Discover the captivating history of South Queensferry through a self-guided audio tour. Enjoy the town’s strategic location, where an ancient crossing point has stood for centuries. Gaze upon the iconic Forth bridges, engineering marvels that have shaped the area’s development. Explore the medieval architecture of the Priory of St. Mary and uncover the fortifications of Inchgarvie Island. As you stroll the charming streets, the tour’s turn-by-turn directions and offline access allow you to uncover Queensferry’s captivating past at your own pace. What secrets will you uncover in this historic Scottish town?
Key Points
- This self-guided audio tour allows visitors to explore the historic sights of South Queensferry, including the Forth Bridges and landmarks like the Priory and Inchgarvie Island.
- The tour highlights the UNESCO-listed Forth Railway Bridge, the former longest suspension bridge in Europe (Forth Road Bridge), and the modern Queensferry Crossing.
- Visitors can learn about the town’s medieval history, with the Priory of St. Mary of Mount Carmel and the fortified Inchgarvie Island as key attractions.
- The tour covers 17th-century landmarks like the Tolbooth and Plewlands House, providing insights into the social and economic dynamics of historic South Queensferry.
- The tour utilizes the VoiceMap app, allowing for offline access and turn-by-turn directions, making it a convenient self-guided experience.
Tour Overview
The self-guided audio tour of historic South Queensferry invites visitors to explore the town’s ancient crossing point, medieval Priory, 17th century dwellings, and 19th century harbor over the course of an hour.
Travelers can access the tour’s content before, during, and after booking, allowing them to plan their visit and revisit the experience later.
The tour highlights the Forth Railway Bridge UNESCO site, the once-longest Forth Road Bridge suspension, and the remarkable Queensferry Crossing.
Participants will also discover the Hawes Inn, Inchgarvie Island’s ancient fortifications, and the UK’s oldest Carmelite church still in operation.
With the VoiceMap app, visitors can download the tour for offline access and follow turn-by-turn directions along the set route.
Highlights of the Tour
Spanning the scenic Firth of Forth, the iconic Forth Railway Bridge stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its immense steel cantilevers a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
Nearby, the Forth Road Bridge once held the title of the longest suspension bridge in Europe.
Today, the Queensferry Crossing, which connects the north and south shores, boasts three unusual records – the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge, the tallest bridge towers in the UK, and the longest free-standing balanced cantilever.
Visitors can also explore the historic Hawes Inn, which was frequented by the renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson, and discover the ancient fortifications of Inchgarvie Island, which have guarded the vital river crossing for over a millennium.
Exploring the Forth Bridges
Towering above the scenic Firth of Forth, the iconic Forth Railway Bridge stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering prowess, its immense steel cantilevers captivating visitors with their sheer scale and architectural grandeur. Alongside this marvel is the Forth Road Bridge, once the longest suspension bridge in Europe, and the recently completed Queensferry Crossing, a record-breaking bridge with three unique features. These three bridges form an awe-inspiring trio, each with its own distinct character and historical significance.
| Bridge | Completed | Length (meters) | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forth Railway | 1890 | 2,467 | Iconic 19th century engineering feat |
| Forth Road | 1964 | 1,006 | Longest suspension bridge in Europe at completion |
| Queensferry | 2017 | 1,335 | Tallest bridge towers in the UK, longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge, and deepest cable anchorages |
Historical Landmarks in Queensferry
Beyond the grand bridges, South Queensferry’s streets are dotted with a wealth of historical landmarks that reveal the town’s captivating past.
The Hawes Inn, frequented by literary great Robert Louis Stevenson, stands as a testament to the town’s long-standing role as an important crossing point.
Nearby, the Priory of St. Mary of Mount Carmel, the UK’s oldest continuously operating Carmelite church, serves as a solemn reminder of the region’s deep religious heritage.
Venture further, and you’ll discover the fortified Inchgarvie Island, home to over 1,000 years of history.
From the ancient tolbooth to the charming 17th-century dwellings, each landmark offers a glimpse into South Queensferry’s rich past, inviting visitors to step back in time.
