Description. Situated in the River Forth, Inchcolm Island is a hidden treasure of marine wildlife and religious history. There are toilet facilities on Inchcolm and a small gift shop and exhibition We drove to the ferry landing from downtown Edinburgh which took about 20 min. Walk to both ends of the island after visiting the abbey. Highly recommend this tour! more, This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, Ways to Experience Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Castles, Architectural Buildings, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Sites, Castles. Inchcolm lies in the Firth of Forth off the south coast of Fife opposite Braefoot Bay, east of the Forth Bridge, south of Aberdour, Fife, and north of the City of Edinburgh.It is separated from the Fife mainland by a stretch of water known as Mortimer's Deep. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Cost per adult: Isle of May … Hi! Once you have admired the elegant red struts of the Forth Bridge and the wildlife and the choppy ride, you will be deposited on Inchcolm Island and marooned there. The maid of the forth (ferry) also had a small cafe on board for beer, warm drinks and small snacks. The name of the isle is from the Gaelic "Innis Choluim", meaning Columba's Island, as it was the site of early heritages and later a monastery inspired by St Columba. The Forth Belle departs from Hawes Pier, and you can take a sail on the Forth for views to Fife, Edinburgh and the 3 Forth Bridges, or opt to pay a small additional fee to Historic Scotland to land on Inchcolm Island to explore the historic Inchcolm Abbey, wartime fortifications and to see wildlife on and around the island. Inchcolm (from the Scottish Gaelic Innis Choluim, meaning Columba's Island) is an island in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. We spent an unforgettable 3 hours on the island and, before we knew it, we had to head backnto the mainland - we will be back as we did not get to see everything on this remarkable island. View the stunning Inchcolm Island and the medieval abbey, known as the Iona of the east. The island is also famed for its seals and other wildlife, … It is located 4 miles east of the Forth Bridge, 1 mile from the Fife coast near Aberdour and just 6 miles as the crow flies from Edinburgh City Centre (Google map link here).. Lots of grey seals and birds to see as well. Ways to Experience Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Castles, Architectural Buildings, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Sites, Castles. Thank you again for taking the time to leave your invaluable feedback. Definitely value for money for both the boat trip and island tour. Walk to both ends of the island after visiting the abbey. There is a bathroom on the ferry. The boat ride is fun, you experience a greta feeling of escape for a day... Got the ferry out to Inchcolm island.Then you have about an hour and a half to explore the island by yourself..The Abbey is the main attraction and it is very interesting roaming about.You need to wear practical clothing as the terrain is hilly in places.Lots of seals and birds to watch up close. Today, she is home to thousands…of birds. In Partnership with: Read our update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) here. Inchgarvie was armed early in the 20th century. However, watching them from a distance can be really amusing. We only stop at Inchcolm on the final sailing to collect passengers. Inchcolm is also a great place just to sit on one of the two beaches, relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the Edinburgh skyline. Getting there by ferry:- From Hawes Peir, South Queensferry sailing to the island … It’s home to over 150,000 gannets during the breeding season, plus many other seabirds and wildlife. Highly recommend this tour! We have several different options for our full day sailing trips. Once everyone is feeling confident that they can make the boat go forwards and turn, we will head out on our journey to the Island of Inchcolm - home to the famous Inchcolm Abbey. There are public washrooms across the street but beware they were quite dirty when we were there. She died here in 734 and legend has it that a nunnery was established right here. Hand sanitiser available on entering boat. These were put in place to protect Rosyth naval base, the Forth Bridge and Edinburgh. An island boasting wildlife, history and little human disruption is an island worth seeing. Isle of May, Bass Rock and Inchcolm Island by boat. You need to wear practical clothing as the terrain is hilly in places. Only Inchcolm was fortified during the Napoleonic wars. The Abbey is the main attraction and it is very interesting roaming about. Take a picnic and have an adventure, explore the ruins and enjoy a great walk around the island. Lots of seals and birds to watch up close. All International customers: to arrange purchase and delivery, please email Take a picnic and have an adventure, explore the ruins and enjoy a great walk around the island. Much later, long after monastic life had ended, Sir Walter Scott revived the island’s popularity. Paid extra to spend 1 1/2 hours on Inchcolm Island. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There are public washrooms across the street but beware they were quite dirty when we were there. Friendly in boat staff who greeted on arrival. Got the ferry out to Inchcolm island. Inchcolm island is a beautiful place to go to once your there you can't wait to go back. Once we had arrived at the island we disembarked and had ninety minutes to explore the abbey and it’s shores. It’s home to over 150,000 gannets during the breeding season, plus many other seabirds and wildlife. The Island is great to spot lots of wildlife, including birds and seals- we are glad you were lucky to spots some of the seals around! We spotted a variety of gulls, razorbills and eiders nesting, all making this secluded spot home whilst they sat on nests. In the early 8th century, an Irish missionary, St Kentigerna settled on the island. Inchcolm now … The Island is also a haven for wildlife and is well-known for its wartime coastal defences. The Abbey is the main attraction and it is very interesting roaming about. You can view the rock from North Berwick, a lovely seaside town around a 40-minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Lovely walks with the dogs. Overview. Historic Sea Kayak to Inchcolm Island. Your cruise includes a 1½ hour landing on Inchcolm Island. more. