Fife Scotland

A WARM WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF FIFE Life, they say, is what you make of it and this is especially true in the Kingdom of Fife. If you are looking for an active, action-filled holiday or a delightful short break then be sure to visit Fife. Superb watersports, scenic coastal walking, cycling, horse-riding and of course golf - it's all here in abundance. On the other hand, a visit to the lush and fertile countryside will reveal a truly relaxing atmosphere. From the delightful fishing villages of the East Neuk to the Royal Burgh of St Andrews and from the rolling hills of the Howe to Dunfermline, the sights and sounds of Fife will live long in the memory.

Welcome to Fife Scotland

Ancestral home of Scottish monarchs, world-famous for its golf and with some of Scotland's best scenic attractions, The Kingdom of Fife is a proud region with its own distinct identity.
Despite its small size - barely fifty miles at its widest point - Fife encompasses several different regions, with a marked difference between the semi-industrial south and the rural north.

For a sensational break this spring and summer, your ideal destination is The Kingdom of Fife. From enjoing a host of fantastic visitor attractions to admiring the fantastic views coastal views on one of Fife's many beaches. Be enchanted by quaint fishing villages or play a round of golf on one of the historic links courses. Whatever you choose to do here, you'll be sure to experience a spring and summer break in the Kingdom of Fife that you'll never forget!

Whether you're on a family day out, a relaxing short break or a holiday packed with sports and activities, there is never a dull moment in the Kingdom of Fife come rain or shine. From ancient castles to cathedrals, gardens to theatres, horse riding to karting, the Kingdom of Fife is the perfect place to visit.

Southern Fife is dominated by Dunfermline, a former capital of Scotland, and the 'Lang Toun' of Kirkcaldy, Fife's largest settlement. The Forth Road and Rail Bridges are the most memorable sights on this stretch of coastline.

North of Kirkcaldy, in Central Fife, the highlights are the historic village of Falkland with its impressive ruined palace and the country town of Cupar, a charming market town set in rolling countryside.

In the northeast corner of Fife, the landscape varies from the gentle hills in the rural hinterland to the windswept cliffs, rocky bays and sandy beaches on which scenes from the film 'Chariots of Fire' were shot. Fishing still has a role here but ultimately it is to St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and the home of the world-famous Royal and Ancient golf club, that most visitors are drawn. The town itself and the hills and hamlets of the surrounding area retain an appealing and old-fashioned feel.

South of St Andrews, the tiny stone harbours of the fishing villages of the East Neuk - Anstruther, Crail, St Monans and Pittenweem - are an undeniably appealing extension to any visit to this part of Fife.

Home to Scotland's capital for six centuries, Fife has always been at the heart of the nation's history, evidence of which can still be found in its wealth of castles, cathedrals, and places of historic interest.

The Kingdom of Fife is also known throughout the world as the Home of Golf and boasts more than forty courses, from the famed fairways of St Andrews and several traditional seaside links to beautifully landscaped parkland and heathland courses suitable for golfers of all levels.

The Fife coastline is a very special environment which has distinctive rock formations, delicate flora and a varied wildlife. Long sections of the Fife Coastal Path up to Crail can now be enjoyed by recreational and serious walkers. There is a variety of linear and circular routes which have been graded and waymarked. For nature lovers, the path is a real walk on the wild side. Look out for grey seals and, in summer, basking sharks and dolphins. The offshore islands of Inchcolm and Inchkeith are home to thousands of seabirds, with vast numbers of puffins found on the Isle of May.

Fife is one of the historical regions of Scotland and was originally a Pictish Kingdom. It is still called the Kingdom of Fife and is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth. Originally Fife had three main districts - Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and North-East Fife. The functions that were performed by these districts are now performed by the fife counsel.

Nowadays, there are many towns and villages worth a visit in the Fife region. The burgh of Burntisland, for example, has Rossend Castle which was built in the fifteenth century. If you visit at the right time of the year, you may be privileged to watch the highland games in Ceres. These games are amongst the oldest in Scotland. Crail has the fourth oldest golf course in the world and was the first to make the change from square golf holes to circular ones. Cupar is the capital of Fife and also has its own items of historical interest. Kinghorn is now mostly a seaside resort but it is also the place where Alexander the Glorious (King Alexander III), one of Scotlands greatest kings, was laid to rest.

At Kinglassie, you will find the Dogton stone. It is believed that this stone commemorates a major battle between the Picts and the Scots. St Andrews is a notable town in the area. It has a lot of aged charm and is maybe best known for its university. However you will also find a cathedral, St Andrews Castle and St Rules Tower which are well worth a visit.

Fife is perhaps best known for its mention in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" wherein Macduff was the thane of Fife. In Newburgh you will find the remains of Macduff's Cross and learn of its history. There is truly a lot worth visiting in Fife.

Accommodation around Fife