South Queensferry, United Kingdom

Eight miles northwest of Edinburgh city centre is the small town of SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, located at the southern end of the two mighty Forth Bridges. It's an attractive old settlement, with a narrow, cobbled High Street lined with tightly packed buildings, most of which date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The town's small museum, 53 High St (Mon & Thurs– Sat 10am–1pm & 2.15–5pm, Sun noon–5pm; free), contains historical relics and information on the building of the two bridges that loom overhead.

South Queensferry has a couple of excellent spots to eat. AThe Boathouse (Tel:0131/331 5429) at 19b High St, houses a moderately expensive restaurant serving classy local seafood as well as a wine bar and deli; a few doors away at no. 17, Orocco Pier (Tel:0131/331 1298, Web: www.oroccopier.co.uk ) is more ostentatiously slick and contemporary, but is a good spot for a drink, some pleasant bistro food or a comfy bed for the night (Price: 91-110). Both spots have great views over the water to the bridges.