Why Leith is one of Edinburgh’s best areas for families.

Families looking to settle in Edinburgh tend to value outdoor space, good schools and easy access to the city centre. Leith quietly delivers all three. With green spaces like Pilrig Park and Leith Links, indoor activities, local schools and everyday amenities all within reach, it's a neighbourhood that makes family life genuinely easy without pulling you away from the energy of the city.

We've pulled together on this page the things families actually want to know before making Leith home. Whether you're figuring out the school run, wondering how easy it is to get into the city, or just want to know where to rent in Edinburgh — this guide covers it all.

Schools and Nurseries

The school run is one of those things that can make or break a neighbourhood, and Leith holds up well. Most of your options will be within a 15-minute walk, and the range is broader than you'd expect. Whether you're looking for something multilingual or sustainability-focused, there's likely something here that fits.

Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce - Edinburgh's only dedicated Gaelic-medium primary school, open to families across the city regardless of prior Gaelic knowledge.
3min walk from PLATFORM_

Stanwell Nursery School - A long-established City of Edinburgh Council nursery school in the heart of the Leith community.
11min walk from PLATFORM_

Pilrig Park School - A specialist secondary school for pupils with complex long-term additional support needs from S1 to S6, in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
11min walk from PLATFORM_

... and more!

Around the World Nursery - A multicultural, not-for-profit nursery with multilingual staff and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
12min walk from PLATFORM_

Broughton Primary School - A non-denominational primary that holds Eco-Schools Green Flag status, reflecting a commitment to sustainability alongside its core curriculum.
15min walk from PLATFORM_

Lorne Primary School - With around 140 bilingual learners speaking over 20 languages, this school is one of the most multicultural primaries in the city.
16min walk from PLATFORM_

Leith Primary School - This school also holds Eco-Schools Green Flag status and has a strong emphasis on community involvement and support for all learners.
16min walk from PLATFORM_

A neighbourhood worth living in

Michelin starred restaurants

Leith punches well above its weight for fine dining, with some of the UK's most acclaimed chefs calling the neighbourhood home. Tom Kitchin's flagship on **The Shore** is a prime example — seasonal Scottish cuisine driven by a "from nature to plate" philosophy. **16 min walk from PLATFORM_**

Cosy brunch spots

The neighbourhood's brunch scene is full of character, from local favourites to hidden gems tucked down cobbled lanes. **Roseleaf** on Sandport Place is a great example — a family-run bar-café with a quirky, bohemian feel and locally sourced Scottish food. **14min walk from PLATFORM_**

Historic pubs

Few cities do the traditional pub quite like Edinburgh, with centuries of drinking culture built into its architecture and street life. **Nobles**, a beautifully restored Victorian bar first opened in 1896, is just one standout — serving craft beers, wines and refined pub classics with the best local ingredients in Leith. **20min walk from PLATFORM_**

A thriving community

Leith Festival

One of Edinburgh's oldest festivals, Leith Festival began in 1907 as a pageant and gala day to raise funds for Leith Hospital. More than a century on, it hasn't lost any of its character. A local festival run by Leithers, for Leithers, it takes over the neighbourhood each June with music, theatre, arts, pageants and galas — with a Gala Day on Leith Links bringing together stalls from local makers, food, live music, dancing, storytelling and community groups. The kind of event that reminds you why it matters where you live.

How well connected is Leith?

Getting around

  • Foot of the Walk (Tram Stop) (13 min walk)
  • Balfour Street (Tram Stop) (14 min walk)
  • Princes Street (25 min)
  • St James Quarter (20 min)
  • Edinburgh Waverley Train Station (30 min)
  • Edinburgh Airport (30 min)

Want more information on what to do around the area?

We've build a guide with the best family activities around the area.

Check it out here!

Ready to move to Leith?

If Leith feels like the right place for your family to settle in Edinburgh, the next step is finding a home designed for everyday family life.

PLATFORM_ offers spacious apartments, including 3-bedroom homes with open-plan living areas, built-in storage and family-friendly amenities such as secure gardens and children’s play spaces.

Explore our available apartments for rent in Edinburgh, discover more about life at PLATFORM_, or book a viewing to see how Leith living could work for you.

Explore apartments in Leith, Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh a good city to raise a family?

Yes. Edinburgh is widely considered one of the UK’s most family-friendly cities thanks to its strong schools, accessible parks and safe, walkable neighbourhoods. Families benefit from a balance of outdoor space, cultural activities and convenient public transport, making everyday life easier for parents and children alike.

What are the best areas in Edinburgh for families?

Several neighbourhoods across Edinburgh are popular with families, particularly those that offer good schools, parks and strong community environments. Areas like Leith are frequently chosen by families relocating to the city thanks to their green spaces, local amenities and convenient connections to the city centre.

Is Leith a good place to live with children?

Yes. Leith has become an increasingly popular area for families in Edinburgh. The neighbourhood offers access to parks, schools, family activities and waterfront walks, while still being well connected to the city centre. Its growing residential community and range of amenities make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a balance between city living and neighbourhood atmosphere.

Are there good schools in Leith?

Leith is home to several well-established primary schools and nurseries, making it a convenient location for families with younger children. Nearby options include Broughton Primary School, Leith Primary School and Pilrig Park School, alongside local childcare providers such as Around the World Nursery and Stanwell Nursery School.

Are there family-friendly apartments in Edinburgh?

Yes. many modern developments in Edinburgh now offer apartments designed with families in mind, including larger layouts, storage space and shared outdoor areas. Developments like Platform_ in Leith offer spacious homes and family-focused amenities designed to support long-term city living.