Fife

For such a small region, Fife is a very diverse place. The difference between the blighted industrial landscape of the southwest and the prosperous-looking rural northeast couldn't be more marked. Northeast Fife consists of St Andrews and the East Neuk and if you only have a few days in which to visit, then this is the area to see. St Andrews, in particular, is important and attractive enough to visit on its own. The ruins of its cathedral and castle bear witness to its former importance, while the Royal and Ancient Golf Club is the sport's spiritual home and stands on the world's most famous links course. It also has the oldest university in Scotland The East Neuk of Fife is a string of picture-postcard old fishing villages, Those with more time on their hands could also venture inland to explore Falkland, Cupar and the  Howe of Fife Howe of Fife. Here, you'll find Falkland Palace, one of Scotland's most remarkable historic buildings.

Getting Around Fife

The main transport route through the region is the M90 which runs from Edinburgh north to Perth and skirts Fife's western boundary. A more scenic alternative is the beautiful coastal route, which branches east off the M90 just north of the Forth Road Bridge as the A921 to Kirkcaldy, the A955 from there to Leven and the A917 from Leven through the East Neuk villages and on to St Andrews. The coastal route also affords easy access into the centre of Fife. The Tay Road Bridge leads south from Dundee into Fife, via the A914 and A919 southeast to St Andrews and the A92 southwest to Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy. It meets the A91, which runs east from the M90 and gives access to Falkland Palace, the Scottish Deer Centre, Cupar and also St Andrews.

The train line north from Edinburgh follows the coast as far as Kirkcaldy and then cuts inland towards Dundee, stopping at Cupar and Leuchars. From Leuchars a bus can be taken to St Andrews. It is possible to explore the peninsula using public transport, but it can be a slow and time-consuming business as buses to the more remote parts are few and far between.

Tourist Information

Visit the Fife Tourist Board website, The various Tourist Information Centres provide free and comprehensive information on all that Fife has to offer, including where to stay. They also sell tickets for events, attractions, trips and tours, provide exchange facilities and stock maps and guide books. Details of the TICs are given under the relevant town. You'll find them in St Andrews, Kirkcaldy, Anstruther, Crail,Dunfermline and North Queensferry.