Ocean Terminal

Ocean Terminal is a waterfront shopping centre on Ocean Drive in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, alongside the Port of Leith, with the former Royal Yacht Britannia moored beside it as a visitor attraction. The centre is a conventional enclosed mall with high-street shops, a cinema and a range of restaurants and cafes, many with views over the water. It is not a source of local crafts: the brand mix is mainstream fashion, homeware, health and beauty and gifts, so visitors seeking Scottish specialities are better served by the Old Town or the weekend markets. Its advantage is the setting and the combination with Britannia, which makes it a convenient stop after touring the yacht. Prices are standard high-street levels and fixed, bargaining is not practised, and card and contactless payment is universal. The UK has no VAT refund scheme for tourists, so no tax-free forms apply. Sale periods in January and the summer are the main chance of discounts. Eating options include chain restaurants, cafes, a food court-style set of quick-service outlets and waterside terraces that work well in good weather; the cinema adds an evening option. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented, busiest at weekends and during school holidays, with weekday mornings quiet. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm, but visitors should verify at oceanterminal.com. The centre sits about 3 miles north of Princes Street and is reached by Lothian Buses from the city centre, with the journey taking roughly 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, while the tram line also serves Leith. Because the complex is modern and level with lifts and escalators, it is straightforward for wheelchair and pushchair users. A short walk along the Water of Leith or around The Shore leads to Leith's independent bars, seafood restaurants and the Saturday Leith Market.