Our most recommended things to do in Dunfermline

From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour

1. From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour

Step into the story and witness the scenic landscapes and ruins from the TV show "Outlander" on this day trip from Edinburgh. Travel in a comfortable bus and see the village of Cranesmuir and the Tuilyies Standing Stones. Board your bus in Edinburgh's Royal Mile and head to Midhope Castle. Explore this 16th-century Tower House, which served as the backdrop to Lallybroch; Jamie Fraser's family home. Next, head to Blackness, home to Blackness Castle, an optional extra on this tour. The castle is used to represent Fort William in the series. Learn why this castle is known as "the ship that never sailed". Following in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie, your Outlander tour travels northwest to the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. Stop to take a photo of Linlithgow Palace, Outlander's Wentworth Prison. Explore the town, purchase refreshments, and learn about this palace's history as a relaxing retreat for the Royal Family on journeys between Edinburgh and Stirling Castle. Continue to the Royal Burgh of Culross. a tiny 17th-century village on the coast of Fife. The gardens here feature in Claire's herb garden and the Mercat Cross in Outlanders' Cranesmuir Village. Enjoy plenty of time to stroll through this picturesque town and visit the quaint Biscuit Café. Next, head to Falkland. This small village in Fife served as the set for Inverness in Outlander, where Claire and Frank arrive on their second honeymoon. Spend time exploring the small village, enjoy refreshments, and optionally visit Falkland Palace and Gardens. Finish your tour with a stop in South Queensferry for photos and a stunning view over the Firth of Forth before returning to Edinburgh.

Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

2. Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

On this guided tour of Scotland's most famous medieval landmarks, learn about the many heroes that battled in this ancient kingdom. The first stop on your tour will be the town of Dunfermline. Walk down the beautiful nave of Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, who battled for Scotland's right to be a nation. Next, travel to Stirlingshire, where you will stop in the beautiful city of Stirling, site of the monument of Scottish hero William Wallace (whose life was dramatized in the film Braveheart). You'll have ample time to stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that surround it. You will also have a chance to explore the city's stunning castle if you wish. From Stirling, head to Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce routed the English in 1314. Lastly, decode the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel, which was made famous in Dan Brown's novel the Da Vinci Code. Is this the resting place of the Holy Grail? No one really knows, but you'll love the chapel and the beautiful walk you can take through Roslin Glen and the ruins of Rosslyn Castle.

St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Tour from Edinburgh

3. St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Tour from Edinburgh

Take a full-day trip from Edinburgh and discover the natural beauty of the Fife coast, taking in quaint fishing villages, abbey’s, and the famous university town of St. Andrews, led by an expert guide. From Edinburgh head to South Queensferry and take a look at 2 of the most remarkable bridges in the world–the Forth Rail Bridge built in 1890, and it’s much younger neighbor, the Forth Road bridge. Cross the River Forth and stop-off at the magnificent Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of King Robert the Bruce. See the gold ornate tomb, and learn about the effect of the reformation on the Abbey, when under Henry VIII’s rule churches were destroyed, supposedly in the name of God. Travel along the Fife coast passing Carnegie Hall, the birthplace of world-famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Stop-off at charming little fishing villages, including Anstruther, an old Herring stronghold. Try the best fish and chips in Scotland, or have a snack at the Fisheries Museum. Continue on to St. Andrews, home of golf, religion, and the famous university. Here you will spend 2.5 hours. Explore the beautiful settings, in good weather the beach featuring in the movie Chariots of Fire is particularly popular, as are the 16th Century tunnels under the castle. Golf lovers may want to pay respects at the grave of Tom Morris, visit the Golf Museum, try out the Links Course Putting Green, or simply walk along Granny Clark’s Wynd–a public right-of-way running over the old course.

