7 destinations to explore in Fife—from the home of golf to Scotland’s ancient capital

Just north of Edinburgh, across the Firth of Forth, lies Fife — an ancient kingdom known for its royal history, iconic bridges and dramatic coastal scenery. The name 'Kingdom of Fife' comes from the region’s past status as a major Pictish kingdom, then called Fib. Today, Fife’s historic landscapes are bursting with opportunities for exploration — from picturesque fishing villages with top-notch seafood to a vibrant arts scene that’s easy to explore on a public art trail. Fife is also rightly famed for being the 'home of golf', where the sport was first played 600 years ago. Wondering where to start? These seven destinations showcase the variety and vibrancy of Fife.

1. Dunfermline

For exploring Scottish history
Dunfermline, the 'ancient capital of Scotland', was once the seat of the Scottish Stuart monarchs, who ruled Britain from 1603 to 1714. With its impressive palace ruins and medieval streets, the city makes an ideal break for history buffs. Peel the centuries back at Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce and seven other Scottish kings. Or, discover the legacy of one of the most famous Scots of the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie, who was born in Dunfermline. His childhood home, now open to the public as the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of this renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 2022, Dunfermline was officially granted city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours. King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Dunfermline to mark the occasion, bringing a renewed energy to the city's history-filled streets.

2. St Andrews

For playing world-class golf
Located on the east coast of Fife, St Andrews is an unmissable pilgrimage for anyone with an interest in golf. Stroll up the 18th on the world-famous Old Course in the shadows of the historic Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and you’ll find yourself in the company of the golfing greats who forged their legacies here. Dating back 600 years, the Old Course is the star, but St Andrews Links Trust owns and operates a further six golf courses, all of which are open to the public. To learn more about the history of the region, visit St Andrews Cathedral, home to the 33-metre tall St Rule’s Tower, which dates back to the 11^th century, or explore the ruins of St Andrews Castle, with its underground mine and bottle dungeon. In the Middle Ages, St Andrews was also a key pilgrimage destination; the town was revered for being home to the relics of St Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples. Today, travellers can follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims on the 64-mile Fife Pilgrim Way, starting at Culross or North Queensferry and ending just outside St Andrews Cathedral.

3. Leven

For relaxing on sandy beaches
Take one look at famed local artist Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler painting and you’ll immediately be yearning to stroll along Leven’s beaches, breathing in this laid-back resort’s fresh sea air. Sitting on the coast of the Firth of Forth, at the mouth of the River Leven, the town is home to clean, sweeping sands that stretch on for miles, as well as epic views across the Forth. Mix in welcoming cafes, amusement arcades and first-rate fish and chips, and you’ll see the romance and nostalgia of the classic British seaside escape is alive and well in Leven. The return of the Levenmouth rail line in 2024 means it is now possible to reach Leven from Edinburgh in just over an hour.

4. Newburgh

For discovering Scotch whisky
Fife is enjoying a glorious whisky renaissance — from Kingsbarns Distillery in beautiful East Neuk, which sits in an 18th-century converted farm steading, to Eden Mill on the banks of the Eden Estuary, which is set to open its new distillery in 2025. Distilling in Fife has deep roots: Lindores Abbey Distillery, which opened in 2017 as the 'Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky', sits next to the ancient Lindores Abbey, whose monks created an early incarnation of whisky, their famed 'aqua vitae', as far back as the 15th century. Whisky production at Lindores remains ultra-local, with Fife barley used to create its excellent malts. Enjoy a tour and a dram here, and don’t miss the evocative abbey ruins. Nearby, The Hide is a BBQ cabin sitting on top of Lindores Hill that is available to hire out for a special dining experience. Indulge in a tasting menu with whisky and wine pairings or bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while taking in the panoramic views across the River Tay, Perthshire, Angus and Fife.

5. North Queensferry

For marvelling at iconic bridges
In the small village of North Queensferry, you’ll find a rare feat of engineering: three architecturally significant bridges from three successive centuries sitting in close proximity. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Forth Bridge, one of the world’s first major steel structures, opened here in 1890, connecting the historic settlements of North and South Queensferry. The Forth Road Bridge, also spanning the Forth, was the largest suspension bridge in the world outside North America when it opened in 1964. In 2017, these bridges were joined by the Queensferry Crossing, the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. Standing below these mighty structures on the shores of North Queensferry will take your breath away. Alongside these impressive bridges, you'll also find the North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower — the smallest working light tower in the world. Climb the 24 stairs to reach the lamp and discover how the tower's distinct signalling system worked.

6. East Neuk

For sampling local foods and drinks
The scenic villages, towns and farmland of the East Neuk provide some of Scotland’s finest produce. Seafood is the star, especially in postcard-perfect fishing communities like Pittenweem and Anstruther. The latter boasts award-winning fish and chip shops, including Anstruther Fish Bar and The Wee Chippy. The local langoustines and lobster are standout, too, and can be enjoyed at waterfront restaurants such as Craig Millar @ 16 West End and East Pier Smokehouse. Away from the coast, the East Neuk hinterland is home to many spots at which to sample delicious beef and lamb, while the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company in Pittenweem is the place to try award-winning Anster cheese. For local drinks, visit Futtle in St Monans, an excellent organic brewery, bar and bottle shop.

7. Glenrothes and Cowdenbeath

For spotting public artworks
The Fife Art Trail weaves together a swathe of vibrant outdoor artworks located across Fife. In Cowdenbeath, local artist Kerry Wilson has brought the high street alive with striking painted murals that tie into the town’s eclectic stories. Her first mural for the town features a young boy wearing a miner's helmet and a pair of oversized boots — a tribute to the town's mining heritage. Sweeping further east there’s a dedicated Glenrothes Town Art trail with over 100 artworks — from prominent sculptures and large-scale murals to small works of art hidden across the town. Fife has long drawn artists to its distinctive landscapes, and the Fife Art Trail is an ideal way to tap into its rich creative culture.