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A coastal suburb just 15 minutes away from a major Scots city should be immediately added to your autumn travel bucket list. Despite the current nip in the air, a seaside walk is always a fantastic way to blow off the cobwebs, and nothing can top those scenic views across the water . I recently enjoyed a sunny yet cold day in Portobello, near Edinburgh , and I'm surprised that I hadn't visited sooner. With a high street teeming with independent retailers, delicious food, and excellent public transport connections, it's truly the ideal spot if you're looking for something a bit more off the beaten path. A 15-minute bus ride from the city centre dropped us right in the heart of the town, and it was instantly apparent that this place was unique. Of course, our first port of call was a walk along the seafront. The weather was lovely and bright but cold, however it was actually quite invigorating after the hour-long train journey from Glasgow. Portobello's beach stretches for two miles, boasting a Victorian-style promenade and views over the Firth of Forth. Given it was a sunny Sunday morning, it was quite busy , with plenty families out for a stroll and dogs joyfully running across the sand, reports the Express . The first thing that struck me about the beach was its cleanliness. It's evident that the locals of Portobello, or 'Porty' as it's fondly referred to, take immense pride in their environment. I regret not visiting during the summer months, as I can see this being a fantastic place for sunbathing and perhaps even taking a dip in the sea. Last year, Portobello was named the second-best coastal town in the UK by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach has also been awarded by Keep Scotland Beautiful, which clearly shows how popular it is. After a stroll along the beach, we felt hungry. The seafront at Portobello beach is lined with plenty eateries and pubs, ranging from enormous pizza slices at Civerino's to brunch and coffee at The Beach House. Many of these places offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine practically on the beach, and it was lovely to see so many people doing just that. We chose to visit Shrimp Wreck, a seafood joint with a small yet deliicous menu. This street food stall gained recognition on BBC's My Million Pound Menu and is famous for its fish finger sandwiches, which earned it a finalist position in the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017. Naturally, this is what I ordered, and I can understand the hype. Battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and the best chips I've ever tasted, all in a soft roll, was probably the messiest thing I could have eaten, but I have no regrets. Then it was time to properly explore the high street where the bus had dropped us off. It's located just behind the promenade, and although it wasn't as busy as the beach itself, there were still plenty of people wandering around - and crucially, plenty of shops open too. One of the highlights for me was The Portobello Bookshop, a charming independent bookshop stacked full of novels, cookbooks and so much more. The space was bright, cosy and welcoming, and the kind of place that you could spend ages browsing and not get bored. They also hold events, such as Q+A's with authors, so worth checking out what's on if you're planning a visit there. Cove is another must-visit if you're a fan of a gift shop. This one was brimming with all the trinkets you could ever want, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, as well as lovely cards and delicious-looking chocolate bars too. The high street of Portobello might not be the biggest but it's definitely one of the most charming I've seen. There are more food and drinks places here, as well as pubs and even an Aldi, so you're not going to run out of options quickly. One spot we didn't manage to explore, which I'm eager to return for, is the swim centre. Nestled in Portobello, you'll discover a genuine Victorian Turkish bath, one of only 11 in the UK, along with a gym and fitness studio - this is certainly on my list for the next visit. If you've never ventured to Portobello, it truly is the ideal location for a weekend getaway - even in the chillier weather. Its proximity to the lively city of Edinburgh makes it perfect if you're seeking a break from urban life, offering the chance to unwind by the water while enjoying some good food and drink.
