Top 30 Things To Do In Fife, Scotland

1. Drop by the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral

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See what remained of the magnificent St. Andrews Cathedral in Fife, UK after catholic churches were banned from having mass during the reformation era. Once the biggest and most magnificent catholic church in Scotland, it served as the center of catholic religion in the country, being the seat of the archbishops and bishops that wield power over the church. But the advent of the reformation in Scotland led to the banning of all religious activities in catholic churches and the cathedral was left unused. Some people remove materials from the building. As years passed by, some parts fell to the ground until what was left were the ruins and the burying ground for archbishops, bishops, priests, and other renowned people in Scotland. Its ground is ideal for walking and for reminiscing the glorious past of the church.

St. Andrews Cathedral

Address: The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL, United Kingdom

Website: St Andrews Cathedral

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

2. Explore St. Andrews Castle

Explore the ruins of St. Andrews Castle, a historic structure that witnessed the political and religious battles in medieval Scotland. The castle served as the residence of high officials of the catholic church in Scotland. Located on a headland overlooking the North Sea, the castle was also used as a fortress. Towers were built from which guards could see any approaching enemy from the sea. A sinister feature beneath the castle was a bottle-shaped dungeon where prisoners were left to die. Hewn out of solid rock, the place was dark and almost airless. It was said that several top officials of the church and noblemen had died in this dungeon. There were mines that were used to penetrate the castle as well as to protect it. The ruins will make you remember its grandeur as well as the lives that were lost beneath it.

St. Andrews Castle

Address: The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AR, United Kingdom

Website: St Andrews Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

3. Take in the beauty of Falkland Palace & Garden

Visit the Falkland Palace & Garden where you can see the ruins of a palace where several kings of Scotland and their court had lived. The renaissance palace is now surrounded by a lovely 20th-century garden, putting the ancient palace and the modern garden side by side. The combination makes one realize how ancient the history of Scotland is. A part of the palace is renovated and one room with painted ceiling is jampacked with Flemish tapestries, antique furniture, carpets, curtains, and decors that were saved and preserved from the ruins. This place is a haven for history buffs and for those who want to take a relaxing walk amidst the fragrance and beauty of the flowers in the garden.

Falkland Palace & Garden

Address: East Port, Falkland, Cupar KY15 7DA, United Kingdom

Website: Falkland Palace & Garden

4. Play golf at Old Course at St. Andrews

If you are visiting Scotland for a few days, make sure to play golf in the oldest golf course in the world, the Old Course at St. Andrews where the game was played since 1400 AD. This ancient course has earned the moniker “Home of Golf”. In 1873, it hosted the first Open Championship, which has been a milestone in the history of golf. What makes this golf course unique is that despite its worldwide prominence, it remains open to the public. One does not need a membership to enjoy playing in the golf course. With its old history and scenic beauty, a game of golf will not only be relaxing but also a great source of pleasure.

Old Course at St. Andrews

Address: W Sands Rd, St. Andrews KY16 9XL, United Kingdom

Website: Old Course at St. Andrews

5. Appreciate the splendor of Aberdour Castle

If you have only seen castles in your dreams and in the movie, make sure to see a real one during your visit to Fife, Scotland. Aberdour Castle was constructed in the 13th century for the Douglas Family. To keep the castle safe from marauders, several fortifications were added during the 15th to 17th centuries. Today, it is one of only two castles that remains intact and whose date of construction was clearly known and the oldest one with a great hall made of stone. It has a walled garden where scented flowers abound.

Aberdour Castle

Address: Aberdour, Fife KY3 0SL, United Kingdom

Website: Aberdour Castle

Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 10am - 4pm; (closed on Thu & Fri)

6. Observe the underwater creatures at Deep Sea World

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Observe water creatures go about their daily routine at Deep Sea World, an aquarium located under the ancient and historic Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland. It boasts of more or less 2000 collection of aquatic animals, from the feared sharks to small fishes that children love to have as pets. Check out seahorses, octopuses, seals, and stingrays. Take the whole family to an underwater safari and watch your kids’ faces grow with awe and wonder as they are transported to a world under the ocean.

