landmark
Edinburgh Zoo
Scotland's capital zoo home to the UK's only giant pandas and over 1,000 rare and endangered animals.
8 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Balerno
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Balerno
Balerno works well as a base: 10 minutes from Ratho, 12km from The Royal Mile.
Balerno is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 6,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Ratho, about 5 km away.
Balerno () is a village on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland situated 8 miles (13 kilometres) south-west of the city centre, next to Currie and then Juniper Green. Traditionally in the county of Midlothian it now administratively falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Edinburgh Council. The village lies atRead more
the confluence of the Water of Leith and the Bavelaw Burn. In the 18th and 19th century, the area was home to several mills using waterpower. In the 20th century, the mills closed and the village now forms a residential suburb of Edinburgh,
Where to Stay in Balerno
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Balerno?
Within an hour or so of Balerno: Edinburgh Zoo (8 km), Edinburgh Castle (11 km), National Museum of Scotland (12 km), The Bikers Cove (12 km).
Are there any good drives near Balerno?
The nearest famous roads are The Royal Mile, A68 Jedburgh to Edinburgh (Carter Bar) and College Valley.
Where is Balerno?
Balerno is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Ratho.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 6,000
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 55.8844, -3.3397
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Balerno
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Edinburgh Castle
Dramatic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, dominating the Edinburgh skyline for over 900 years.
11 km · about 20 min drive
museum
National Museum of Scotland
A stunning Victorian and modern building housing diverse collections from Scottish history to world cultures and natural science.
12 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
The Bikers Cove
A waterfront biker cafe in South Queensferry beneath the iconic Forth bridges, offering stunning views and a warm welcome to riders.
12 km · about 25 min drive
historic highway
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
12 km · about 25 min drive
cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh with its distinctive crown spire, mother church of Presbyterianism on the Royal Mile.
12 km · about 20 min drive
cathedral
Rosslyn Chapel
A 15th-century chapel of astonishing carved stonework near Edinburgh, made famous by The Da Vinci Code.
12 km · about 20 min drive
film location
Rosslyn Chapel (The Da Vinci Code)
The intricately carved 15th-century chapel south of Edinburgh is the film's final destination.
12 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Balerno
6 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 100km.
- Right hereThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
- Right hereArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
- Right hereCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
- Right hereQueensferry CrossingThe world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
Nearby Destinations
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