Dunfermline is Scotland’s newest city and as a rapidly expanding tourist destination, there is much to experience in what is fast becoming the most vibrant region in the country...

HISTORICAL

Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries

This spectacular attraction links the world’s first Carnegie Library with a new museum which brings the city’s remarkable royal history and industrial heritage to life. There are galleries, a local history reading room and a café, too, plus some stunning views over the landscaped garden and maze to Dunfermline Abbey. 

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

The city’s magnificent centrepiece is home to elaborate carvings, grand architecture, a painted vault dating back to the 1500s and some incredible history. It is the resting place of royals, including David I and Robert The Bruce. The palace which was built alongside the abbey was the birthplace of Charles I. 

Abbot House and Gardens

Known locally as the ‘pink hoose’, this is Dunfermline’s oldest house situated in beautiful Maygate. It has been used for everything from an iron forge to a Laird’s mansion, and in the 1940s as the RAF Training Corp HQ. It is now an arts, crafts and heritage centre with gift shop and café.

Lathalmond Railway Museum

Shed47 Railway Restoration Group started Dunfermline and West Fife’s heritage railway project in 1997, and over the past 25 years, it has been rebuilding a small section of the once vast system on a shared site with the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum. 
Its fascinating artefacts include the UK’s last working railway weighbridge.

Scottish Vintage Bus Museum

More than 100 buses, a horse tram and other exciting exhibits are housed at this fantastic museum on the shared site with Lathalmond Railway Mueum, just north of Dunfermline. 
Take a trip back in time to the 1920s, enjoy the exhibition hall, café and shop, and explore the museum on board a vintage bus.

Forth Bridge

The magnificent, iconic Forth Bridge is a world UNESCO site, described by the organisation as a masterpiece of human creative genius and an aesthetic triumph. North Queensferry is also home to the world’s smallest working light tower.

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Great Scot Andrew Carnegie was a philanthropist, steel tycoon, writer, lecturer and entrepreneur and he spent his early childhood in Dunfermline. The cottage helps tell his story, and adjacent is the beautiful Art Deco museum hall, built by Andrew Carnegie’s widow, Louise, in 1928. 

St Margaret’s Cave

Queen Margaret, later Saint Margaret, was married to Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, in Dunfermline around 1070. Three of her eight children became Kings of Scotland: Edgar, Alexander and David. She led a deeply religious and charitable life and it is said she prayed in this cave, which has become a place of pilgrimage.
 

ENTERTAINMENT

Alhambra Theatre

Doors first opened here in 1922, when the B-listed Alhambra was a cinema, and over its illustrious history the venue has hosted artists as diverse as Jimmy Logan, The Alexander Brothers and Ricky Valance. Its stage is the fourth biggest in Scotland and its stunning interior has survived largely intact since its glory days.

Carnegie Hall

Named in honour of philanthropist and Dunfermline’s favourite son Andrew Carnegie, this landmark opened in 1937 and became the town’s main variety theatre. Over the decades, it has welcomed everyone from Marti Pellow to Billy Connolly, who recorded his 1976 Atlantic Bridge album both there and at its famous namesake in New York.

Fire Station Creative

This unique art gallery venue in the old art deco Fire Station building is home to a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, live music and film nights, open studio days and a lovely café providing fresh food and hot and cold drinks.

FOOD AND DRINK

Cafe Wynd 

Independent, friendly café selling delicious bakes, fresh food and great coffee, located on Cross Wynd. It is dog-friendly, and the menu includes breakfast treats, seasonal tarts and moreish hot chocolate.

The Canmore 

Don’t miss out on this award-winning bar and restaurant, where local Scottish produce is served with a European flair, alongside creative cocktails and an impressive wine list.

Jack O’Bryan’s

Scotland’s natural larder takes centre stage at Jack O’Bryan’s, but with a twist. This popular, rustic bar and kitchen brings the flavours of Asian and Iberian cuisine to a Scottish menu, which incorporates fine cuts of meat, freshly-caught fish, local cheeses and delicious desserts.

Maria’s Baking Stories

Delightful bakery, patisserie and cafe on New Row, serving up the most beautiful sweet concoctions, from truffles and macarons to ‘Greek canoli’ and cheesecake baklava. The pink décor is eye-catching and if you have a sweet tooth, you will be in cake heaven at Maria’s.

The Old Inn 

A legendary venue in Dunfermline, given it was where Dunfermline Athletic Football Club was founded, this pub and restaurant was originally a coaching inn, offering a welcome drink, rest and bite to eat to the many travelling traders of the time. It now offers one of the city’s best selection of 
ales, craft beers and award-winning burgers.

Dhoom

Large, ambitious Indian restaurant where you are seated inside a tuk-tuk and the décor brings to mind bustling street markets. The menu is inspired by the owner’s frequent  visits to different regions of India and are blaze with colour, flavour and aroma. There are also a la carte and kids’ menu options.

Fabric

This friendly, upmarket Japanese restaurant is known for its delicious Pan-Asian cuisine, signature cocktails, and private dining options. The menu includes scrumptious sushi featuring the freshest ingredients, refreshing ramen bowls and curries.

Woodlea Stables

Fabulous farm shop and café, based at Woodlea Stables, surrounded by countryside views.  The welcome is warm and the child-friendly set up (look out for cute farm animals nearby) makes it a great family location. The shop sells fresh bread, fruit, vegetables and baked goods.

(Image: Welcome to Fife)

ACTIVE AND OUTDOORS

Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland

Daredevils and newbies alike will find something to try at this fantastic centre on Town Loch, in the lovely surroundings of Townhill Country Park, around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Dunfermline. The centre offers a wide range of experiences, including wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake surfing and ringo rides.

Pittencrieff Park

This beautiful public park was given to the people of Dunfermline by Andrew Carnegie, the famous philanthropist whose legacy crops up all over the city. It covers 76 acres and includes play areas, greenhouses and wonderful walks. It is also home to a peacock sanctuary and they have Freedom of the City, so you may spot them roaming around…

Knockhill Racing Circuit

The ultimate destination for thrill-seekers, Knockhill Racing Circuit is Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre, offering everything from karting and rally driving, to off-road and supercar race days. It is located in the countryside just six miles north of Dunfermline.

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