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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
