We are blessed in Fife to have so many beautiful places to explore on our doorstep. Want to avoid the crowds? Why not explore some of Fife's less well known locations and discover hidden gems along the way.
Visit a place once named Fife's most attractive village in Scotland
Head to the delightful village of Ceres - host of the oldest annual highland games in Scotland and once named 'the most attractive village in Scotland'. Visit Griselda Hill Pottery, makers of the highly collectable Wemyss Ware pottery, or learn how Granny used to live by popping in to the Fife Folk Museum. Or simply enjoy a wander through the quaint streets and a refreshing beer in The Ceres Inn beer garden. If you're feeling a bit more energetic, Ceres is also on the Fife Pilgrim Way and a short walk will take you to Clatto Reservoir, a truly beautiful spot.
Tea in the Park
Balbirnie Park near Markinch offers 416 acres of woodland and is beauitiful all year round with its ever changing colours and is home to a huge rhodedendrum collection. And if the walking gets you peckish enjoy some fine food from award-winning Balbirnie House Hotel. Afternoon tea is served in the beautiful Orangery, with floor to ceiling windows and a glass roof ceiling. Savour a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, savoury treats, exquisite cakes and of course, a fine selection of teas and coffees. For a special treat you can add in some fizz!
A picturesque fishing village not in the East Neuk
Think picture postcard fishing villages and you may instantly think of the East Neuk, but Dysart is a firm favourite of ours. A short walk from Ravenscraig park makes for the perfect day exploring. The birthplace of Explorer John McDouall Stuart, Dysart is a delightful village with pretty streets and a lovely harbour which doubled as Le Havre in the hit TV series Outlander. Don't forget to take a pic at picturesque, Pan Ha' for your Instagram!
Walking and whisky
For a winning walking and whisky combo, head to Newburgh, where you can enjoy a section of the Fife Coastal Path with stunning vews out across the River Tay. Follow with a visit to Lindores Abbey Distillery, Fife's newest distillery and producers of Acqua Vitae. A pilgrimage for any whisky lover, this is where the first recorded written evidence of whisky distillation was recorded back in 1494! Looking for something a little bit different.we recommend you book the Apothecary experience.
A Masterchef picnic in the woods
Tentsmuir Forest is one of Fife's most popular locations and can get really busy...so our top tip is to take the back road in! Park at Tayport, then walk along the scenic coastal path to the nature reserve. All that walking is sure to make you hungry, so before you set off stop off at the Newport Bakery, owned by Masterchef Jamie Scott, and pick up some yummy pastries and cakes for your picnic. You won't be disappointed!
A place that's inspired a famous painting
Levenmouth offers a fabulous seaside resort, with views aplenty and stunning coastal walks. Did you know Leven beach was the inspiration for Jack Vettriano's The Singing Butler? A short walk will take you to Silverburn park, a wellness gem offering 27 acres of mixed woodland, shrubbery and grassland...perfect for walking, running or cycling. Don't miss the stunning and well maintained walled garden and grab a bite to eat at the Cottage Window Cafe or pop across to Blacketyside Farm Shop.
A unique golfing experience
For something unique, why not play golf like it used to be played years ago and enjoy a round of hickory golf at Kingarrock Hickory Golf at Hill of Tarvit? Once you've finished take a short walk to Scotstarvit Tower for some gorgeous countryside views. If you fancy a sweet treat, take a short drive into Cupar and stop off at family bakery Fisher & Donaldson for a fudge doughnut or coffee tower!
A coastal town that inspired Robinson Crusoe
Lower Largo is the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk and the inspiration behind Robinson Crusoe. Blow away the cobwebs by taking a walk along the beach and don't miss the quirky sculpture down by the waterfront...a true work of art! Lundin Links is also home to the 9 hole Lundin Ladies - one of Scotland's only ladies run golf clubs - althought they welcome gentlemen too! What you might not know though, is the 2nd fairway is home to some fascinating ancient standing stones.
Caves, castles and ice cream cones
East Weymss is a popular spot for wild swimmers; the only eyes watching are usually the seals(!) which you'll spot all along this coastal stretch. History lovers will enjoy discovering the ruins of Wemyss Castle and Macduff's Castle, as well as the ancient Wemyss Caves. THe caves hold the largest collection of Pictish and Viking drawings anywhere in Britain. Please only visit on an organised tour though, the caves can be dangerous and such a gem needs to be protected. Plus the guide will point out each of the drawings and tell you some pretty fascinating stories. If the sun's out (or even if it's not), pop in to The Perfect Scoop for a delicious ice-cream. So many amazing flavours on offer.
Discover an abandoned village
Normally a trip to the popular seaside resort of Burntisland would involve sea and sand, but why not climb The Binn for incredible views. Around half way up the hill is an abandoned village which once housed oil workers from the Shale Oil Works. The last resident left in 1954 but there was once over 500 residents, a schools, playing field, two shops and a Mission Hall. It was occupied during the first world was when troops lived in some of the cottages and they were then used as holiday cottages. There isn't a lot left to see and it’s overgrown but it’s a fascinating site.
Explore a beautiful hidden estate
Teasses Estate is a stunning estate set in Ceres and until this year was exclusive use only. THis year they are opening their doors to visitors who can enjoy their beautiful grounds. Book a garden tour or enjoy some country pursuits including clay pigeon shooting and fishing. Teasses Estate is a truly magical place and the perfect escape for the day.
On the witches trail
In the small village of Torryburn in the west of Fife in the year 1704, an old woman, Lillias Adie, was accused of bringing ill health to one of her neighbours.. Summoned before the ministers and elders of Torryburn church, poor old confused Lillias confessed that she was indeed a witch. She told the grim faced committee of church elders that she had met the Devil in a corn field and had excepted him as her lover and master. Her tales grew wilder and wilder and were eagerly accepted as proof of her dealings with the Devil. Lillias was buried at high tide on the beach and her grave, marked with a large slab on top, was discovered by archaeologists back in 2014.. Three plaques can be found along the Fife Coastal Path at Culross, Torryburn and Valleyfield as part of the Witches Heritage Trail. .Just along the road you'll find the lovely village of Limekilns and Charlestown, packed with history and some lovely places to stop off for a bite to eat.
