Best things to do in Fife

Underneath an unassuming farmhouse is Scotland's Secret Bunker, where the government planned to keep the country going in the event of a nuclear war. Built in secrecy during the 1950s, the bunker was removed from the United Kingdom’s “Official Secrets” list in 1993. Today, you are welcome to walk 30.5 m (100 ft) underground through the hermetically sealed, 2.72 metric ton (3 ton) blast proof doors and into fully preserved Cold War center. Sit down to a full menu or tea service in the original canteen or mess hall. Parties of 10 or more enjoy special discounts.

Perfect your golf swing at St Andrews Links, one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Consisting of seven public golf courses, it holds the title for the largest public golfing complex in Europe. Play a game on the historical old course, or visit the golf museum to learn more about the history of the sport. Stop to have lunch or a warm drink at the Castle Course Clubhouse, which boasts views of the St. Andrews bay. Be sure to make reservations in advance online, as spots tend to fill up quickly.

Get an up-close look at Scotland’s wildlife at the The Scottish Deer Centre. Set on 22 hectares (55 acres) of Fife countryside, the center houses 14 species of other animals native to the region including otters, wolves, and several birds of prey. Attend a hawk handling to hear more about these amazing birds or help feed one of the hand-reared young deer. Take a treetop walk through the Witches Woods for a bird’s-eye view of the area. Before leaving, visit the center’s woolen mill store or Highland food and whiskey shop for traditional Scottish products to take home.

St Andrews Castle is a ruin located in the coastal Royal Burgh of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. The castle sits on a rocky promontory overlooking a small beach called Castle Sands and the adjoining North Sea. There has been a castle standing at the site since the times of Bishop Roger (1189–1202), son of the Earl of Leicester. It housed the burgh’s wealthy and powerful bishops while St Andrews served as the ecclesiastical centre of Scotland during the years before the Protestant Reformation. In their Latin charters, the Archbishops of St Andrews wrote of the castle as their palace, signing, "apud Palatium nostrum."
The castle's grounds are now maintained by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument. The site is entered through a visitor centre with displays on its history. Some of the best surviving carved fragments from the castle are displayed in the centre, which also has a shop.

Though now in ruins, the fragments of what was once Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church demonstrate how imposing St Andrews Cathedral must have been. It occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century, and the relics of St. Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here. The Roman Catholic cathedral, constructed in the 12th century, was the seat of Scotland’s leading bishops until the Protestant Reformation. Wander through the grounds and imagine the mighty cathedral as it might have been. Explore the graveyard and check the dates on the ancient headstones dotted around it. Climb St. Rule’s 33 m (108 ft) tower, which would have served as a beacon for pilgrims, and enjoy spectacular views of the cathedral, the town, and the North Sea. Visit the museum to see a collection of medieval sculptures and other relics found on the site.

At Deep Sea World, learn about life at the bottom of the sea. The aquarium hosts large sand tiger sharks, a stingray, tropical fish, piranhas, and more. Walk through exhibits, including the nursery full of baby sharks, the seal enclosure, and a recreation of the Amazon River and its inhabitants, and join an underwater safari to dive with the sharks and more than 1,000 fish. The aquarium offers dives for both certified divers and novices, so you can get close to the sharks regardless of your diving experience level. Book your tickets online to save on the price of admission and waiting time at the entrance.

Pittencrieff Park (known locally as "The Glen") is a public park in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. It was purchased in 1902 by Andrew Carnegie, and given to the people of Dunfermline in a ceremony the following year. Its lands include the historically significant and topologically rugged glen which interrupts the centre of Dunfermline and, accordingly, part of the intention of the purchase was to carry out civic development of the area in a way which also respected its heritage. The project notably attracted the attention of the urban planner and educationalist, Patrick Geddes.

The glen is an area of topographical and historical significance to Dunfermline as the original site of Malcolm's Tower, the probable remains of which can be identified today on a strongly defendable outcrop of rock. To the eastern side of the park is Dunfermline Palace with Dunfermline Abbey and to the west it overlooks the village of Crossford.

There has been a centre of Christian Worship on the site of Dunfermline Abbey for over a thousand years. The current congregation recognises its role and responsibility in maintaining the Abbey Church of Dunfermline as a place of worship, and also as a Church which plays a major role in the life of the town of Dunfermline.

Those wishing to visit the Abbey Church will find that it is open at the times detailed from April - October. From November to March, those wishing to visit are asked to make contact through the website to see if arrangements can be made.

Spacious and sandy, Elie Beach is a great place for a sun- and fun-filled day on the water's edge. You can try a range of water sports there, have a picnic on the sand, or catch the locals playing cricket on the weekends.

Craigtoun Country Park is a country park located approximately 4 miles to the south-west of St Andrews in the county of Fife, Scotland. The site is currently owned by Fife Council, with park amenities being operated as of 2012 by the charitable organisation Friends of Craigtoun Park.
The park was originally part of the Mount Melville Estate, 47 acres (19 ha) of which was purchased by Fife County Council for £25,000 in 1947.

Visit the partly restored Falkland Palace & Garden and discover what life was like for the Stuart monarchs. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, relax in the orchard, play a game on the giant checkerboard, and find the 16th-century tennis court. Admire the palace's Renaissance architecture, which made it a favorite of Mary, Queen of Scots, reminding her of the châteaux where she lived as a child. Step inside and explore the keeper’s quarters, chapel royal, old library, and royal apartments, all filled with period furnishings and artworks. Talk to one of the expert guides to learn more about the palace’s history, including tales of imprisonment, escapes, and murder. The on-site shop sells souvenirs and plants.

Ranked in the top 60 courses in the world and top 20 in Europe, Kingsbarns Golf Links sports 18 well-maintained holes, all with views of the North Sea. The course was built in the early 2000s and reflects a more American golf style rather than traditional Scottish links. Caddies offer information about each hole and advice about each shot. This site is a must for golf-enthusiasts--the price reflects the quality of the course and service. Stop and relax at the clubhouse, enjoy a drink, and watch other golfers complete the 18th hole.

Forth Bridge, a cantilever railway bridge over the Firth of Forth, is a popular tourist destination for travelers worldwide. It is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge to distinguish it from the Forth Road Bridge, though this has never been an official title. Plans are in action to build a visitor’s center as well as a viewing platform at the top of the bridge. Soon, you may be able to walk up the track to the southern tower, 100 m (330 ft) above sea level. This bridge has also been featured regularly in popular culture. You can find it in the film The 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock, in the novel The Bridge by Iain Banks, in various advertisements, and even in the video game Grand Theft Auto.