We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Fife and the surrounding areas, these include:
St Andrews Castle is located to the north of St Andrews. The ruins of the castle dates back in part to the 13th century. Visitors can see a bottle-dungeon and a mine and counter-mine tunnelled during the siege that followed the murder of Cardinal Beaton in 1546. These siege works are among the best of their type in the UK. There is a visitor centre that contains a great exhibition of the history of the castle and the cathedral. The visitor shop has local products that are produced in the Fife area. A trip here makes for an enjoyable historic site visit.
St Andrews Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Scotland and remains a tourist draw despite the fact it is now a ruins. It was established back in 1160 with the 16th century precept walls, 12th century gables and south wall still standing. The Cathedral Museum contains a collection of medieval sculpture and other relics that have been discovered on the site. The cathedral is located in St Andrews and a visit here will give visitors the opportunity to see what was formerly among the most stunning churches in Scotland, it is still very impressive now. St Rule’s Tower provides access to some truly spectacular views.
Falkland Palace is built on the site of an earlier fortress dating back to the 13th century. Falkland Palace was a country retreat of the Stuart Kings, the castle belonged to the MacDuffs, Earls of Fife, and the remains of its Great Tower are still visible in the gardens. It became a royal residence in the 15th century by James II, whilst Mary, Queen of Scots spent some time here too.
There are portraits of the Stuart kings and queens in the palace and visitors can experience a flavour of things in the Queen’s Room that has been restored by the National Trust for Scotland. Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the colourful herbaceous borders, lush green lawns and many unusual shrubs and trees. The Royal Tennis Court, built in 1539, is Britain’s oldest tennis court. There is an exhibition that allows visitors to learn more about the palace and its history. Falkland Palace is an impressive Renaissance building with its gardens that make for a memorable property.
The Lochore Meadows Country Park lies in the heart of Fife Regional Park West. It is a centre for environmental education in Fife. The Country Park comprises of reclaimed coal mining waste-land and gently rolling grassland and woodland. It covers an area of some 1,200 acres, it presents a walkers' paradise with some great scenic walks possible. There is a nature reserve located to the west where visitors can enjoy bird watching. There is a cafe, slide show and conference facilities here too. The park is in a nice setting and brings visitors closer to nature and performs and important educational role too.
The Fife Coastal Path runs from Culross to the Tay Bridge and offers a wide range of walking experience, that range from easy and level for beginners to the wild and demanding for experience walkers. Given the range of terrain it is suitable for all be they old or young. The path is walked in either a long walk or in much smaller sections, the route is way marked helping navigation. This walking route has plenty of beautiful scenery and heritage, and brings with it access to the varied Fife communities. Walkers can experience the quaint villages and towns along the way and is a great way to explore the region up close and personal with the great outdoors. The path is located in attractive areas making exploring a delight.
The Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery is set in the garden grounds of the town's War Memorial Gardens. Here there are fine collections of decorative arts that are of local and national importance. The museum has a large collection of works by William McTaggart, the ground floor features an award winning permanent local history display. There is a changing exhibition programme of art, history and photography that runs during the year. The museum café contains a fine display of pottery and the colourful local ceramic ware which was produced in the town between the 1890s and 1930 and has a great selection of home baking.
St Andrews Botanic Gardens contains 18 acres of wonderfully landscaped gardens and glasshouses that include a range of flowers and plants. The gardens are one of the finest horticultural attractions in Scotland. The gardens is located between the Lades Brae and Canongate in St Andrews. The gardens include 8,000 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs, ferns and trees. Over the years the garden’s design and wide array of both native and exotic species has meant the gardens have earned a fine reputation and recognition.
Visitors can enjoy taking a leisurely stroll along the paths and discover the herbaceous displays along with the rock garden, the peat garden and water features. The glasshouses are home to a number of plant species that would not ordinarily flourish in the local climate in St Andrew’s, including plants from warmer regions of the world. The Botanic Gardens are not the most high profile attraction in St Andrews, however there is plenty to see and admire at the gardens that have been described as a hidden gem.
The British Golf Museum is located close by to the Old Course in St Andrews. Visitors can learn more about the story of golf dating back to its origins in the middle ages going right up to the present day. The museum houses one of the finest golf collections in Europe, visitors can explore the collections that include origins of golf, tools of the trade, great golf champions, Olympic golf and others. Inside there are a number of multimedia displays and exhibitions. Visitors can try their luck at putting with period clubs and balls and period golfing attire. Children can take part in the children’s trail that takes them around the galleries. A visit to the museum provides an interesting in to the history of golf and a must see attractions for golf enthusiasts.
Scotland’s Secret Bunker is located approx 8 miles from St Andrews, kept secret for over 4 decades the bunker is located under a Scottish Farmhouse where a tunnel leads to the bunker. The bunker is located 100 feet underground and is the size of two football pitches (24,000 square feet).Visitors can learn more about the underground structure, the plant room, nuclear operations room, bunker life with living accommodation. The restaurant has been preserved and serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks and there is a bunker shop with memorabilia available. A visit to the bunker gives a fascinating insight in to the precautions taken during the cold war.
It is recommended that prior to visiting the Fife; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.
The Kingdom of Fife is located in a scenic part of Scotland and is relatively close to Edinburgh and the Lothians region making it a popular holiday and short breaks destination. The area has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming small towns and fishing villages including plenty of picturesque locations in the Scottish countryside. The famous town of St Andrews includes plenty of its own attractions and is a popular place for visitors to base themselves then touring the region. The lack of large cities in the region offers visitors the chance to get away from it all and enjoy the feeling of space and freedom to enjoy the great outdoors and visitor attractions away from the crowds. The Fife includes a number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks and gardens with attractions to enjoy for the entire family. Fife’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
