Custom House Leith Edinburgh
A historic maritime building transformed into a vibrant arts venue, showcasing diverse exhibitions by local and international artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See temporary art installations
Custom House Leith Edinburgh
Best Time
See temporary art installations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic maritime building transformed into a vibrant arts venue, showcasing diverse exhibitions by local and international artists.
"A beautiful historic building in the heart of the shore in Leith where we had our ceremony for our wedding!"
🎯 Check Exhibition Dates
Exhibitions are often temporary, so confirm dates before you go!
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider public transport or check new store openings for options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hot Snakes Studio Exhibition
Gallery Spaces
Experience serious and silly, low brow and big brain art from six talented artists.
+1
Botanica Scotia Exhibition
Gallery Spaces
A slower walk-through of botanical art, showcasing heritage crops and illustrations.
Historic Leith Architecture
Exterior and surrounding area
Admire the beautiful historic building and imagine its bustling past as a working international port.
Planning Your Visit
Check Exhibition Schedules
+1Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Exhibition Dates
Exhibitions are often temporary, so confirm dates before you go!
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider public transport or check new store openings for options.
🎨 Art Lover's Paradise
Discover local and international artists in a stunning historic setting.
🌊 Waterfront Location
Enjoy the beautiful views and atmosphere by the Water of Leith.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Exhibition Dates
Exhibitions are often temporary, so confirm dates before you go!
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking can be difficult; consider public transport or check new store openings for options.
🎨 Art Lover's Paradise
Discover local and international artists in a stunning historic setting.
🌊 Waterfront Location
Enjoy the beautiful views and atmosphere by the Water of Leith.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Custom House Leith as a brilliant local arts venue with friendly and helpful staff, set in a beautiful historic building. Its fantastic location by the Water of Leith is a major draw, though parking can be a challenge. The gallery spaces are lovely, and the building's history adds to its charm.
"Very friendly and helpful staff. The historic building shows a few battle scars but the beautiful gallery spaces and fantastic location more than make up for this. We loved exhibiting here."
Mary Bourne
"A beautiful historic building in the heart of the shore in Leith where we had our ceremony for our wedding! We co-ordinated our day with Antonia, who was absolutely amazing! She was able to accommodate what we were looking for and supported us to make it happen. Very friendly and always available to meet up to plan. Her support on the day was invaluable!
Thank you so much!"
Ruben Vine
"Brilliant local arts venue, good people."
DE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Custom House is well-served by main bus routes in Edinburgh. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient options to reach the Shore area of Leith.
Parking directly at the Custom House can be difficult. Travelers suggest checking for parking options at nearby new retail developments, like the Aldi store opposite, though this may be for short periods.
Yes, it's located by the Water of Leith, making it accessible for a pleasant walk, especially if you're exploring the Leith waterfront.
The historic building has seen better days in some areas, but the gallery spaces are generally accessible. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information.
Many visitors combine a trip to the Custom House with exploring the Shore for food and drinks, or visiting nearby attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Custom House is typically free for general viewing of the building and its location. However, specific exhibitions or events may require paid tickets. It's best to check their official website for current information.
Opening hours can vary depending on current exhibitions and events. Always check the official Custom House Leith website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the Custom House frequently hosts a variety of art exhibitions, including temporary shows like the Hot Snakes Studio and Botanica Scotia. Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming events.
The Custom House is a popular venue for events, including ceremonies. Couples have found the staff, particularly Antonia, to be amazing and accommodating in planning their special day.
While the building itself is often free to access, specific art exhibitions might have an admission fee or suggest a donation. Check the details for the exhibition you wish to see.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You can expect a diverse range of art, from contemporary exhibitions like 'Hot Snakes Studio' featuring 'serious and silly, low brow and big brain' art, to detailed botanical illustrations.
The historic architecture of the building and its waterfront location offer great photographic opportunities. The art exhibitions themselves also provide visually interesting subjects.
It's described as a brilliant local arts venue with good people, offering a vibrant and engaging experience within a historic setting.
Absolutely! The building is steeped in history and it's easy to imagine its busy past as a working international port. It shows a few 'battle scars' that add to its character.
Nearby attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal, and the general waterfront area of Leith, known for its shops and restaurants.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Shore area of Leith, where the Custom House is located, is renowned for its excellent restaurants and eateries, offering a variety of dining options.
Leith offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional pubs to fine dining. Many visitors recommend enjoying lunch or dinner at The Shore.
The waterfront location of the Custom House and many restaurants along The Shore provide lovely views, enhancing the dining experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combining a visit with a trip to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is relatively close by, can create a fuller day out for families. The open spaces around the waterfront can also provide opportunities for children to stretch their legs.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+2Appreciate the unique setting where contemporary art meets historic architecture. The building's past as a working port adds a fascinating layer to the artistic experience. Be sure to check the exhibition schedule in advance, as many are temporary.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers to Leith
Its accessibility via public transport makes it a convenient stop. Remember to check for any ongoing exhibitions to maximize your cultural experience during your day trip.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Leith's Artistic Heart
+2These exhibitions offer visitors a chance to engage with contemporary art in a unique setting. The gallery spaces within the historic building provide a striking backdrop, allowing the art to shine. It's a testament to the building's adaptability, transitioning from its maritime past to a thriving cultural center. Checking the exhibition schedule before your visit is crucial to catch these often time-limited displays.
+1Beyond specific exhibitions, the Custom House itself is a point of interest. Its architecture tells a story of Leith's rich maritime history. Visitors often remark on the building's character, noting its 'battle scars' that hint at its past as a bustling international port. This blend of history and contemporary art makes the Custom House a compelling destination for culture enthusiasts.
Navigating Leith: Practicalities for Visitors
While direct parking at the Custom House is limited, travelers have noted that new retail developments, such as the Aldi store opposite, might offer short-term parking solutions. It's always advisable to verify these options upon arrival or check local parking regulations. The waterfront location also makes it a pleasant destination for those who prefer to walk or cycle.
For those with mobility concerns, while the historic nature of the building presents some challenges, the gallery spaces are generally accessible. It's recommended to contact the Custom House directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding accessibility to ensure a comfortable visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit