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A mini guide to
Dunfermline and the Forth: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Look for the peacocks
Pittencrieff Park, known locally as the Glen, has woodland walks, gardens and resident peacocks, according to VisitScotland.
Abbey and palace together
The abbey church and the ruined palace stand side by side; Historic Environment Scotland looks after the palace and the abbey ruins.
Three bridges from North Queensferry
The shore at North Queensferry looks up at the Forth Bridge, opened in 1890 and a World Heritage Site, with the two road bridges beyond.
Culross is spread out
Culross Palace, the Mercat Cross and the abbey are on a steep hillside; wear good shoes on the cobbles.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dunfermline and the Forth?
Dunfermline and the Forth is in St Andrews and Fife, Scotland. Royal abbey and palace, Carnegie's birthplace, Culross and the Forth Bridge. Nearby stops and stations include Dunfermline City, North Queensferry, Aberdour.
How long do I need in Dunfermline and the Forth?
A day, or half a day for Dunfermline alone. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline Palace, Pittencrieff Park. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Dunfermline City (Trains on the Fife Circle from Edinburgh); North Queensferry (Trains from Edinburgh across the Forth Bridge); Aberdour (Trains on the Fife Circle); X55 bus (Stagecoach express between Dunfermline and Edinburgh). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 20 places to eat and drink in and around Dunfermline and the Forth, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 8 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Dunfermline and the Forth accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Dunfermline and the Forth
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Dunfermline Abbey
Church of Scotland parish church on the site of a great Benedictine abbey, where Robert the Bruce is buried.
Dunfermline Palace
Ruined royal palace beside the abbey, cared for with the abbey ruins by Historic Environment Scotland.
Pittencrieff Park
Park and wooded glen bought by Andrew Carnegie in 1902 and given to the people of Dunfermline the following year.
St Andrews and Fife
More areas to explore
Photo credits
- Inchcolm Abbey: Rianess, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Dunfermline Abbey: Paul McIlroy, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dunfermline Palace: Chiswick Chap, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Pittencrieff Park: Dkardokas, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Andrews: Bartolo Creations, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- East Neuk: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring St Andrews and Fife