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Once you have admired the elegant red struts of the Forth Bridge and the wildlife and the choppy ride, you will be deposited on Inchcolm Island and marooned there. Overview Escape the city and see some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sights on a boat cruise that takes you to Inchcolm Island, home to both a medieval abbey and a colony of sea lions and seals. The Firth of Forth, separating Edinburgh and the Lothians from Fife, is well known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery, and is … Inchcolm Harbour. The maid of the forth (ferry) also had a small cafe on board for beer, warm drinks and small snacks. The landing on the island of 1.5 hours was a perfect amount of time to see everything. This small island, which lies in the Forth, has a rich history and lots of wildlife. Will definitely be taking grandkids in the summer. The island is gorgeous, we were really lucky with the weather and could have stayed a lot longer then 2 hrs. As well as escaping the crowds on land, you’ll bag the best views of the famous Three Bridges. On the way home you see the bridges up close. On the days where taster and half day trips are also on the calendar, your full day trip will do one sail in the morning and one sail in the afternoon, with a … Didn’t I tell you that Inchcolm Island is packing facts? Lots of grey seals and birds to see as well. Well behaved dogs are welcome on both the boat and the island, but must be kept on a lead on the island to protect the abundant wildlife. The west end of the island is home to a large colony of seagulls and fulmars. Please note that the last sailing of the day does NOT allow for a stopover on Inchcolm Island. Isle of May. Category:Historic building, Historic site, Island, Military, Religious site Suitable for ages: 5to 10 years, 11 to 18 years, 18+ years, 65+ years Ideal for:Couples, Families, Groups, Solo travellers I rate it:9 out of 10 Read more about us here. I really wanted to see the puffins, and we thought exploring the island would be a pleasant way to spend a morning. Going back again can't wait. Felt very Covid secure. ... Sea Kayak with Scottish Wildlife. (There is … The island is also famed for its seals and other wildlife, and its coastal defences from the two World Wars. Inchcolm is an island in the Firth of Forth belonging to Fife. Went with one infant and two dogs. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Amazing day out. On the way home you see the bridges up close. The beach is great, perhaps a little too much bird poo to let the child crawl on the grass but overall such a lovely island, it is definitely worth a visit!On the way back we even saw some seals on the boyes. The staff on the Maid of the Forth were really helpful, helping us with the pram on and off. Went with one infant and two dogs. Our todder loved exploring the abbey on our fingers and we were impressed how well it is presereved. There was plenty of free parking along the water. Then you have about an hour and a half to explore the island by yourself.. Inchcolm island is a beautiful place to go to once your there you can't wait to go back. Overview Set sail for a very special island in the Firth of Forth – home to the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The staff on the Maid of the Forth were really helpful, helping us with the pram on and off. Getting there by railway:- A short walk to the jetty in South Queensferry from Dalmeny Station. There was plenty of free parking along the water. Walks are easy and marked. The beach is great, perhaps a little too much bird poo to let the child crawl on the grass but overall such a lovely island, it is definitely worth a visit!On the way back we even saw some seals on the boyes. The Wildlife of Inchcolm: A Comprehensive Record of the Birds, Mammals and Plants Associated with This Picturesque Island in the Firth of Forth by Morris, Ron and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. The beautiful and historic Inchcolm Island and Abbey are situated in the Firth of Forth just 6 miles from Edinburgh city centre and is known as the ‘Iona of the East’. Bass Rock. What to see and do: Take in the abbey’s dramatic location – best seen from the boat as it docks at the island. View EBC Bridges & Islands – Full Day in a larger map. You can view the rock from North Berwick, a lovely seaside town around a 40-minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. UK customers ordering multiple items can contact us to arrange cheaper postage. The Bass Rock is a steep island of volcanic rock, which towers from the Firth of Forth, 100 metres high. As you cruise they play you info on what you are seeing. The island is also famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from the two world wars. Robert the Bruce sought solace at Inchmahome Priory and Mary Queen of Scots found safety here as a child.. Walter Comyn founded the priory for Augustinian canons around 1238. The landing on the island of 1.5 hours was a perfect amount of time to see everything. The Inchcolm gull crew are particularly aggressive, protective and downright terrifying. You need to wear practical clothing as the terrain is hilly in places. The views to give and Edinburgh are amazingly stunning the journey to the island is so relaxing and the history of the island is very interesting and the tour under the three bridges and the talk about thsm is amazing. We love to share stories of the quirky cultures and curious wildlife we've encountered around the world. Then you have about an hour and a half to explore the island by yourself.. There is a bathroom on the ferry. Lots of seals and birds to watch up close. Cross Scotland’s only lake to explore a peaceful, wooded island chosen as a monastic sanctuary. The island is gorgeous, we were really lucky with the weather and could have stayed a lot longer then 2 hrs. The Bass Rock is a steep island of volcanic rock, which towers from the Firth of Forth, 100 metres high. It was repeatedly attacked by English raiders during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was fortified during both World Wars to defend nearby Edinburgh. Our todder loved exploring the abbey on our fingers and we were impressed how well it is presereved. Things to do near Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Commonly searched for in South Queensferry, 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise, Ask Judy L about Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Ask Adventurer442862 about Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Ask greatscottishindoors about Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Ask Fiferto about Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Unmissable - Part of Forth Walking Tours & Maid of Forth experience, Ask GladiatorDelWino about Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Ask 1erinb about Inchcolm Abbey and Island, South Queensferry Hotels with Restaurants, Cheap Accommodations in South Queensferry, Hotels near Glenrothes with Thornton Station, Architectural Buildings in South Queensferry, Sacred & Religious Sites in South Queensferry, Points of Interest & Landmarks in South Queensferry, Churches & Cathedrals in South Queensferry, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in South Queensferry, Hiking & Camping Tours in South Queensferry, Nature & Wildlife Tours in South Queensferry, Historical & Heritage Tours in South Queensferry, Horseback Riding Tours in South Queensferry, Sports Camps & Clinics in South Queensferry, Boat Tours & Water Sports in South Queensferry, Gift & Specialty Shops in South Queensferry, Inchcolm Abbey and Island: Tickets & Tours‎. 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