Deep Sea World

Address: Battery Quarry, Forthside Terrace, North Queensferry KY11 1JR, United Kingdom

Website: Deep Sea World

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm

7. Marvel at the grandeur of Dunfermline Abbey

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Marvel at the grandeur of Dunfermline Abbey, now the Parish Church of Scotland. The abbey has been part of the history of Scotland, having been witness to the birth and deaths of its leaders. The last king that was born here was Charles I. It also served as the burial place for several royalties including King Robert I or Robert Bruce, Quen Margaret, and King Malcolm III or Malcolm Canmore III. From the window, you can enjoy the scenic view of the glen across the abbey.

Dunfermline Abbey

Address: St Margaret St, Dunfermline KY12 7PE, United Kingdom

Website: Dunfermline Abbey

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

8. Enjoy one of the best at East Neuk

Enjoy the prettiest sea views and the best seafood at East Neuk, which used to be the center of fishing activities in Fife. The harbors in this stretch of coast used to be home to fishing boats. Today, pleasure boats outnumber the ones that catch crabs and lobsters but the fishing history of East Neuk makes it all the more fascinating. You can also find restaurants here that serve the freshest crab and lobster dishes in Scotland.

East Neuk

Address: Fife, Scotland

9. Admire the fairytale beauty of Kellie Castle

Visit Kellie Castle and feel awed by the towers that closely resemble the ones that you read about or see in fairytale books or movies. This castle was constructed in the 14th century and could have become just ruins today if not for the Lorimer family whose members were known for their artistic talents. Its decorative plaster ceiling was the only one that can be found in Scotland. The furniture was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer while sculptures are exhibited in the studio of Hew Lorimer. Aside from its beautiful interior, the castle has a kitchen garden whose fresh produce can be savored in the tearoom.

Kellie Castle

Address: Kellie Castle, Pittenweem, Anstruther KY10 2RE, United Kingdom

Website: Kellie Castle

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 11am - 5pm (closed on Fri)

10. Have a close encounter with animals at The Scottish Deer Center

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Have a close-up view of deer and other animals at The Scottish Deer Centre in Fife, Scotland. The center boasts of several deer species, the only wolf pack in Fife, eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, and other birds of prey. Have a fun-filled day with the whole family. Your kids will have a great time in the play areas where they can also watch the animals. Watch out for the bird of prey show as trainers make their raptor pets do some tricks.

The Scottish Deer Center

Address: Bow of Fife, Cupar KY15 4NQ, United Kingdom

Website: The Scottish Deer Center

Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)

11. Experience the magic of Craigtoun Country Park

If you want to experience magical moments, visit the Craigtoun Country Park where the enchantment begins especially for kids. Take a walk in the park along a well-maintained garden where you can see several kinds of ornamental plants and flowers. Then take the kids to enjoy whatever kind of adventure they fancy. Let them bounce all they want at the bouncy castle, let them have a thrill on the zipline, or let them invade the adventure playground. The train ride, as well as boat rides are also popular. After a day of spending their energy, feed them at the cafe in the park where you can buy hot and cold drinks, rolls, sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes.

Craigtoun Country Park

Address: Craigtoun Country Park, Mount Melville, St Andrews KY16 8NX, United Kingdom

Website: Craigtoun Country Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

12. Learn about fishing and seafaring at Scottish Fisheries Museum

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Some people enter the Scottish Fisheries Museum to pass their time and find themselves hooked to the exhibits and documents in the museum. The place is dedicated to the history and culture of fishing and seafaring in Fife. There are documentaries that can make one understand fully the rigors and joys of a life dedicated to the sea. The exhibits include old boats being renovated and a replica of a fisherman’s cottage. You will learn a lot from the information as well as the displays in the museum.

