Things to do in Fife, Scotland: The Best Nature & Parks

September 6, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

Discover the best top things to do in Fife, United Kingdom including Elie Beach, Isle of May National Nature Reserve, Crail Harbour, Cambo Gardens, St Andrews West Sands Beach, Fife Coastal Route, Falkland Palace & Garden, Kellie Castle & Garden, Craigtoun Country Park, Aberdour Castle and Gardens.
Restaurants in Fife

1. Elie Beach

Town of Elie, Elie Scotland
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 252 reviews

Elie Beach

Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom

When you think of the requirements for a good seaside resort, Elie and Earlsferry is pretty much as good as it gets. The village is quaint and charming, the beach is fantastic, the harbour area lovely, the coastal walks stimulating, etc etc etc. Add the delightful Ship Inn and several other delightful cafes and shops and you really have it all. We always pop in here when we are in Fife and have never been disappointed.

2. Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Anstruther KY10 3AX Scotland +44 1738 458800 [email protected] http://www.nature.scot/isle-of-may
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 207 reviews

Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Reviewed By JCaway - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Beautiful island with fantastic seabirds you can see up close and seals on the way. . Well worth a trip every year. Take binoculars.

3. Crail Harbour

Crail Scotland +44 345 155 5555
Excellent
68%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 375 reviews

Crail Harbour

Reviewed By christineg555 - Kirkhill, United Kingdom

Really pretty harbour with lovely old buildings all the way down to it. Great wee cafe on the way down called the Crail gallery and cafe. Shack selling lobster and dressed crab so you can sit around the lovely old stone harbour to eat it, if you like.

4. Cambo Gardens

Cambo Estate Kingsbarns, St. Andrews KY16 8QD Scotland +44 1333 451040 [email protected] http://www.cambogardens.org.uk
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 247 reviews

Cambo Gardens

Walled Garden and more near Kingsbarns in Fife. Reinstated Georgian Stables housing Visitor Centre, cafe, crafts and unique plants for sale. Learning hub for events and activities. Woodland walks to the award winning beach. Nature play area for little ones. Dog friendly everywhere.

Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom

Had a walk round Cambo estate this morning . The wind had dropped and the sun was shining great to be out and about . Lots of specialised plants for sale .We took the upper path along the river and met the sow with piglets clearing ivy from the ground . Snowdrops all the way down to the shoreline and back up on the other side of the river .There are lots of wee waterfalls and the place is very scenic

5. St Andrews West Sands Beach

Next to the Old Course, St. Andrews KY16 9XL Scotland http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/st-andrews-west-sands-p315881
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 753 reviews

St Andrews West Sands Beach

Reviewed By robboaberdeen

Great expanse of sand when tide was out,, you can walk for miles and the scenery and views are terrific.. Really enjoyable.

6. Fife Coastal Route

Scotland http://fifecoastalpath.co.uk/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Fife Coastal Route

This trail goes from North Queesnferry to Newport-on-Tay.

7. Falkland Palace & Garden

11 miles north of Kirkcaldy, Falkland KY15 7BY Scotland +44 1337 857397 falklandpalace&[email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Falkland-Palace/
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 773 reviews

Falkland Palace & Garden

Set in the heart of Falkland conservation village, and surrounded by extensive gardens, this partly restored Renaissance palace is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Certificate of Excellence 2014 Winner Falkland Palace Part of the Palace is in ruins but the original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings. The beautiful, tranquil grounds are worth a visit alone. They are home to the oldest Real or Royal tennis court in Britain, built for King James the V. The grounds also include ruins of the 12th century Castle of Falkland, extensive gardens designed by Percy Cane and an ancient Orchard with a wild flower meadow. Please note the Palace & Gardens open 1 March to 31 October beach year. The shop is open all year round.

Reviewed By woolywombat - Sedona, United States

This partially restored royal residence has great atmosphere and the guides in each room help to bring the past to life. There are extensive gardens including Britain's oldest tennis court. Although Falkirk is somewhat off the beaten path, a visit to this village and the Palace is highly recommended. The Palace has no parking, but we were able to find a nearby public parking lot. It is a member of National Trust of Scotland.

