Fife has so much to offer visitors from stunning landscape and coastline, rich history, picturesque towns and villages, as well as Scotland's newest city. Is it on your visit list for 2023? Here are 7 reasons why it should be.
Walk the new UNESCO World Heritage Site trail
Why not tick a bucket list visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walk the Forth Bridges Trail - a new circular walk that takes in the iconic Forth Bridges and the distinctive historic communities of North and South Queensferry. As well as stunning views, you'll enjoy rich history, heritage, wildlife, nature and beauty along the 5 mile route.
The trail will take you across the bridges by foot, cycle or train to explore both sides of the Firth of Forth. You can also take a boat trip under the bridges.
Follow the trail signs to look out for the world’s smallest working lighthouse, the rock ledges where ferries landed, and Hawes Inn, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped. Read tales of the Butlaw Fairy, the ghostly howl and the monkey's revenge. And most of all, enjoy the three bridges spanning three centuries
Discover the Scottie Dog Trail
Decorated by local artists and communities, more than 30 giant Scottie sculptures will appear across St Andrews and the North East Fife coast, forming a free 10-week art trail of discovery for locals and visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy from September.
Scotties by the Sea is designed to celebrate the communities, culture, and creativity of North East Fife, whilst also raising money for Maggie’s Everyone’s Home of Cancer Care – working locally and nationally providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online.
St Andrews Business Improvement District (BID), in collaboration with creative producers Wild in Art, present Scotties by the Sea.
Visit the enchanting Snowdrop Festival
Snowdrops signal the first signs of Spring and if like us you love them, then a must-visit is Cambo Gardens during the Scottish Snowdrop festival which runs from 25 January – 11 March. Visitors can enjoy their winter garden and specialist snowdrop collection and the swathes of naturalised snowdrops in our woodland walk to the sea.
Cambo is world famous for snowdrops and home to the Plant Heritage national collection of snowdrops, with over 200 varieties alongside the thousands of nivalis at home in the Cambo woodlands. It also houses a herbarium collection containing key species from our extensive snowdrop collection. Appointments can be made to view the archive outwith snowdrop season.
Please visit their website for more info. Tickets for the Snowdrop Festival can be booked in advance for specific days.
Discover history in Scotland's newest city
Once Scotland's ancient capital, Dunfermline became Scotland's eighth city after being granted the status as part of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Why not explore the heritage quarter, with its medieval buildings, 12th century abbey, royal residence and award-winning museum, showcasing Dunfermline's fascinating history. By night you can catch a show or enjoy some live music.
Dunfermline is also home to two of Scotland's national attractions including Knockhill Racing Circuit and Scotland's Waterski Centre at Townhill.
Step into Spring and visit the Big Spring Bash
Taking place on the weekend of 25- 26th March,, The Big Spring Bash at St Andrews Botanic Garden is set to be an action-packed weekend of interactive activities, workshops, live music and local food and drink, and will showcase the amazing educational, creative things that happen across Fife!
It will bring together food vendors and musicians from across the Kingdom to enjoy while relaxing with live music from local musicians in the stunning setting of the Wildflower Garden.
Get hands-on with science and nature crafts for all ages from local makers and artists - plus there’ll be local scientists and researchers showing off their work with exciting demonstrations and challenges. You’ll also be able to unwind with family wellbeing classes in the Meadow or take some time to explore the early years zone, packed with nature and science themed activities for your little ones.
Tickets will be available at https://www.standrewsbotanic.org/events in early 2023.
Shake it up at St Andrews biggest cocktail festival
St Andrews is shaking things up from 24th Mar - 2nd Apr to bring you St Andrews biggest cocktail festival! Buy your wristband to unlock discounted cocktails in bars and restaurants across the city. The most fun way to get to know the town’s best bars and restaurants.
The event is in collaboration with The Ben charity to support Scottish hospitality.
For further information and details of participating bars and restaurants, please visit their website.
Sample a feast of Fife
Fife is blessed with a fantastic natural larder and a must visit for food lovers. Tuck into Fife's finest local produce from the land and sea during your visit which makes a recipe for the perfect trip.
We highly recommend a visit to the Bowhouse Food Weekend which take place monthly throughout the year where you can spend the whole day sampling, snacking and browsing the stalls. The Balgove Night Markets, which run May to September, offer the perfect evening with street food aplenty and live music.
