Dunfermline

Royal Palace

The Abbey church stands adjacent to the ruined monastery building and the Royal Palace, which are linked by a pend or alleyway. The palace, built when Malcolm and Margaret married, has fallen into ruins, but what little remains still hints at its undoubted magnificence. For centuries, it was a favourite residence of the Kings of Scotland. David II, James I and Charles I were all born here, the latter being the last monarch to be born in Scotland. Apr-Sep daily 0930-1830; Oct-Mar Mon-Wed & Sat 0930-1630, Thu 0930-1230, Sun 1400-1630. Disabled access. Tel. 739026.

Pittencrief Park

The beautiful and lavishly endowed Pittencrief Park, known locally as 'the Glen', is opposite the west door of the Abbey. Inside the park is Pittencrief House Museum, built in 1610 and also bought by Carnegie for the people of Dunfermline. It features displays of local history, costumes and an art gallery. The glasshouses (free entry) are filled with tropical plants and flowers, and the art deco pavilion has a restaurant. Here also stands the ruin of Malcolm's Tower, where King Malcolm and his bride lived before the building of the palace. Dunfermline – which means 'fort by the crooked pool' – takes its name from the tower's location. Museum open Apr-Sep daily 1100-1700; Oct-Mar daily 1100-1600. Free. Tel. 722935.

Abbot House

In the Maygate is the Abbot House, which was the home of Robert Pitcairn, the post-Reformation Abbot of the Abbey. The house is one of the oldest in Scotland, possibly 14th century, and was restored in 1963. There's a café serving snacks and light lunches. All year daily 1000-1700. £3, £2 concession, children free (if accompanied by an adult. Tel. 733266.

Saint Margaret's Cave

Incongruously housed in the stone building in Chalmers street car park is the entrance to Saint Margaret's Cave. The saintly queen often retired here for moments of secret devotion. Her husband, suspicious of her frequent visits to the cave, followed and discovered her kneeling in prayer. Overjoyed that his suspicions were groundless, he had the cave fitted up for her as a place of devotion. Easter to end-Sep daily 1100-1600. Free.

Dunfermline Museum

Dunfermline Museum is at Viewfield Terrace, south of the East Port. The Victorian villa has displays concentrating on local history, including the weaving and damask linen industries, for which the town was famous and which greatly contributed to Fife's economic well-being. All year, Mon-Fri. Free. Phone 24 hrs in advance for admission; Tel. 313838.

Knockhill Racing Circuit

Four miles north of the town centre, just off the A823, is Knockhill Racing Circuit, Tel. 723337, Scotland's national motorsport centre, which stages major car and motorbike racing events (as well as rally, race and 4x4 driving courses) between April and October, usually on Sunday. £5-20 depending on the event, children under 16 free, OAP/concession half price.

Town House

The 19th-century Town House in Bridge Street was designed in the French and Scottish Gothic style, said to be very fashionable at the time. Among its interesting features are the gargoyles and grotesques, depicting the heads of King Robert the Bruce, King Malcolm, Queen Margaret and Queen Elizabeth.