Whether you’re passing through Fife on a Scottish summer road trip, staycationing in the area or just live locally, we’re here to share some of the best attractions, days out and activities to do whatever the weather.
Where is Fife?
Also known as the Kingdom of Fife, this Scottish county can be found sandwiched between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay. Its capital is Glenrothes, but there are plenty of other significant towns within it, including the ancient town of St Andrews.
6 things to do in Fife
Of course, in typical central Scottish fashion, the weather can be unpredictable all year round, so it’s good to have a list handy of things you can do come rain, hail, snow or shine.
1. Relax at the beach
Scotland is well known for its sandy beaches, perfect for a peaceful stroll, rockpooling, or simply just relaxing on the sand. St Andrews is famous for its West Sands beach, which staged a famous scene in the film ‘Chariots of Fire’. You can even take a boat trip to the Isle of May, once home to a monastery and now classed as a national treasure.
Deep Sea World hosts quarterly beach cleans to keep our beaches looking beautiful, so if you find yourself in the area for one of these, we highly recommend taking part!
2. Play golf
Fife is a popular golfing spot thanks to its many golf courses, some of which are world-famous. Not only was the sport invented in St Andrews, but its ‘Old Course’ hosts several of the most popular tournaments, and the course dates back as far as 1552.
Whether you’re a golf novice or a bit of a pro, this is the perfect place to test out your skills.
3. Have year-round family fun at Deep Sea World
Deep Sea World in North Queensferry is the perfect day out in any weather conditions – whether it’s hot, cold or rainy. Featuring a massive variety of marine animals, including sharks, seals, snakes and frogs, there’s something for everyone to get excited about here.
We’re also home to the largest underwater tunnel exhibit in Europe, where you could easily wile away your time getting to know the varied species swimming all around you.
If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeking family, we even have adult and junior shark diving experiences available to book in advance.
4. Explore North Queensferry deeper
After a day out at Deep Sea World, why not explore more of what North Queensferry has to offer? This historic port is now a coastal village, but its past is still present in its famous landmarks and attractions.
Forth Bridge
The Forth Rail Bridge crosses the Firth of Forth and was considered a feat of engineering when it first opened in 1890. Receiving UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015, alongside worldwide landmarks like the Great Wall of China, its significance is still celebrated to this day.
You can experience this bridge in several ways, from viewpoints across Queensferry to the Forth Rail Bridge Experience. Deep Sea World is also directly underneath the bridge, so you can enjoy the views from outside or even inside at our seal rock exhibit.
Smallest working lighthouse
Standing at just 11 feet tall on the North Queensferry Pier, the North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower is not only the smallest working lighthouse in Scotland, but it’s the smallest in the world.
This is another engineering wonder, and after being carefully restored for safety, visitors can even climb the 24 steps and light a lamp as it would’ve been done in the early 19th Century.
5. Visit historical landmarks
Fife is filled with indoor and outdoor historical landmarks to explore. Starting in St Andrews, the Gothic 12th-century Cathedral ruins are a must-see. Open to the public free of charge, you can wander around what’s left of what was once Scotland’s largest cathedral. Also in the town are the ruins of St Andrews Castle, with incredible views over Castle Sands out to the North Sea. Originally built in 1200, these ancient ruins take you back in time to experience what life was like all those years ago.
Further inland by the Lomond Hills is Falkland Palace and Gardens. Visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, this Renaissance palace features spectacular architecture, extensive gardens and one of Britain’s oldest original real tennis courts. If you visit on a Sunday, you can even attend Mass at the Chapel Royal.
Sheltering from bad weather, but still want to enjoy an educational day out? Check out the R&A World Golf Museum, Scottish Vintage Bus Museum and Scotland’s Secret Bunker.
6. Take a stroll or hike around Fife
If you strike lucky with the weather or don’t mind walking in the rain, you can seize the opportunity to see the beauty of Fife on foot. There are multiple walking paths in the area, including charming coastal strolls and trails leading you through quaint fishing villages.
If you’re prepared for a more intense hike, Blair Adam Forest, John Knox’s pulpit and Maspie Burn all have great trails you can follow to explore the natural beauty of this area. Just remember to bring safety equipment and check the weather conditions, since some trails aren’t recommended in poor weather conditions.
Fife is even home to one of the Lomond Hills, which is a brilliant spot for hikers of all abilities, depending on the trail you choose to follow.
We hope you feel inspired to try one of these activities on your next visit to Fife. Also, be sure to book your tickets in advance for Deep Sea Aquarium to avoid missing out!