History of Fife

Fife’s second largest town, Dunfermline is simply a must-see. A former capital of Scotland, it was established by Malcolm III as a new seat for royal power in the mid 11th century and this beautiful town is blessed with a number of historical venues that cannot be missed. The palace ruins still stand near Abbot House as a reminder of Dunfermline’s royal heritage, and are one of the most visually stunning examples of Romanesque architecture in Scotland. Bursting with fascinating history, explore the majestic abbey, palace and Abbot House in Dunfermline for a magnificent glimpse into the past.

Discover the rest of the Kingdom of Fife’s royal connections by first visiting Falkland Palace, an impressive Renaissance building in the heart of the town. Built in 1500 and frequently visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, you can follow in her footsteps by wandering around the courtyard and impressive rooms to soak up the history and head through the lush green lawns and colourful herbaceous borders.

Another must visit is the Royal Burgh of Culross, home to an ochre-coloured palace, an extremely grand and impressive house built in the 16th century. Take a tour around this truly magnificent building to discover a range of beautiful small rooms and connecting passageways, and the study, which offers breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth. Make sure you leave time to wander around the streets of this beautiful Fife town.

Last but by no means least, head to the historic town of St Andrews, undoubtedly the best known jewel in the Fife’s crown. A simply stunning venue for an afternoon stroll, the fascinating history of this picture perfect town is illustrated in the medieval centre with its narrow alleys and cobbled streets. Pay a visit to the remains of what was once Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church, climb to the top of the 33 m high St Rule’s Tower for wonderful views of the town and learn more in the Cathedral Museum.