Scottish Fisheries Museum

Address: St. Ayles Cres, Harbourhead, Cellardyke, Anstruther KY10 3AB, United Kingdom

Website: Scottish Fisheries Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

13. Relax at Pittencrieff Park

Spend a relaxing day at Pittencrieff Park where you can see the statue of Andrew Carnegie who bought the estate and donated it to the citizens of Dunfermline. A bench was also constructed in memory of a native of Dunfermline who became a popular rock musician. You can visit the Pittencrieff House Museum to learn more about the history of the park and see some exhibits of wildlife, dinosaurs, and fossils. There are trees around, a zoo, a greenhouse, and three playgrounds where children can safely run and play whenever they want.

Pittencrieff Park

Address: Pittencrieff St, Dunfermline KY12 8QH, United Kingdom

Website: Pittencrieff Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

14. Engage in recreational activities at Lochore Meadows

Discover lots of fun with your family at Lochore Meadows, a 1200-acre (485.62 hectares) land with a loch at the center of the park. There is plenty of space for children to play and run at the play park. You can go biking or boating with your family or spend time alone birdwatching, walking, or fishing. Explore the park to find wildflowers, ancient woodland, and parkland. There are picnic and barbecue areas where everyone can have their snacks or meals. Watch out for scheduled outdoor activities in Lochore Meadows for more fun and excitement.

Lochore Meadows

Address: Crosshill, Lochgelly KY5 8BA, United Kingdom

Website: Lochore Meadows

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

15. Have a taste of malt at Lindores Abbey Distillery

Have a taste of the best malt in Scotland at Lindores Abbey Distillery located just opposite to the Lindores Abbey. Around 523 years ago, the original malt was made by the Tironensian monk of the Abbey for James IV. The abbey fell into ruins during the reformation. Inspired by the story about the malt made by the monks, the Lindores Abbey Distillery was built just opposite the ruins and it started producing spirits in 2017. You can visit the distillery, sample some of the spirits, and enjoy a meal.

Abbey Rd, Newburgh, Cupar KY14 6HH, United Kingdom

Address: Abbey Rd, Newburgh, Cupar KY14 6HH, United Kingdom

Website: Lindores Abbey Distillery

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

16. Have fun at Hill of Tarvit Mansion

Stay at Hill of Tarvit Mansion where you can experience the Edwardian life and see collections of antiques from that era. When the Sharp family purchased the mansion, the new owner hired Sir Robert Lorimer to make changes and transform the 17th-century mansion into a 20th-century one. He also designed landscaped gardens around the mansion. Today, the mansion is full of Sharp’s collection of Edwardian furniture, porcelain, and fine art. There is also a nine-hole hickory golf course called Kingarrock Golf Course.

Hill of Tarvit

Address: Cupar KY15 5PB, United Kingdom

Website: Hill of Travit

Opening hours: Sat - Tue: 11am - 4:30pm (closed from Wed - Fri)

17. Learn about the past at Fifes at Fife Folks Museum

Visit the Fife Folks Museum in Ceres and learn about the way of life hundreds of years ago. The museum is housed in a building that used to be a dungeon and a weigh house. The building was deteriorating it was given to North Fife Preservation Society, which acquired the neighboring cottages too. When it was converted into a museum, the cottages and the gardens became part of its exhibits because it focused on the life of Fife folks in the past. In the museum, one can find farming equipment, houseware, furniture, and other items used in the past era. There is also a cafe in the museum, which serves the best food in the area. There is now a visitors center that assists the visitors of the museum.

Fife Folks Museum

Address: High St, Ceres, Cupar KY15 5NF, United Kingdom

Website: Fife Folk Museum

18. Swing by Dunfermline Palace

Although the Dunfermline Palace is now in ruins with only the cellar, kitchen, and the south wall intact, it is still one of the popular tourist attractions in the area. The palace has a great history having been home to several monarchs. Among its royal residents were Malcolm III, James IV, and James VI. Among those who were delivered in this palace were James I, David II, and the three children of James VI and Anne of Denmark. Visiting this place brings to mind its glorious days.