Visiting the Priory of St. Mary
Visitors to South Queensferry can’t miss the striking Priory of St. Mary of Mount Carmel, the UK’s oldest continuously operating Carmelite church, which has stood as a testament to the region’s deep religious heritage for centuries.
Stepping inside the Priory, guests are transported back in time, marveling at its impressive medieval architecture, including a 15th century bell tower, as well as its exquisite stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
The Priory has a rich history as a hub of spiritual devotion and community life, and has played a key role as a site along the ancient pilgrim route to St. Andrews.
To this day, the Priory continues to be used for worship and community events, offering a captivating window into Queensferry’s past and the enduring importance of faith in this historic Scottish town.
Discovering Inchgarvie Island
Tucked away in the Firth of Forth, Inchgarvie Island boasts a rich, storied past, its fortified ruins hinting at centuries of strategic importance along this vital waterway.
Guarding the ancient crossing point between South Queensferry and the north, the island has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, from early Pictish settlements to medieval strongholds and modern-day navigation aids.
Visitors can explore the island’s ruins, which include the remains of a 12th-century castle and defensive structures built to guard against invaders.
Today, the island is home to a lighthouse and navigational buoys, a testament to its enduring role in guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Firth.
Inchgarvie’s compelling history and scenic setting make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring South Queensferry.
Learning About Old Tolbooth and Plewlands House
In the heart of South Queensferry, the old Tolbooth and Plewlands House stand as enduring monuments to the town’s rich history.
The Tolbooth, a former town hall and courthouse, dates back to the 17th century and offers a glimpse into the judicial and administrative workings of this historic burgh. Nearby, Plewlands House, a grand 17th-century mansion, provides a testament to the wealth and stature of the town’s elite during the period.
The Tolbooth and Plewlands House offer visitors a chance to:
- Explore the Tolbooth’s well-preserved architecture and learn about its role in South Queensferry’s governance
- Admire the ornate features and grand scale of Plewlands House
- Gain insight into the social and economic dynamics of 17th-century South Queensferry
- Imagine the daily lives and activities that once took place within these historic buildings
- Appreciate the enduring legacy of these remarkable structures in the town’s development.
Tour Requirements and Access
To embark on the self-guided tour of historic South Queensferry, travelers must first download the VoiceMap app and access the tour content. This allows them to follow the set route and turn-by-turn directions through the town’s captivating landmarks and historical sites.
The tour includes lifetime access to the audio content in English, which can be accessed before, during, and after booking. Offline access to the maps, audio, and geodata is also provided, ensuring a seamless experience even in areas with limited connectivity.
Once the tour is downloaded, visitors can explore the Forth Railway Bridge UNESCO site, the Forth Road Bridge, the Queensferry Crossing, and other notable attractions at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?
The tour has a duration of 1 hour, according to the information provided. It’s a self-guided audio tour that allows visitors to explore the historic town of South Queensferry at their own pace.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. While the audio content can be downloaded, the self-guided route involves navigating some uneven terrain and stairs. Visitors should consider their physical abilities before booking.
Can the Tour Be Accessed in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is only available in English at this time. However, the VoiceMap app used for the tour supports multiple languages, so the tour could potentially be translated and made available in other languages in the future if the tour provider chooses to do so.
What Is the Cost of the Tour?
The self-guided audio tour of historic South Queensferry is priced at a lifetime access for an unspecified fee. Customers can access the tour’s content in English before, during, and after booking through the VoiceMap app.
Is There a Guided Option Available for the Tour?
No, there is no guided option available for this tour. It is explicitly described as a self-guided audio tour, where visitors use the VoiceMap app to access the content and follow the set route at their own pace.
Recap
The self-guided audio tour of historic South Queensferry offers an immersive journey through the town’s captivating past.
Travelers can uncover the area’s engineering marvels, from the iconic Forth Bridges to the fortifications of Inchgarvie Island.
With offline access and turn-by-turn directions, visitors can explore at their own pace, discovering the town’s medieval Priory, 17th-century dwellings, and 19th-century harbor, all while learning about Queensferry’s strategic location and its role in Scotland’s history.
