FIFE ICONS

The Kingdom. Where it all begins.

Your journey of discovery starts here.

Welcome to Fife

THE FACTS

The Fife Coastal Path is Scotland’s longest continuous coastal path at 117 miles.

Wemyss Caves is thought to be home to the largest collection of Pictish carvings in Britain.

The first official recording of distilling was at Lindores Abbey in Fife in 1494.

The historic town of St Andrews is globally recognised as the “Home of Golf”.

The Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located on Scotland’s east coast, the Kingdom of Fife is easily accessible by road, rail and bus making it an ideal short break destination. Visitors often get taken by surprise at the variety of experiences that have them heading back home with their hearts full of unforgettable memories.

Feel the warm welcome from locals as you explore historic towns, picturesque fishing villages and Scotland’s newest city. Get lost in time as you learn about the fascinating stories of our past. Breathe in the natural beauty of our landscapes from endless coastlines to majestic hills. Awaken your senses with top quality local food and drink. And ignite your soul with new adventures.

Your journey of discovery starts here. The Kingdom. Where it all begins.

Journeys start

To experience a short break in the Kingdom is to embark on a personal journey of discovery.

Whether you are looking for inner calm and space to breathe or a buzz of excitement to make you feel alive, spending time in Fife is great for the soul.

It’s the only region in Scotland where you can arrive by rail via a UNESCO World Heritage Site crossing the Forth Bridge. Or your journey may start by stepping out onto the cobbled streets of historic villages such as Culross and Falkland made famous by Outlander.

Whichever way you choose to start your time in Fife, you’re sure to leave with a sense of warmth and contentment.

Stories Await

Fife is rich in stories and historic sites to explore.

Spending time in the city of Dunfermline is a must for history lovers. Head to the heart of the city and explore the compact Heritage Quarter home to fascinating historical and cultural attractions. Visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum where you can learn about one of the great Scots of the 19th century and discover over 1,000 years of history at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. And, don’t miss Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, the final resting place of arguably Scotland’s most famous king, Robert the Bruce.

Out of the city, there’s centuries of stories to uncover. Explore a section of the 64-mile Fife Pilgrim Way and follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims who took the route to Scotland’s holy spot, St Andrews. Or, climb the 24 stairs up to the lamp at the North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower – the world’s smallest working light tower built in 1817 by Robert Stevenson.

Fife is full of historic sites waiting to captivate you with their fascinating stories.

Coasts Call

If you’re in need of fresh sea air, space to relax and recharge or long walks with spectacular views, an escape to Fife’s coastline is a must.

Here you can explore the Fife Coastal Path, Scotland’s longest continuous coastal path that hugs the coastline for 117 miles from Kincardine to Newburgh. Split into sections so you can experience something new every time, the Coastal Path offers wildlife reserves, quaint harbours, picturesque fishing villages, historic sites and award-winning beaches.

Fife’s coastline is a walker’s paradise, and it also offers a great day out with family and friends who will enjoy endless beaches and seaside fun for all ages. From playing cricket on the beach to rockpooling, paddling on the shore to taking a dip in an outdoor bathing pool, kids and adults alike will create hours of coastal joy in Fife.

Nature Stirs

Fife is alive with natural experiences that will leave you intrigued, fascinated and in awe.

On land and on water, there are endless opportunities to be at one with nature.

Take a boat trip to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve a historic island once home to a monastery and now home to over 80,000 puffins every summer and Scotland’s oldest bird observatory. It’s not just puffins you’ll see, in the height of the breeding season, more than a quarter of a million seabirds nest there.

Elsewhere, the Fife Coastal Path is the ideal route for birdwatchers to spot a variety of species from lapwings to white-tailed sea eagles. You can also spot rare plants, butterflies and if you’re lucky dolphins, seals or even whales in the Firth of Forth.

Or, enjoy a relaxing walk on trails and paths winding through the trees at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve or Devilla Forest where you can spot wildlife, including playful red squirrels.

Plan your adventure in Fife’s natural playground.

Calm Commences

Fife is the perfect antidote to a hectic lifestyle and the ideal place to enjoy a restful break.