Dunfermline Palace

Address: St Margaret St, Dunfermline KY12 7PE, United Kingdom

19. Admire the Scottish art collection at Kirkcaldy Galleries

If you are visiting Fife, make sure to drop by Kirkcaldy Galleries, a combined force of Kirkcaldy Central Library and Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery. This is where you can find the works of great artists such as Samuel John Peploe, a colorist, and William McTaggart, a Victorian artist. The gallery has the biggest collection of Peploe’s oil paintings, 38 in all, representing his lifetime of works. McTaggart is famous for his seascapes and landscapes and 27 of his works are also among the gallery’s collections.

Kirkcaldy Galleries

Address: War Memorial Gardens, Abbotshall Rd, Kirkcaldy KY1 1YG, United Kingdom

Website: Kirkcaldy Galleries

Opening hours: Mon - Wed & Fri: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

20. Be in awe of North Queensferry Harbor Light Tower

If you have been used to light towers that seem to reach the sky, you will wonder how the North Queensferry Harbor Light Tower, the smallest in the world, can do its work of guiding sea vessels passing by the area. Standing near the Forth Bridge, this more than 200 years old restored building and is now doing its work. Visitors are allowed to climb 24 steps of a stair to light the lamp and receive a certificate of competence for serving as the honorary light keeper.

North Queensferry Harbor Light Tower

Address: 60 Main St, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing KY11 1JG, United Kingdom

Website: North Queensferry Harbor Light Tower

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

21. Climb the Lomond Hills

Walk up the Lomond Hills and take in the magnificent view from a vantage point. The Lomond Hills is composed of Benarty Hill, Bishop Hill, East Lomond, and West Lomond. From the top of Benarty and Bishop Hills, you can see the calm waters of Lake Leven. The West Lomond is adjacent to these two hills. East Lomond, on the other hand, offers a view of the scenic Falkland village. Several major towns of Fife are located on the foot of the southern side of Lomond Hills. Walking up these hills will be an excellent workout and an opportunity to see Fife from above.

Lomond Hills

Address: Fife, Scotland

22. Stroll along the shore through Fife Coastal Path

Go hiking at Fife Coastal Path, a trail that goes all the way around the shoreline of Fife. Walking the path will let you see the ruins of historic castles, palaces, and abbeys, woodlands, nature reserves, fishing villages, caves with pre-historic carvings, mining and industrial towns, and lovely beaches, Some trails are easy but others can be a challenge especially those that are wet and muddy. Walking the long trails on remote sections can be a lonesome and hard hike.

Fife Coastal Path

Address: Fife, Scotland

Website: Fife Coastal Path

23. Plan a day out to see Hopetoun House

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Visit Hopetoun House and delight in its charm and natural beauty. There are many stately residences in Scotland but Hopetoun House is the finest. The architectural design is from the 17th century. Hopetoun House has been home to the Hope family since 1600 and it is currently occupied by the present Lord and his family. The interiors of the house remain the same as when it was built almost 400 years ago. Adorned with furniture, tapestries, paintings, and clocks, the house depicts the elegance of that era. The grounds are made magical by the scenic beauty of the paths and nature trails.

Hopetoun House

Address: Queensferry, South Queensferry EH30 9RW, United Kingdom

Website: Hopetoun House

24. Savor the best fish and chips at Anstruther Fish Bar

Delight your palate with the freshest fish and chips in Anstruther Fish Bar in Fife, Scotland. An award-winning food establishment, Anstruther Fish Bar uses fresh ingredients in all the dishes it serves. Aside from fish and chips, the place also offers crab and lobster dishes. The fish and potatoes are crispy and served with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. You can order beer or wine but you have to pay extra for it. If you crave for a dessert, the bar’s ice cream store is just beside it.

