places of interest

Sightseeing opportunities abound in Fife and the wider area. Balbirnie is located in the heart of the ancient  Kingdom of Fife in central Scotland, making us a great base to explore Fife and other areas of Scotland beyond.

Explore the natural heritage, rolling countryside and seaside coastal line of Fife. The surrounding area provides a plethora of lovely drives with beautiful lovely scenery.

Suggested “Things To Do” in Fife 

Historic Houses and Gardens 

• the Royale Palace of Falkland and gardens (the surrounding village is equally charming)
  
• Kellie Castle and gardens
  
• Hill of Tarvit Mansion House and gardens
  
• Arberdour Castle

Sightseeing Trips

• Fife’s “East Neuk” coast – visit fishing villages (stop off at Anstruther for the best fish and chips in Scotland!), walk along part of the Fife coastal path, visit St. Andrews old town
  
• the Secret Bunker by Crail, a former government headquarters for Scotland hidden 100ft below ground and used during the Cold War  
  
• boat trip to the Isle of May nature reserve which leaves from Anstruther
  
• boat trip to the castle on Loch Leven by Kinross, where Mary Queen of Scots as imprisoned
  
• boat trip to Inch Island to see the old Abbey and watch the seals
  
• a drive to the cobbled village of Culross to experience how life in Scotland would have been centuries ago (and Culross palace)
  
• a visit to Dunfermline abbey

Walking Trips

• Balbirnie Park, Lomond Hills, St. Andrews Beach (where the famous “Chariots of Fire” film scene took place), Kingsbarnes beach, Aberdour beack walk, Fife coastal trail, the Tetley trail surrounding Loch Leven by Kinross

Animal Centres

• Deep Sea World, The Sealife Centre and The Scottish  Deer Centre

Scotland as a whole – Places of Interest

Balbirnie is very easily accessible and is hence often used by our guests as a great base to explore some of Scotland’s main towns and cities. Our beautiful capital city, Edinburgh, is only 40 minutes away – with its many facets of the arts, theatre, music, attractions and excellent shopping facilities.

The historic cities of Perth and Dundee are within an easy 40 minutes drive. In particular,
the historic town of St. Andrews with its many world class golf courses, its beautiful beaches
and its quaint meandering streets filled with interesting shops to visit is well worth a visit.
The cosmopolitan city of Glasgow with its superb shopping and cultural attractions can be
reached in 70 minutes. 

Suggested Trips out with Fife

• Edinburgh 
  Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, Royal Yacht Britannia, Botanic Gardens, The Scottish Whisky centre, shopping along Prince’s Street and George Street, museums, galleries and theatres

• Glasgow
  The Burrell Collection, The People’s Palace, Botanic Gardens, museums, Scottish shopping at its best!

• Perthshire
  Stunning and spectacular Scottish scenery aplenty! Visit the city of Perth itself, or slightly more north is the famous House of Bruar near Pitlochry, a prestigious shopping outlet  selling the best of Scottish produce - gifts, cashmere, knitwear, country clothing, home goods, plants and wonderful food (plus it has a great restaurant).