South Queensferry

Friday, 6:30pm

Check in at Dakota Edinburgh (Ferrymuir Retail Park, www. edinburgh.dakotahotels.co.uk and www.thehotelguru.com). Inside this black box you’ll find a cosy fauxindustrial interior, rooms with ultracomfy beds and posh linens, and an acclaimed grill restaurant. Couples’ package including DB &B costs £135 per night. Standard rate is £81.

8pm

Dinner at the hotel’s Dakota Bar and Grill, where the menu is big on surf and turf (from around £35).

Saturday, 10:30am

Marvel at the magnificent Georgian interiors of Hopetoun House (www. hopetoun.co.uk), designed by William Bruce and Robert Adam.

Midday

Lunch at Hopetoun House’s Stables Tearoom, where the sandwiches, cakes and scones are a cut above the average. Try the gravadlax. Expect to pay around £10 each.

1pm

Walk across the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry for great views of the Firth, the iconic railway bridge and the new bridge, the soon to open Queensferry Crossing.

3pm

Dive with sharks at Deep Sea World (www.deepsea world.com; Shark Encounter dives, £185).

8pm

Dinner at Samphire Seafood Bar and Grill (Orocco Pier, 17 The High Street, tel: 0870 118 1664, www.oroccopier. co.uk). Oysters (£19.95 for a dozen), lobster thermidor (£36.95) and the shellfish platter (£39.50) are the stars.

Sunday, 10am

Take a cruise on the Maid of the Forth to Inchcolm to see seals and seafowl and explore the ruins of Inchcolm Abbey (Hawes Pier, tel: 0131-331 5000, www.maidoftheforth.co.uk).

1pm

Lunch at The Boathouse (22 High Street, tel: 0131-331 5429, www. theboathouse-sq.co.uk) where dishes like pulled braised beef with Parma ham complement seafood (from £20).

3pm

Before heading home, visit the Queensferry Museum (www. edinburghmuseums.org.uk; free) to discover more of the local history. ■

Robin Gauldie