iTravelUK > Travel Guide > Scotland > Central Scotland > Fife
The ancient capital of Scotland and final resting of King Robert the Bruce, Dunfermline boasts a square mile of historic attractions including Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, Pittencrieff Park and the humble weaver's cottage where philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born.
Walking around Culross is to tour a town which has seemingly stood still in time. This wee Royal Burgh has preserved both its structure and an architectural identity belonging to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. An absolute gem and a definite must-see.
Huddling against the sea, St Monans is a quintessential fishing village and popular seaside resort. A historic village, full of charm and character, St Monans boasts St Monans Windmill, the Auld Kirk of St Monans and the remains of Newark Castle and Doocot.
Situated some 6 miles from the Isle of May on the Firth of Forth, Pittenweem is a quintessential fishing village. Having retained is historical character, Pittenweem makes a delightful place to explore with its wee, winding wynds. Once a Royal Burgh, Pittenweem is now known for its annual Arts Festival.
Situated in the picturesque area of the East Neuk of Fife, Elie and Earlsferry sit on the Forth separated by a sweeping apricot coloured beach. An excellent place for a relaxing holiday, Elie and Earlsferry are popular with local tourists, golfers, sailors and watersports enthusiasts.
Gateway to the bird sanctuary of the Isle of May, Anstruther was the largest fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. Now a haven for yachts, Anstruther is a pleasure to explore and boasts some fine fish restaurants as well as the Scottish Fisheries Museum.
Crail lies in the most easterly corner of the East Neuk of Fife between Anstruther and St Andrews. With its old buildings, winding wynds, harbour and golden beach, Crail is a gem favoured by artists and photographers for its light and charm.
St Andrews has been a centre of pilgrimage for centuries. When St Andrew's relics were brought here in the 8th century, this little Fife coastal village became a magnet for pilgrims. Nowadays, St Andrews draws pilgrims of a rather different kind who come not to pray but to play for St Andrews is the ancient home of golf.
The remains of St Andrews Castle lie on a headland overlooking the coast. Protected by the sea on all but one side, St Andrews Castle was a strong fortification intended to protect the interests of the church.
Lying about a half a mile from St Monans, the remains of Newark Castle lie on the Fife Coastal Path. The remains are now unstable and efforts made toward restoring the castle have so far proved unsuccessful.