shipping purposes as ships must pass Portobello on their way to the harbour in Leith. Indeed, when you visit the beach will often see several large ships in the distant waters.

Today however, it is mainly a relaxing and enjoyable family attraction. While it's promenade is not as bustling or as well lit as Blackpool's it is still very enjoyable, more relaxing and infinitely less expensive.

Portobello Beach has a long stretch of sandy beach only interupted by a few breakwaters. Along the beach you'll find the Portobello Leisure Centre which offers Turkish Baths, Creche, Cafe, Swimming Pool, a fitness room and more. Also important to note is that their toilets are ok to use without charge and are the only toilets available at the Northern end of the beach.

The beach is so large that even on a busy day it does not seem overcrowded. There is a very obvious tidal mark so you know where it's 'safe' to situate yourself. A few areas have rivulets that form as the tide comes in and these are a safe place for the kids to play in water that isn't quite so cold. The water here will remain fairly cold most the year round but on a very hot day it is very refreshing to just splash about in it up to your knees. Heartier souls than myself have been seen to enjoy a proper swim and still live to tell the tale!

If the swimming or sunbathing isn't your cup of tea or you've become bored with it you can walk further along the promenade you will discover Fun Park Arcade and Amusments. This is an absolute godsend if the weather turns. As you walk inside you'll find a small cafe along with your standard assortment of arcade games and the grab and win games, some of which offer a guaranteed prize each time. Upstairs there are fruit machines and pool tables, this is a restricted area for adults only.

If you venture further back you will find, to your children's delight a brightly lit indoor 'show'. There is a kiddy ride with cars, fire engines etc for only 50p per go. There is a dodgem ride for only £1 per CAR which easily seats 2 so a real bargain compared to the shows. Also available is a kiddy area for riding 'motor bikes', air hockey, more arcade games and a small but fully function 10 pin bowling alley!

In this area of Fun Park you will also find toilets including disabled access facilities. My only warning to you is that they aren't top notch. The toilets themselves are clean but the room is dark, paint is peeling and you'll find cigarette burns all over the seats, still, it's not like the toilet in Trainspotting so they'll do in an emergency!

A family could have a grand time in Fun Park alone for £10-20. But this amusement centre combined with the beach are a superb combination. But, there's even more!

A few steps further along the promenade you'll find another amusement centre. This establishment is geared more towards adults with mainly adult video games and fruit machines. They also offer prize bingo but only a few kid's games as well as a few small rides outside (the kind you find at the supermarket). However, the one thing they do have that is superior to Fun Park is cleaner toilets! They also have a Wimpy's restaurant that serves both inside and beachside.

Oddly enough, the prices here don't seem to be overly inflated. It's your standard burger restaurant fare but they also sell soft serve ice cream cones to please the kids and there is a long wall that you can sit on when you eat your lunch.

Further South along the promenade you'll see Portobello School. It is a tall impressive red sandstone building with large windows looking out to sea. I dare say this must be very distracting on a warm day! At the back of the school there is a playpark which opens only onto the promenade. It's a lovely park with a good variety and quantity of play equipment plus two benches for weary adults.

If you still have the energy to walk even further south you will be well rewarded by coming upon a delightful chippy. If you've seen people wandering about with proper ice cream cones this is where they've been. This chip shop not only offers a selection of at least 6 flavours of ice cream (sometimes more) but they also sell kites, beach toys, sun block and disposable cameras as well as standard chip shop fare. If you do get ice cream here I highly recommend the rum raisin!

So, now you're probably wondering how to get to Portobello Beach. Well, if you are driving you would go via Leith following signs for Portobello. On Portobello Road you will find plenty of sidestreets where you can park your car and simply walk down to the beach.

If you're coming by bus you can take the 12, 26, 49 Lothian Bus to Portobello High Street opposite the community centre and simply head down a side street straight to the beach.

Your kids probably won't want to leave, mine never do, so I'd recommend planning on spending the entire day at the beach. And one further thing, don't forget your camera, you'll regret it if you do! I can't recommend this beach highly enough, it is unprentious, relaxed and a lot of fun for very little money, perfect for a family day trip."