Dunfermline, Scotland's newest City, has something for everyone

Dunfermline has an excellent mix of shops, we suggest starting at the independent Tiger Feet in Bonnar Street for any small companions with you who need their feet kitted out for the day sightseeing ahead. Next, head along to discover what is behind The Secret Door antique and collectibles shop. You could also check out Litlle Shop of Heroes for any comic collectors before heading to the Kingsgate Shopping Centre. All this shopping will have built up a thirst , so now would be a good time to stop by Juniper Wine Café ,  and sit through the back and enjoying  a glass of something nice and refreshing (and maybe purchase something to take home too)!

There is so much to see and do in Dunfermline that we are only giving a taster, but you will see that we have listed some of the must visit places, from historic landmarks, family friendly activities, delicious food to chilled out ideas. Click the links to watch the reels to whet your appetite for your visit!

1. Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries

The Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries is the perfect starting point for your journey. A fusion of historic architecture and modern design, you will find both historical insights and contemporary exhibits. The library, funded by Andrew Carnegie—Dunfermline’s most famous son—has a heritage hub and art gallery featuring local and international artists. The Library hosts The “Big” Fife Wee Folk Festival, kids’ and adult workshops and many exhibitions. The Maze is a great place for a family-friendly challenge and will let small legs have the chance to stretch out after looking round the Galleries.

Carnegie Library (Image: Carnegie Library)

2. Townhill Loch

For thrill-seekers amongst us the best place to find your adrenaline fix is the National Water Ski Centre at Townhill Loch. Townhill Loch is a hub for water sports offering exciting activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, paddleboarding or a take a ringo ride. All equipment is provided, so just bring yourself with a swimsuit and towel, and you are good to go. Whether you’re a seasoned wakeboarder or a curious beginner, the Centre provides the perfect place to try it all. The Loch is set within the beautiful surroundings of Town Hill Country Park where you can also take a walk on the many paths that link up Town Loch, the Village Park and Townhill Wood.

3. Dunfermline Abbey

Next up is Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s legendary king. Dating back to the 12th century, the Abbey boasts stunning Gothic architecture and rich history, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Scotland’s royal past. Immerse yourself in the history of the Abbey, and whilst looking at the beautiful stained glass windows, don’t forget to visit King Robert the Bruce`s tomb, with its fine brass cover dating from 1889.

4. Abbot House & Gardens

Abbot House is a stunning pink-hued historic building dating back to at least the 16th century,  that tells the story of Dunfermline from its early monastic days. Over the centuries, the building underwent several extensions and upgrades, resulting in the house that stands today. The gardens surrounding Abbot House are perfect for a quiet stroll, part of which incorporates a herb garden dedicated to Lady Anne Halkett, who resided in Abbot House in the late 1600s. She was a practising herbal apothecary and midwife and had people flocking from near and far to cure their ailments. You will still find the garden is planted with herbs that were used in the 17th Century including Quince, Lavender, Sage and Rosemary. If by now you need another rest there is PROST Café on hand, where you can relax with a great cup of coffee, making it one of the hidden gems in Dunfermline.

Abbot House (Image: Welcome to Fife)

5. Pittencrieff Park

Known locally as "The Glen," Pittencrieff Park is loved by Dunfermline locals, it is a breathtaking 76-acre green space gifted to the people of Dunfermline by Andrew Carnegie. The park is right in the centre of town and home to a host of beautiful trails, gardens, wildlife and a beautiful walled garden. It won’t be long into your visit till you will likely spot the Park’s most iconic residents, the peacocks who have been in the Park since Carnegie introduced a pair in 1905, and who have been granted the freedom of the City in 2024 making them VIBs  (Very Important Birds). There are the many different gardens to look at – Laird’s, Kitchen, Green and Japanese to name a few. You could spend a whole day at Pittencrief Park and still go back the next to see some more…

Peacocks at Pittencrief Park (Image: https://www.thebearandthefox.com)

6. Fire Station Creative

A former art deco style fire station turned into a hub for artists, Fire Station Creative is an exciting art gallery and café. It showcases the work of local talent, from painters to sculptors, and even offers workshops and events so check what is on when you plan to visit. There is also a Film Club where they’ve shown such classics as Rear Window and Pulp Fiction. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy lunch don’t forget to pop in, and warm up by the open fire, however on sunny days there is also the beer garden to sit in the sun. This venue is a definite highlight of Dunfermline.