Anstruther Fish Bar

Address: 42 - 44 Shore St, Anstruther KY10 3AQ, United Kingdom

Website: Anstruther Fish Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm

25. Take a ferry ride to Inchcolm Island

Take a ferry ride to Inchcolm Island, considered as the most beautiful island on Firth of Forth. The island has an abbey that was built in the 12th-century remains intact until today. Because of its strategic location, it was fortified for World War I and II. A tunnel was built that led to the side of the island that can still be explored. Enjoy the two lovely beaches on the island where one can swim, walk along the shore, and have a picnic. Some ferries wait for visitors to return to the mainland while others will go back for them at a later time.

Inchcolm Island

Address: Fife, Scotland

26. Find peace at Aberdour Black Sands

Get away from the noisy and polluted areas of Fife and head to Aberdour Black Sands, a secluded small bay in Aberdour. From the bay, one can enjoy a clear view of the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. You can stroll along the shore and pick up shells and sea glass. Swimming on the bay can be an exhilarating experience too. You can feel the black sand crunching under your feet as you walk and wade into the water.

Aberdour Black Sands

Address: 38 Shore Rd, Aberdour, Burntisland KY3 0TU, United Kingdom

27. Take a trip to Burntisland

Explore the Burntisland, an interesting island that is well-known for its sandy beaches and for the historic Rossend Castle, which has been visited by Mary Queen of Ascots. The castle was saved from being ruined and was restored in 1957. Another landmark on the island is the Binn Hill, which is believed to be formed by hardened magma. Burntisland is also home to an old golf course, which is considered the 11th oldest golf course in the world. During summers, visitors flock to the island to watch Highland Games. Visit Beacon Leisure Center where there is a big swimming pool that has waves that you can enjoy.

Burntisland

Address: Norther Shore, Fife, Scotland

28. Join water sports activities at Elie Earlsferry Beach

Take your family for a fun field day at Elie Earlsferry Beach, which connects the village of Elie and Earlsferry in Fife. Watch your children run and play on the sand, build sandcastles, or swim. There are lots of water sport activities on the beach. You can learn surfing and sailing to have more fun. Walk farther to the west and you will come upon lovely beach cottages. From a distance, the dunes look like golden mounds dotting the wide expanse of the shore. Beach activities can make you hungry and thirsty but you do not have to pack lunch and snacks. Several restaurants and cafes are happy to welcome new customers and you can enjoy fresh and delicious seafood and other dishes.

Elie Earlsferry Beach

Address: Elie, Fife, Scotland

29. Discover how spirits are made at Darnley's Gin Distillery

Do you have personal knowledge about how spirits are concocted? Discover spirit making at Darnley’s Gin Distillery located at East of Neuk, Fife. You do not just get to watch the procedure. You can learn it at Darnley’s Gin School, where you get information on how it is done. The lecture and demonstration are followed by a tasting of the best spirits.

Darnley's Gin Distillery

Address: East Newhall Farm Cottage, Kingsbarns, St Andrews KY16 8QE, United Kingdom

Website: Darnley’s Gin Distillery

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

30. Pump up your adrenaline at Knockhill Racing Circuit

Hear the motors revving as all kinds of fantastic racing cars spurt forward and egg each other to be able to finish the race first at Knockhill Racing Circuit. The cheers of the crowd and the speeding cars add to the thrill and excitement. Knockhill Racing Circuit is one of the best race tracks in Scotland and many drivers converge here during race days. Aside from racing, there are driving lessons for teens where they learn how to drive safely. You can camp outside the tracks while you get your fill of thrill for days watching cars racing each other.

Knockhill Racing Circuit

Address: Dunfermline, Fife KY12 9TF, United Kingdom

Website: Knockhill Racing

Discover history, charm, and excitement at Fife

Fife is an amazing place to visit as it allows you to go back in time and visualize the grandeur of the castles and palaces most of which are just ruins today. The sights are breathtaking, especially the parks, gardens, and beaches. Rich in culture and art, museums and galleries have huge collections of artworks that represent the life and culture of the people of Fife in particular and of Scotland in general. With its distilleries, excellent eating places, golf courses, and race tracks, a visitor to the area will always have ample things to do in Fife, UK.