The diverse landscapes, waters and green parklands offer everything from hillwalking, outdoor swimming and surfing to cycling, beach walks, nature trails and peaceful village strolls.

The region is popular with outdoor swimmers who enjoy miles of sandy beaches and sheltered bays. The tidal pools in Pittenweem, St Monans and Cellardyke are great if you are a beginner. Or, if you’re looking for the ultimate water therapy, enjoy a cold sea swim followed by a hot sauna experience overlooking the shoreline. There’s a variety of wood-fired saunas to choose from and they’re a great eco-friendly way to warm up, unwind and soak in the Kingdom’s stunning coastline.

For a luxurious treat, why not book a spa day at one of the many spas across Fife? Or, for the ultimate in escapism, stay in one of the region’s many luxury eco-retreats such as Off Grid Travel at Cambo. Switch off, relax and immerse yourself in nature.

Start your journey and find out how Fife can improve your wellbeing.

Fairways Beckon

There’s something incredibly special about playing golf in the region where the game was invented.

With over 50 golf courses, Fife is one of the most sought-after golfing destinations in the world.

From the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, considered to be the oldest and most famous course in the world, to the stunning links courses at Kingsbarns Golf Links and the Elie Links, Golf House Club golfers are truly spoiled for choice.

The east coast is renowned for its excellent links courses, but the rolling fairways of its inland courses, such as the highly regarded The Dukes Course and Ladybank Golf Club, which is one of the finest heathland courses in the UK, also offer an unforgettable golfing experience.

For those looking to stay and play, the region offers a wide range of accommodation from 5-star luxury hotel resorts to cosy country cottages, self-catering apartments and University halls of residence.

Plan your perfect golf break in Fife.

Passions Spark

Let the Kingdom of Fife ignite your passion for adventure.

Feel the thrill of land yachting on West Sands Beach in St Andrews, try waterskiing and wakeboarding at Scotland’s National Training Site, or step into the driving seat at Scotland’s National Motor Sport Centre.

If you’re looking for something breathtakingly unique, fly over water and Efoil in the shadow of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge.

Head to Lochore Meadows Country Park where you can enjoy everything from walking or cycling around Loch Ore, fishing, golf, an impressive playpark home to Scotland’s first sensory dome, and even kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding.

Or, plan a day of hillwalking in the fresh air with a picnic in the Lomond Hills Regional Park where you’ll find a network of paths and a variety of intriguing rock formations, including the Bunnet Stane and John Knox’s Pulpit.

There’s a new adventure waiting for you in Fife, plan yours today.

Tastes Awaken

Fife’s top quality local produce, skilled artisan producers and diverse dining experiences make it a must-visit region for foodies.

Browse farm shops and local markets bursting with produce including local cheeses, estate-reared meats and craft beers. Indulge in the freshest local seafood with gorgeous sea views at East Pier Smokehouse in St Monans, or watch the sunset while sipping alfresco drinks in a cosy pod at The Deck rooftop bar at the Old Course, St Andrews.

There are a growing number of sustainable experiences to enjoy too. Join a seaside foraging trip or wild cooking class with East Neuk Seaweed gathering seaweeds before cooking them up on the beach. Savour a safari with a difference at The Rhynd where you’ll be guided through a tasting of drinks followed by a feast under a stretch tent in the woods.

Go off-grid at The Hide at Lindores and enjoy a private hilltop barbecue with views of the River Tay. Or, visit the brand new Eden Mill distillery and visitor centre powered by 100% renewable energy and using locally grown and sourced ingredients.

Embark on a delicious journey across Fife.

Memories Linger

Possibly the best part of a short break are the memories you are left with that live on in your heart and warm your soul for years to come.

After your break in Fife you might remember a walk with an alpaca, getting lost in a mega maze of maize or seeing your favourite play in a beautiful 1920s theatre. You may remember the rush of adrenaline when you reached the summit of West Lomond, the excitement on your kids’ faces and feeling of awe when they spotted a dolphin, the burst of flavour from the freshest seafood, or the rush of love when you took a photo of your family on one of Fife’s beaches at sunset.

Fife is the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends and make memories to last a lifetime in the Kingdom, where it all begins. Plan your next adventure today.