Lynn Crombie when Fire Station Creative opened their studio doors to the public for their annual showcase (Image: Newsquest) 7. Foodie Stops Along the Way

We keep talking about food and coffee breaks along the way, this is due to Dunfermline positively overflowing with lots of amazing places to eat and drink. From traditional Scottish fare to contemporary dining, for example:

• Cafe Wynd: Amazing laid-back independent café perfect for brunch (dog friendly too)
• The Canmore: Award winning bar and restaurant, known for its hearty pub grub and warm Scottish hospitality and produce
• Jack O'Bryans: A stylish restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, it serves seasonal dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Their speciality is Iberian Black Pig!
• Maria's Bakery: Famous for its Instagrammable treats and tasty pastries—ideal for a photo-op but you must try their rainbow coloured macarons and truffles.
• 269 Vegan Café: Their motto is “Made with love, served with pride” and there is never a truer word. Try a Turkish delight hot chocolate or one of their 6 Matchas flavours

8. Scottish Vintage Bus Museum

Step back in time at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, where you can explore a fascinating collection of vintage buses and vehicles from different eras, with their oldest vehicles dating from the 1920s and their newest from 2002. For transport enthusiasts, the museum offers an incredible insight into Scotland’s transportation history, featuring interactive exhibits and restored buses you can board and explore. If you know your Leyland Cheetah LZ2 from your Leyland Leopard PSU3 this needs to be on your list.

9. Knockhill Racing Circuit

Rev your engines at Knockhill Racing Circuit, Scotland’s national motorsport centre. Knockhill offers high-octane racing events, including car and bike races. Visitors can also experience driving a race car, rally car or supercar. For the less adventurous who still want to experience some speed there is go karting on offer. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or just in it for the thrills, Knockhill promises an adrenaline pumping experience.

Knockhill Racing Circuit (Image: Knockhill Racing Circuit) 10. Woodlea Stables

You have to make time to visit  Woodlea Stables, a fantastic farm shop where you can buy and also sample their delights. Take a look round the shop stocking seasonal produce where you can buy partridges, wood pigeon, venison all counter ready for you. Check events too for their Artisan Markets run regularly throughout the year, with beautiful jewellery and pottery. The café is the real treat here with copious home baking you will be hard pushed to decide what to order, from Italian Breakfast Cake, scones, to their own VSB (Very Special Burger) and Woodlea Sconut there is so much to sample. To keep the kids entertained there are also petting animals with Albus and Matilda the  alpacas, Pamela and Roger the rabbits as well as several hens, guinea fowl, ducks and peacocks.

Woodlea Stables (Image: Woodlea Stables)

11. Culross

Just a short drive from Dunfermline, Culross is a beautifully preserved 17th-century village. Known for its cobbled streets and quaint, colourful houses, a visit to Culross is like stepping back in time. Now I know we have been talking about “new” things, but Culross was chosen for its oldness when the hit tv series Outlander used it for a lot of its filming, look out you might spot Jamie Fraser going through a doorway? The centrepiece of the village is Culross Palace, get a sense of what it would have been like to live in Culross Palace in its prime, with original painted woodwork and beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century interiors. It is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, and has picturesque coastal views over the Firth of Forth in the distance.

Beautiful Culross (Image: Newsquest)

12. Forth Bridge

No trip to Dunfermline could finish without visiting the nearby iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and engineering marvel. The Bridge enjoys the same status as the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.

The imposing red cantilever bridge spans the Firth of Forth and has been a symbol of Scottish innovation since its completion in 1890. It offers fantastic photo opportunities, and has been featured in television and films, including Carry on Regardless and Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. Go along at sunset to capture a great photo opportunity.

Forth Bridge (Image: Welcome to Fife) Dunfermline has so much to do and see that you might just feel the need to visit many times, for more ideas watch the video

 For further information www.welcometofife.com/dunfermline