Fife, Scotland is a magical place packed full of whiskey distilleries, vast harbors, intimate fishing villages, and hugely dramatic and impressive castles. Whether you’re considering moving to this county for work or simply for a new start, the more you know about it, the more prepared you will be. So, with that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Fife!
Where Exactly is Fife?
Fife, or as it’s affectionally referred to by the locals, the Kingdom of Fife, is a small and intimate area of Scotland, yet one that’s full to the brim of historical sites, breathtaking scenery, and fascinatingly eclectic shops.
Directly on the east coast of Scotland, Fife combines the hustle and bustle of the industrial part of the area to the south and the quieter, natural world of the rural north, and no guidebook or Google Earth search could possibly prepare you for the true beauty that you’ll experience when you arrive.
Interesting Facts About the Area
Luxury cottages, such as those available at premierstaysfife.co.uk, that are in and around the center of Fife make for the perfect place to stay to take in the ambience and atmosphere of the area.
To help you to break the ice with Scottish locals, here are some interesting and lesser-known Fife-related facts:
- It boasts the world-famous golf course, St Andrews Links.
- The Fife Coastal Path stretches for an impressive 117 miles.
- Due to the diverse ecosystem, Fife is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
- From certain locations, you can see panoramic views of the choppy North Sea.
- The intricately carved Pictish stones can be found in Fife.
- The TV show Outlander was filmed in Culross, Fife.
Fife: A Brief History
Originally, named Fib and situated within the heart of the Pictish Kingdom, Fife was only accessible by either an incredibly long detour by road or alternatively, by ferry, even though it’s not technically an island.
The very first castle of the artillery age in the whole of Scotland is in Fife; Ravenscraig Castle, which sits on the border of Kirkcaldy. Ravenscraig Castle was initially constructed to be the primary royal residence of Queen Mary of Gueldres way back in 1460, but due to restrictions of the time, the grand castle was quickly transferred into the hands of the Sinclair clan.
The Top Things to See in Fife
Finally, and especially helpful for those who are planning a holiday to Scotland, or specifically to Fife itself, there are at least five tourist attractions which, if you returned home from your trip without seeing them, would be kicking yourself that you missed them.
First and foremost, the picturesque, truly impressive St Andrews Castle is an absolute must-see, and while you’re there, you could also consider taking a walk around the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, too.
Other stand-out landmarks and popular tourist destinations in Fife to include in your itinerary include the historic Falkland Palace and Garden, the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, Kellie Castle & Garden, and the grounds of St Andrews university.
