Visitors to Scotland often travel to the wild Highland mountain areas or the rugged beauty of the west coast. However, there are many fabulous places to visit in the fabulous east coast Kingdom of Fife.
Falkland
Firstly, pop into the charming village of Falkland. Created a royal burgh in 1458, Falkland is rich in history and architecture. Visit the amazing palace, built by the Stuart Kings, and a favourite holiday home for Mary, Queen of Scots. She travelled with an entourage of 200 people and stayed for around six weeks.
Enjoy a cafe in the Falkland village square
She spent some of her happiest days here, hunting in Falkland Park and playing tennis in the Palace gardens. Restored by the 3rd Marquess of Bute in the 1890’s, it is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland.
The village has featured in the Outlander series and has many cosy cafes surrounding the square where locals and visitors look over the ornate Bruce fountain. Enjoy shopping for books, crafts, vintage clothes or even a violin in this lovely village.
East Lomond Hills
The rolling landscape of Fife changes colour with the seasons. The barley which grows in this area is crucial for the making of whisky all over Scotland while the drier climate is fantastic for oats, oil see rape and other crops.
If you feel energetic then a steady climb up a long wooden staircase will eventually take you onto the summit of East Lomond (380m) with stunning views over the Firth of Forth estuary, the North sea and also the mountains of the north and west.
Fantastic rolling hillside, East Lomond
Enjoy the views from the top and then the changing colours of the woodland trail which meanders down through Maspie Den to the beautiful stone bridges crossing roaring burn (stream).
Woodland walk, Maspie Den
East Neuk of Fife
One of the pleasures of this region of Fife is that the coast is never far away! Travel to another world and enjoy a stroll through the wonderful villages of the East Neuk of Fife. Harbours villages such as Crail and St Monans, remind us of the fishing villages of the 18th and 19th century while we enjoy a taste of lobster or smoked fish at the harbour.
Fishing cages at Crail Harbour
Crail flower display
St Andrews
Fabulous Fife would not be complete without a visit to the historic town of St Andrews. The truly magnificent ruins of the ancient cathedral dominate the skyline. Originally the centre of the church in Scotland the cathedral dominated Scottish religion until 1560, as headquarters of the medieval Scottish Church.
Medieval ruins of St Andrews Cathedral
St. Andrews is also known as the home of golf so perhaps enjoy a tour of the famous Old Course, watch the golfers teeing off, or book a game of golf and follow in the footsteps of the great golfers of the past.
Enjoy a whirlwind day tour from Edinburgh, or as there is so much to see in this small region take a few days to soak up the atmosphere. Enjoy a stay in a coastal B&B or hotel and really understand why the people who live in Fife believe they have the best of all worlds!
