Forth Bridge – UNESCO Trip Planning & Advice

The Forth Bridge is recognisable all over the world. It has three distinct sections stretching across the Firth of Forth made from red steel and millions of rivets.

Standing at one of the viewpoints today, you can see the evolution of engineering through the three side-by-side bridges.

Map of The Forth Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stretching between Fife and Edinburgh, over the Firth of Forth.

Three boats sail along the Firth of Forth, the Forth Road Bridge and Forth Bridge behind

The houses of North Queensferry under the Forth Bridge

A close up of the Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge at sunset

The Queensferry Crossing, Forth Road Bridge and Forth Bridge at night

The Forth Bridge seen from South Queensferry High Street

Two cyclists on a dirt path amongst the trees

A couple on the access pier, the Maid of the Forth tour boat sitting behind them

What makes it special

For its engineering and innovative use of technology.
First major structure to be built from mild steel which is cost-effective, reliable and still popular today.

Forth Bridge in numbers

The bridge is:

100 metres tall (328 feet)
2,529 metres long (8,296 feet)

It's used by:

200 trains cross every day
Travelling at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h)

It was built with:

50,000 tonnes of mild steel
6,000,000 rivets
And 6% of the steel was recycled

It will last for ever if you look after it.”

Sir William Arrol

Die Geschichte der Forth Bridge

Learn more about the history of this iconic bridge.

What you see today is not the original design.
The Tay Bridge rail disaster in 1879 saw the bridge over the Firth of Tay collapse.
The creator, Sir Thomas Bouch had just started work on the Forth Bridge.
New designs were invited – looking for strength and safety to help reassure future passengers.
Existing bridge was picked for the elegance and rigidity of the cantilever design which used mild steel on an unprecedented scale.
The men who built the bridge were known as the ‘briggers’.

TIMELINE

1890 - Forth Bridge opened

1964 - Forth Road Bridge opened

2015 - Forth Bridge given UNESCO World Heritage Site status

2017 - Queensferry Crossing opened

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s been a tourist attraction since its construction.

WANT TO READ MORE?

Check out The Briggers by Elspeth Willis, the story of the men who built the bridge.

The world's smallest working light tower in North Queensferry in silhouette against the Forth Bridge

North Queensferry harbour light tower

Local attractions & experiences

There are several viewpoints on both sides of the Firth of Forth.

Nearby towns

Support local businesses

These Green Tourism businesses are assessed on everything from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold.

We want Scotland's UNESCO Trail to be an opportunity to explore the country in a sustainable and responsible way.

Exclusive Use

Dundas Castle

Dundas Castle is one of Scotland's most beautiful and historic castles. Now an officially recognised 5 Star Exclusive…

Churches, Cathedrals & Abbeys

Inchcolm Abbey

Inchcolm Abbey was established on this island originally as a priory by David I in 1140. It is the best-preserved group…

Best in class

We've highlighted some of the best sustainable businesses around the Forth Bridge.

The Forth Bridge Heritage Centre

Delve into the history of this incredible structure at this engrossing wee museum run by the North Queensferry Heritage Trust. Unearth a treasure trove of memorabilia relating to the bridge and its construction inside this former Victorian railway station waiting room.

A couple take a selfie while on a cruise with Maid of the Forth with South Queensferry in the background

Three Bridges Bus & Boat Tour

Starting from Edinburgh, this combined bus and boat tour takes you right through the city and out to Queensferry on a double-decker sightseeing bus. You'll arrive at Hawes Pier where you can cruise with Forth Boat Tours for amazing views of the bridges. One ticket covers it all, or add in a landing at Inchcolm Island as well.

A bike sitting on a pier, the Forth Bridge in the background

Tartan Bicycle Company

This tour company offers guided and self-guided tours to and around the Forth Bridge area. It also offers a fleet of top-of-the-range hybrid and electric pedal assisted bikes for hire. Bespoke tours can also be organised.

Looking along the length of the Forth Brdige from the shore

A close up of the Flying Scotsman coming off the Forth Bridge and into the station

A couple strolling through the seaside town of South Queensferry, with Brightly coloured houses, boutique shops and local businesses.

The pebble shore at Society Point, the sunset in the background

The lifeboat station building under the Forth Bridge in Queensferry

The town of South Queensferry viewed from the water on the Firth of Forth

Looking at the Queensferry Crossing from the pier

How to Visit

There are several ways to get to the Forth Bridge and explore the local area.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

TRAIN

Take the train to North Queensferry or Dalmeny, then walk down to the waterfront.

Live times and tickets from Scotrail

BUS

Bus services to and across the Forth Bridges are provided by Stagecoach, Scottish Citylink, First Scotland and Lothian Buses.

Public transport to the Forth Bridges

ON FOOT

Walk or cycle over the Forth Road Bridge using the network of paths.

Maps of walking & cycling at the Forth Bridges

BY CAR

Private cars now travel over the Queensferry Crossing between Edinburgh & The Lothians and Fife.

Maps of the bridge for driving to the Forth Bridges

Find live traffic information with Traffic Scotland

Two cyclists heading along the shore, the Forth Bridge in the background

Cycling over the Forth Road Bridge

Journeys

View all Journeys

The buildings around the cobbled Royal Mile, lit up in red and blue colours at night

Discover & Explore the UNESCO Sites of Central East Scotland

To arrive in the east of Scotland from most places in the UK, it’s a simple case of hopping on a train from the nearest station and arriving in Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. There’s also Edinburgh Airport with connections to international hubs across the UK and Europe. From here, reach Dundee by train, or make use of excellent rail, bus, and cycle networks to explore the wider region. Find practical advice and tips on getting around the cities and the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attractions, accommodation, and places to eat.

View Journey

Learn more about UNESCO

There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.

Learn more about UNESCO

The Forth Bridge works through UNESCO to build sustainable relationships with other sites across the world, such as Geelong in Australia.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Every UNESCO designation tries to include the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their work.

WHAT ARE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)?

An urgent call for action from a global partnership of countries.

Recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations comes from strategies to:

improve health and education
reduce inequality
encourage economic growth
tackle climate change

Check out all the UN Sustainable Development Goals

A close up of the steel within the Forth Bridge

Forth Bridge's Sustainable Development Goals

Here’s how the Forth Bridge is working towards three of the goals.

Goal 3

Good Health & Wellbeing

The Forth Bridge helps promote healthy travel and exercise.

Goal 4

Quality Education

The Forth Bridge provides digital education modules ‘GoForth’ which are available via Education Scotland’s Glow Connect platform to all schools in Scotland. It is an inspiring educational resource which offers particular relevance to STEM subjects.

Goal 8

Decent work & economic growth

The Forth Bridge, together with the neighbouring Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing, is a tourism destination close to Edinburgh which aspires to encourage sustainable tourism and benefit adjacent communities on both sides of the Forth.