Fife Travel Guide

Scotland
St. Andrew\'s Cathedral featuring a city and landscape views
The Kingdom of Fife is an astonishingly varied part of Scotland with a rich history. Fife's attractions range from legendary golf courses and ruined castles to revitalising coastal walks and underwater adventures. Play the round of your life on The Old Course at St Andrews or visit the 12th Century Dunfermline Abbey, the last resting place of King Robert The Bruce. Take the meandering 117 mile long Fife Coastal Path around Fife’s east coast, an area known for its charming coastal towns and award winning beaches, including the exquisite Ruby Bay in Elie.

Fife Landmarks

For stunning seaside views, elegant Georgian architecture and, of course, world class golf, visit St Andrews. The ‘home of golf’ is also famous for its dramatic ruined Cathedral and ancient university. Visit the iconic red Forth Rail Bridge in North Queensferry and enjoy arresting views of the Firth of Forth. Beneath this memorable structure you’ll find Scotland’s national aquarium, Deep Sea World, home to the UK’s largest underwater tunnel. Back on land in Dunfermline there are several sites of historic significance for inquisitive travellers. The 12th century Dunfermline Abbey has been a site of worship for nearly 1000 years and makes for a fascinating visit. For a whistle-stop tour of Fife’s gorgeous coastline organise a walking tour along the Fife Coastal Path.

Fife Museums & Galleries

Discover the story of Scottish fishing from ancient times to the present day at the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. This award winning institution contains over 66,000 objects from across Scotland including traditional boats, costumes and photographs. After finishing up a round of golf on the links at St Andrews, travellers can test their knowledge at the British Golf Museum. Interactive exhibitions, antique equipment displays and guided tours take visitors on a journey through 500 years of golf in the area. For engaging art and innovative historical exhibitions visit the former industrial town of Kirkcaldy. The Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery was first opened as part of the town’s war memorial and since then it has expanded into a vibrant hub for the arts.

Fife Shopping, Restaurants & Nightlife

Fife’s larger towns offer visitors a whole range of shops including designer names and national outlets. Make sure to explore the smaller independent boutiques that can be found all over the region. Whether its fresh local produce, local arts & crafts or golf memorabilia you’ll find some excellent quirky shops along Fife’s coastline. Visit St Andrews and Elie to dine in some of Scotland’s best restaurants, including a number of Michelin starred outfits. For an unforgettable portion of fish & chips pay a visit to the seaside at Anstruther. Fife’s nightlife is intimate and relaxing, with an emphasis on pub and bar culture. For a busier night out catch a train to Glasgow or Edinburgh and be on the dancefloor within the hour.

The Old Course at St Andrews

Follow in the footsteps of golfing legends and play a round at St Andrews. Hailed as the historic and spiritual home of the game, no golfing CV is complete without a visit. Why not play St Andrews as part of a wider golfing tour? There are dozens of challenging courses in Fife set in captivating Scottish countryside.

Popular cities in Fife

St. Andrew\'s Cathedral showing a coastal town, general coastal views and landscape views
St. Andrews
Known for Golf, Universities and Historical
A youthful student atmosphere pervades this seaside university town. Visit medieval relics that decorate the area.

Reasons to visit

  • University of St. Andrews
  • St. Andrews Links
  • Old Course at St Andrews
Dunfermline
Dunfermline
Known for Friendly people, Gardens and Golf
Get away to Dunfermline! Enjoy the gardens, golf and museums.

Reasons to visit

  • Deep Sea World
  • Dunfermline Abbey
  • Culross Palace
Aberdour Castle showing a house
Burntisland
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Churches
Enter a medieval abbey on an island and explore castles in this charming town with stunning views of the countryside.

Reasons to visit

  • Kinghorn Beach
  • Silver Sands Beach
  • Burntisland Sands
Cupar
Cupar
Known for Small town, Castle and Countryside
Relaxing Cupar is calling! Discover its castle, countryside, golf and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Falkland Palace
  • The Scottish Deer Centre
Anstruther
Anstruther
Known for Friendly people, Ports and Sea
Come to secluded Anstruther and enjoy its golf, oceanfront and bars.

Reasons to visit

  • St Fillan’s Cave
Leven
Leven
Known for Friendly people, Golf and Relaxing
Get away to relaxing Leven! Enjoy the golf, countryside and spas.