Top 12 Things to See and Do in Fife

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Elie beach, Fife
Elie beach, Fife (c) Robin McKelvie

The Kingdom of Fife sits proudly on the north side of the Forth and Firth. Visitors have long been impressed with the diversity of its attractions, with unspoiled sandy beaches, first-class golf course and world class seafood all part of the mix. Then there are its wealth of historic buildings and wonderful views of the trio of Forth Bridges and back across the river estuary to Edinburgh.

 1. Falkland Palace

This imposing 16th-century palace was once the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Unsurprisingly it oozes history! If you’re ticking off Outlander locations, it doubles up as mid-20th century Inverness in the TV show.

www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Falkland-Palace

Falkland Palace
Falkland Palace (c)

2. Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

Commissioned in the 12th century by David I the nave at Dunfermline Abbey is the one of the best example of Romanesque architecture in Scotland. It is the final resting place of Scottish royalty, the most famous of who – Robert the Bruce- was interred here back in 1329. Kids love roaming about the palace ruins.

www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dunfermline-abbey-and-palace

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace
Dunfermline Abbey and Palace (c) Robin McKelvie

3. Fish ‘n’ Chips

Fife is renowned for the quality of its seafood and this includes great fish ‘n’ chips. Anstruther boasts two great chippies – the multi award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar  and The Wee Chippy, which many locals rate just as highly.

4. Fife Coastal Path

One of Scotland’s great long distance walks, the Fife Coastal Path hugs a spectacular stretch of coastline that runs from the Forth Bridge to the Tay Bridge. The epic scenery en route includes beaches, cliffs and cute villages.

www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk

Looking across the Firth of Forth from Fife
Looking across the Firth of Forth from Fife (c) Robin McKelvie

5. East Neuk

The pretty seaside villages in the charming corner of Fife mesmerise visitors with their whitewashed houses and narrow stone streets. The East Neuk is also home to a thriving artistic communities, with small galleries, potteries and boutiques selling handcrafts dotted around the villages of Anstruther, Elie, Pittenweem, Crail and St Monans.

Elie, Fife
Elie, Fife (c) Robin McKelvie

6. Deep Sea World

Enjoy the thrill of sharks swimming over you head as you travel through the longest underwater tunnel in the UK.  Seals, a great collection of amphibians and a touching pool are among the other highlights. Then there are the piranhas, colourful reef fish and elegant seahorses. Great family fun.

www.deepseaworld.com

7. Isle of May

The Isle of May is alive with all manner of seabirds, with the unbelievably cute puffins the biggest lure for many visitors. Incredibly there can be as many as 250,000 birds nesting on the island – up to half of which could be puffins. You’re also highlgy likely to see seals and even porpoise or dolphins. Anstruther Pleasure Cruises run trips from 1 April to 30 September.

Scotland’s National Nature Reserves: Isle of May www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/isle-of-may

Anstruther Pleasure Cruises www.isleofmayferry.com

8. Culross

Outlander fans will know it as Cranesmuir – home to Geillis Duncan. Whether you’re a fan of the cult TV show or not, 16th-century Culross is one of Fife’s most historic and most attractive towns.

www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Culross

Culross, Fife
Culross, Fife (c) Robin McKelvie

9. St Andrews

For many the handsome town of St Andrews will need no introduction. It is after all the ‘home of golf’ and the location for one of the most prestigious universities in the UK (and the world). The gorgeous West Sands beach, a host of historic attractions and a vibrant eating and drinking scene also await.

www.visitstandrews.com

Overlooking the Forth from St Andrew's Castle
Overlooking the Forth from St Andrew’s Castle (c) Robin McKelvie

10. Pittencrieff Park

Known locally as ‘The Glen’, Pittencrieff Park is a wonderful respite from Dunfermline’s bustling town centre. Gifted to the town by Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist’s legacy entertains families with it playparks, gardens, woodland and walking trails.

11. Kingsbarns Distillery and Vistor Centre

This youthful distillery has been garnering rave reviews on TripAdvisor for its warm welcome and informative tours The early focus has been on Darnley’s Gin, which is also distilled here. Exciting times are afoot as their first single malt (a 3 year old) will reach maturity in early to mid 2018.

www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Robin at Kingsbarns Distillery
Robin at Kingsbarns Distillery (c) InsiderScotland

12. St Andrew’s Farmhouse Cheese Company

Jane Stewart is the very embodiment of the idea that (albeit with a lot of hard work) you can achieve whatever you want to. Not only did Jane learn how to make cheese, but she produces award-winning Anster cheeses. The milk for the cheese comes from the farm’s own Holstein Friesian cows – you can’t get much more local than that!

www.standrewscheese.co.uk

St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company
St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company (c) Robin McKelvie