Fife
Fife
Nestled between the rivers Forth and Tay in eastern Scotland, Fife is a beautiful region that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and charming villages and is surrounded on three sides by a stunning coastline. Also referred to as the ‘Kingdom of Fife’, it’s situated to the north of Edinburgh and East Lothian, with Perthshire and Tayside to the west and north and the North Sea to the east.
Spanning an area of approximately 512 square miles, Fife’s geography is one of the most diverse in the country. The region is home to some of Scotland’s most stunning beaches and it’s famous for the charming fishing villages that can be found along its easternmost tip in an area locally known as the East Neuk.
The region is dotted with castles (the highlight being Falkland Palace) as well as ancient towns like St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, which is famous for the iconic Old Course. St. Andrew’s prestigious university, charming old streets, cathedral, castle and superb beaches ensure it remains a hit with tourists year after year.
It isn’t possible to talk about Fife without mentioning its beautiful coastline and the Fife Coastal Path. This footpath offers long-distance walkers a 116-mile trail that combines breathtaking views and endless wildlife sightings from the Forth Estuary in the south all the way to the Tay Estuary in the north.
For history buffs, the mediaeval Dunfermline Abbey is a must-visit, as is the Carnegie Birthplace Museum which celebrates the legacy of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who was born in Dunfermline. The charming fishing villages of the East Neuk are another highlight of Fife. These include Anstruther, known for its award-winning fish and chips and the Scottish Fisheries Museum; Crail, with its historic harbour; and Pittenweem, famous for its annual arts festival.
Fife is also known for its nature reserves and park areas, two of which – the Lomond Hills Regional Park and Tentsmuir Nature Reserve – are regarded as being among the top scenic locations in the southeast of Scotland.
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Aberdour Castle Visitor Guide
Aberdour Castle in Fife is one of the oldest standing stone castles in Scotland and has served as the residence of Scottish noble families since the 1100s. Today, it is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public for self-guided tours. Discover Aberdour Castle with this complete visitor guide.
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Culross Visitor Guide
Culross is a village and former royal burgh and parish, in Fife, Scotland. It is a popular tourist destination due to its historic ‘palace’. Culross offers visitors picturesque walks through streets that have remained unaltered for over 200 years in addition to a tour through history in the ruins of Culross Abbey.
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Dunfermline Abbey Visitor Guide
Dunfermline Abbey is located in the heart of Scotland’s ancient capital, where it’s best known as being the final resting place for many of the nation’s royals, including Robert the Bruce. The abbey borders a large public park and is within a short walk of Dunfermline high street. Discover Dunfermline Abbey in this guide, which…
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East Neuk of Fife Visitor Guide
The East Neuk of Fife is a region situated north of the Firth of Forth in Scotland that comprises the land between the villages of Earlsferry to the south and Crail to the north. Although it’s a small region at just 40 square miles, it’s well known for its combination of picturesque coastline and pretty…
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Inchcolm Island Visitor Guide
The beautiful and historic Inchcolm Island is situated in the Firth of Forth just 6 miles from Edinburgh city centre. The island is home to a large abbey that’s known as the ‘Iona of the East’. The abbey is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and can be visited by taking a ferry from the village…
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St. Andrews Aquarium Visitor Guide
A visit to St Andrews Aquarium in Fife allows you to come face to face with a wonderful assortment of marine animals including crocodiles, seals, penguins and lionfish. The aquarium has expert staff on hand that will answer any questions you have about the 120+ species on display, and you can even arrange a penguin…
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St. Andrews Castle Visitor Guide
St. Andrews Castle in Fife is a stunning reminder of the turbulent history of Scotland. This iconic castle was built in the 12th century and served as a residence for the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews, and over the centuries it has witnessed numerous sieges, battles, and political upheavals. This article delves into the…
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St. Andrews Cathedral Visitor Guide
The medieval ruin of Saint Andrews Cathedral is located in the historic coastal town of St. Andrews. The cathedral is best known for the thirty-three-metre-tall St. Rules Tower which dominates the coastline in this picturesque region of Fife. Discover St. Andrews Cathedral with this guide which includes an overview and helpful visiting advice.
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Tentsmuir Nature Reserve Visitor Guide
Tentsmuir in Fife is a national nature reserve that encompasses mixed forest, coastal grasslands, and sweeping sand dunes. Visitors to Tentsmuir can cycle along the Sustrans route 1 path, make use of a dedicated BBQ and children’s play park, go bird watching at several hides, and look for marine animals in the Firth of Tay…
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The Best Things to Do in Fife for Families
The scenic Firth of Forth and the glittering Firth of Tay surround the lovely Kingdom of Fife in southeast Scotland. To highlight the best attractions in this under-appreciated county, in this article you’ll find a list of Fife’s top family-friendly places to visit. Whether they’re history enthusiasts, nature lovers, or just enjoy relaxing, your family…
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The Scottish Deer Centre Visitor Guide
Set in 55 acres of lovely Fife countryside, The Scottish Deer Centre is an animal conservation park that looks after 14 species of deer from around the world as well as wolves, otters, wildcats, and birds of prey.
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