With a winning blend of historic fishing village atmosphere, plentiful modern amenities, great transport links and lush green spaces, Newhaven is an ideal location to call home.
Situated on the Firth of Forth to the north and bordered by Ferry Road at Victoria Park to the south, the area extends beyond its village centre to Lindsay Road’s Pride Bridge to the east and the shoreline boardwalk at Trinity Road to the west.
Newhaven was custom built in 1504 by King James IV as a port in which to construct his Great Michael warship – the largest ship in the world, at the time. From the 1600s to the 1900s Newhaven’s oyster beds were legendary with up to 30 million landed annually and its rich fishing heritage saw the Newhaven fleet involved in the whaling industry, now immortalised in the cobbled Whale Brae at the north end of Newhaven Road.
The area is well connected by public transport, offering easy access to the city centre, with the tram terminus at Newhaven providing a direct link to Waverley Station and Edinburgh Airport.
Excellent local primary schools include Victoria Primary School and Holy Cross RC Primary School while Newhaven is in the catchment area for Trinity Academy and St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School and within easy reach of many private schools such as Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools, Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College. Pre-schoolers are catered for at Busy Bees Newhaven and Bonnington House Nursery.
Its picture-perfect harbour area with striking lighthouse, pretty fishing boats and sensational sunsets is the gateway for scenic walks along the western breakwater, while the National Cycle Route 75 begins at Lindsay Road and extends as far as Glasgow.
The waterfront area is also home to David Lloyd Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour health club – with its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym and tennis courts – while Alien Rock Climbing Centre, which caters for all ages, is based in a converted church by the harbour.
Green spaces abound in the shape of Victoria Park – offering children’s play areas, an all-weather football pitch, tennis and basketball courts – and Starbank Park with its rose gardens, spring cherry blossoms, Hans Christian Anderson themed story trail and little libraries for children. Its eponymous flowerbed slope is a much-loved location for Easter egg rolling!
The Water of Leith Walkway – a 13-mile route beside the river bisecting the city which runs from the Shore to Balerno – is popular for walkers, runners and cyclists. Rich in wildlife and home to sculptor Antony Gormely’s 6 Times series of iron figures, it can be accessed from Newhaven Road.
Diners are spoilt for choice with The Fishmarket, El Castillo, Pier House, Rishi’s and newcomer Norah by the harbour. Cafe culture thrives in The Haven, La Cime and Porto & Fi, while the Starbank Inn, Old Chain Pier, Harbour Inn and the Dreadnought – a real ale treasure – are pub favourites. The area is also a short stroll from Leith’s three Michelin star restaurants – The Kitchin, Heron and Martin Wishart – while latest entries to the Michelin Guide Barry Fish, on the Shore, and Dùthchas in Great Junction Street are close by.
There’s a 24-hour Asda and Welch Fishmongers by the harbour with a Tesco Express at nearby Ocean Terminal which also features a Boots, H&M, HMV, Vue cinema and a variety of food outlets. Recently opened Dogstar restaurant and Port Of Leith Distillery, with its scenic bar, can also be found by the shopping mall.
Housing is a mix of period fishing cottages on the Main Street – their forestairs leading to accommodation and lower floors historically used for storing nets – and traditional tenement flats to substantial Victorian villas and sought-after modern apartments, many with breathtaking sea views.
Newhaven is an ideal place to live for those looking for a small-town vibe mixed with a strong sense of community, blending history with modern amenities in a tranquil location close to the city centre.
A broad range of primary and secondary state and private schools are close by including Flora Stevenson, Fettes College, Broughton High, Erskine Stewart Melville, St George’s and the Edinburgh Academy.
With its friendly vibe, walkability to the city centre, plentiful amenities, desirable mix of housing and easy access to major road networks, Craigleith ticks all the boxes as an ideal location.
For families, young professionals and those looking to downsize, check out our latest property listing in this area.