The winter is upon us but don’t let that stop you from exploring the beautiful Kingdom of Fife. With so much history at our fingertips you are spoilt for choice for historical places to visit. In a historic tour of Fife, you will uncover the stories and lives of royalty and where many of them came to rest all whilst indulging in the beautiful architecture there is to see.
Uncovering Dunfermline Abbey
No journey through Scotland’s historic milestones would be complete without a visit to Dunfermline Abbey. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Fife, Dunfermline Abbey is a must. The beautiful Abbey was founded in the 11th century by the beloved Queen Margret. As the final resting place of many Scottish Kings and Queens, the Abbey is an important part of Scottish history and is open throughout the year. Not only is it a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, but today, the great nave still stands – largely complete. If you have time to spare once you’ve explored the Abbey, take a turn around the site of the Battle of Bannockburn and experience Robert the Bruce and Scotland’s greatest victory first hand.
Image title Dunfermline Abbey by spentrails is licnesed underCC BY-SA 2.0
Exploring Falkland Palace
Falkland Palace, in the Fife village of Falkland, is run by the National Trust and was the frequently visited by Mary Queen of Scots who came to hunt, hawk and play tennis! The Stuart kings and queens used this a country residence and would hunt in the surrounding Fife forests for deer and wild boar. Between 1501 and 1541 the palace was built, replacing an earlier castle from the 12th century, the ruins of which are still there to be seen . Set within 9 acres of well maintained grounds and formal gardens you can come along and glide through the same rooms as royalty once did and learn all about the history of this captivating place. Open all year round from from 11am to 5pm add this to your winter list of things to do in Fife.
Image title Falkland Palace South Range by neiljmh is licnesed under CC BY-ND 2.0
St Andrews Cathedral
The remains of St Andrews cathedral are well worth a visit for those budding historians. Built in 1158 in St Andrews it was Scotland’s largest cathedral and became the centre of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland. During the Scottish Reformation in 1559 the cathedral was left for ruin with the tower collapsing in the late 16th centuary.
St Rules tower is situated in the grounds of the cathedral and predates the cathedral itself being the church to the priory pre the building of the cathedral and whats more this is where the relics of the St Andrews were once housed.
You can visit the ruins all year round in the summer from 9.30am to 5.30pm and the winter fro 10am to 4pm.
Image title St. Andrews cathedral ruins by Rex Hammock is licnesed under CC BY-SA 2.0
So whatever time of year it is you can entertain the the historian in you and if you are staying here with us at Silverdyke Park we would love to hear all about what you learned. If you want to know more then get in touch.