8. Kellie Castle & Garden

Kellie Castle, Pittenweem KY10 2RE Scotland +44 1333 720271 [email protected] https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/kellie-castle
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 291 reviews

Kellie Castle & Garden

Kellie castle has a history spanning nearly seven centuries. From the original tower house built in the 1360s, it was extended and added to through the following 300 years, home to not only the daughter of Robert the Bruce but the Earls of Kellie and later the talented Lorimer family; artists, architects, sculptors and academics. Enjoy the many different rooms showing different ages of the castle, or while away a few hours in the beautiful walled gardens. In season, why not try some of the produce grown in the gardens, or enjoy lunch in the tea room? Please note the Castle is open from 1 April until 31 October. Please check the website for full details.

Reviewed By juless849

Even though we weren't able to go inside the castle and the tea room was closed, it was lovely wandering around the beautiful gardens and strolling through the woodland.

9. Craigtoun Country Park

St. Andrews KY16 8NX Scotland +44 1334 472013 [email protected] http://www.friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 604 reviews

Craigtoun Country Park

Craigtoun Park is a 47 acre park only 2 miles from St Andrews. The park itself is open 24/7 and it's a great day out for the whole family. During the season try the Rio Grande Railway, Crazy Golf, Putting and Puffin' Billy - the road train that takes you round the whole park. There are also rowing boats and pedalos, bouncy castles and pedal cars for the little ones, weather permitting. The cafe is open daily during the high season and Wednesday - Sunday out-with. It serves hot and cold food, teas and coffees and, of course, ice creams. As of September 2020, the paid for attractions are open at weekends only. For full details of all opening times, prices and event dates, please visit our website.

Reviewed By MalcolmMMitchell - St. Andrews, United Kingdom

Craigtoun Country Park is located 3 miles to the West of St Andrews and is next to the Duke’s Golf Course and the Headquarters of Scottish Golf. As I write this in the first week of June, 2020, lockdown is just starting to ease. There are, however, 52 acres in the Park containing wonderful flora and fauna and plenty of space for social distancing for all. Two organisations are involved in the running of the Park - Fife Council looks after the Park itself and Head Gardener Pamela and her colleague Stevie do a fantastic colouring job on all the flowerbeds and shrubs and the Friends of Craigtoun operate all the rides and attractions and these are currently non - operational due to the pesky virus. It’s such a shame because these volunteers do a magnificent job normally, but these are not normal times! Usually, there are carriages drawn by a tractor “Puffing Billy,” a miniature train called “Rio Grande,” trampolines, rowing boats and pedallos and one can circumnavigate the Dutch Village on the loch with all the ducks, swans and coots beside you. You simply purchase a family ticket from the Ticket Office at a very reasonable price and this is not time specific. The Friends are co-ordinated by inspirational Chairman Kyffin Roberts ( known to all as Kuff ) and he is very ably assisted by the lovely Mandy in the Office, together with about 30 volunteers. ( They’re always looking for more, so if you have time on your hands for 2021, please get in touch! ) Even without the the various rides and attractions, there is a zip wire, a play park with slides and lots of picnic tables. 2020 looks like a non-active year, but as soon as unlockdown kicks in, do take the family to Craigtoun Country Park. You’ll be glad you did!

10. Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Aberdour KY3 0SL Scotland +44 1383 860519 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/aberdour-castle-and-gardens/
Excellent
50%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 259 reviews

Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Aberdour Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. See the large and imposing suite of buildings from the 12th to the 17th century with the grand hall-house, thought to be the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland. There is also a delightful walled garden, with scented flowers and a beehive-shaped doocot, which overlooks the Forth. Take a guided tour in summer to see all around the castle including the painted ceiling in the east range, which is a precious survival from the early 17th century.

Reviewed By LauraRTheExplorer - Leeds, United Kingdom

We took advantage of the ample free parking in the station car park and walked to the castle. We were greeted with a warm welcome by all staff and given clear instructions. Face coverings are required in all indoor areas of the building which is fair enough. The buildings and gardens were well kept and it was clear the 1 way route had been well thought out. Worth the entrance fee and the lovely gift shop had some nice items in.

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