Edinburgh’s famous beach, with a mile long stretch of sand, is just a short bus ride from the city centre. In its heyday, at the end of the 19th century Portobello was a major resort, with a pier, bathing machines, donkey rides, open air heated swimming pool, lido, and funfair. A friendly place today, with great views across the Firth of Forth to Fife, the beach boasts a long promenade, with cafes, fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, amusement arcades and pubs nearby. The prominent wooden groynes were built to help prevent erosion of the beach. Car parking nearby, with public toilets on the promenade. Dog friendly. Seaside award.