The Best Villages in Fife to Visit
A Selection of Interesting Villages Around Fife, Scotland
Sep 16, 2008
The Kingdom of Fife’s best known tourist locations are St Andrews and Dunfermline, the ancient capital of Scotland. Fife also has numerous interesting villages scattered throughout, many of which are worth visiting for an alternative experience of the area.
Scotlandwell - Once Visited by Robert the Bruce
The village of Scotlandwell sits close to Loch Leven and in the shadow of Bishop Hill. The village takes its name from the well which still exists, providing a constant supply of spring water. For centuries the water from the well has been credited with having healing properties. Among those to visit the well was Robert the Bruce, desperate to cure his leprosy. Today, the well is covered by an 18th century canopy but visitors can still drink from it.
For spectacular views over Loch Leven and the surrounding area visitors can climb Bishop Hill. Gliders are a common site in the area, as the nearby Portmoak Airfield is the home of the Scottish Gliding Union.
Falkland - A Favourite with Royalty
Falkland was once a popular holiday destination for Mary, Queen of Scots. Today, the palace she once stayed in is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. It is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe and both the palace and its gardens are open to the public.
The village also boasts the United Kingdom’s oldest tennis court. The Royal Tennis Court dates from the 16th century and is still in daily use. Designated a conservation village, it is easy to while away a few hours in Falkland visiting its small shops, pubs and restaurants.
Aberdour - Coastal Village Popular with Tourists
Located on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, Aberdour is a large village, having both a harbour and an award winning beach. Its position on the Fife Coastal Path also makes it popular with walkers. The village also has its own festival, which takes place each August and runs for several days.
Two of the most interesting buildings in Aberdour are the ruined castle, which can be found near the immaculately kept railway station, and St Fillan’s Church. Despite dating from the 12th century, the church is still in use as a place of worship.
Culross - 16th Century Village Untouched by Time
This hidden gem is easily missed, being situated on a minor back road. Visitors who do make the effort are rewarded with an incredible sight. Since the 1930s the National Trust for Scotland has worked on restoring and conserving the village to reflect as closely as possible the way it looked in the 16th century.
In the centre of the village sits the palace, painted in its original colour of mustard yellow. The village is a warren of narrow cobbled streets and tiny house, leading up to Culross Abbey, which is located almost 200 feet above the main street.
Culross has a position on the banks of the Firth of Forth. In 1575 a revolutionary coal mine, the Moat Pit, was sunk on an artificial island near the village. For many years coal was a thriving local industry.
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