From Edinburgh: St Andrews, Nature Walk & Dunfermline Abbey

4. From Edinburgh: St Andrews, Nature Walk & Dunfermline Abbey

Travel to the town of St Andrews where you'll get a chance to explore St Andrews Cathedral and the historic St Andrews Castle. Get out for a scenic short coastal walk, visit some coastal towns and walk at Loch Leven Nature Reserve before visiting Dunfermline Abbey, the resting location of past Kings and Queens. Depart Edinburgh, Scotland's largest city and travel over the Queensferry crossing and drive along the coast towards the beautiful Coastal town of St Andrews. As you explore, you'll visit beautiful coastal towns and get gorgeous scenic views Arrive on the coast and go for a short walk to Lady's tower and Lighthouse and experience the the Sea breeze and beautiful scenery The town of St Andrews is mainly known for the historic Old Course, golf Course, though there is so much more to see. You'll get the chance to visit St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Cathedral and walk the streets of this historic town. You'll also, have time for a delicious lunch at one of many places in St Andrews After some lunch, you'll leave St Andrews behind and travel to Loch Leven nature Reserve for a lovely nature walk where you'll hopefully get the chance to see some wildlife Then there's the historic Dunfermline Abbey, resting location of Scottish Kings and Queens and dating back almost a 1000 years ago From here, you'll travel back to Edinburgh, where your Scotland Tour Guide will drop you of at the same location you were picked up.

Edinburgh: Scone Palace, Hunting Castle & Waterfall Tour

5. Edinburgh: Scone Palace, Hunting Castle & Waterfall Tour

Travel to Scone Palace and explore the Palace to learn its long history and see the ancient coronation site for the Kings & Queens of Scotland. Departing Edinburgh, we travel through the beautiful Perthshire countryside and begin the day with a short hike to Kinnoull Tower, with stunning views across the city of Perth. Then we're off to visit Scone Palace to explore this incredible place. Once the coronation site for the Kings & Queens of Scotland, this elegant Palace holds a commanding view across the city of Perth and the River Tay, Scotland's Longest River. Continuing the travels north into the Highlands of Scotland, the next stop takes its name from a visit by a very famous Queens from the British Monarchy, The Queens View. A spot visited by Queen Victoria on her travels north with her husband Albert, they decided to stop by this spot for a view over Loch Tummel & what a view it is! The next spot visited on the Scone Palace tour is Killiecrankie, where you'll learn about the 1689 Jacobite Uprising Battle of Killiecrankie, led by Bonnie Dundee. A short hike to a spot called the Soldiers Leap, you'll learn how this name came about and be offered stunning views down into the River Garry. Now begin your travels south to the Birks of Aberfeldy, a stunning hike through the beautiful woodland towards spectacular waterfalls which inspired one of Scotland's famous poets to compose his poem about the falls, Robert "Rabbie" Burns. After the hike, continue travelling south from the Highlands of Scotland to our next destination, Huntingtower Castle. This charming castle once hosted Mary Queen of Scots and her husband, Lord Darnley. Learn about the Ruthven Raid, where a young James VI (6th) was held hostage for months. After visiting our final stop, we travel back down to Edinburgh.

Private tour to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife

6. Private tour to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife

First and foremost, traveling in our spacious executive cars ensures a comfortable and luxurious journey for you and your group. Our vehicles are designed with your comfort in mind, featuring up to 8 passenger seats. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you embark on your St. Andrews adventure. First we'll visit Blackness Castle, a formidable fortress known as the "Ship that Never Sailed". Then we'll travel over the Queensferry crossing bridge to the Kingdom of Fife to our next stop. Dunfermline Abbey, an ancient abbey with royal connections. Discover the abbey's rich history, and stroll amidst the ruins. Finally, explore St. Andrews, renowned for golf and its medieval heritage. Wander through the charming town, and visit the cathedral ruins. We'll stop off at the Old Course, make sure to get a photo on the Swilcan Bridge. Lets finish the day off by eating at the world famous fish bar of Anstruther, where we can try the freshest, tastiest fish and chips. All tours are customizable.

Other Sightseeing Options in Dunfermline

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What people are saying about Dunfermline

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 439 reviews

I really enjoyed this outlander day trip and highly recommend it for outlander fans or anyone with an interest in medieval through 18th century buildings and history. Neil was our tour guide and driver, he was knowledgeable, funny, personable, professional and a fantastic driver. The whole tour was perfectly organized and executed with lots of stops where food and restrooms were available. We were comfortable and relaxed the entire day with ample time at each stop for exploring and photos. We ate at bessy’s cafe in Culross and recommend their delicious soups and coffees. I have amazing pictures and memories of the many castles and villages we stopped at on this tour, and learned so much interesting history from our guide Neil! Thanks so much

This was the best day of our trip. Gillian was so amazing and the best tour guide we've ever had. She knew so much not only about outlander but also about the history of scotland. I learned so many new things today and it was so much fun. The locations we went to all had connections with outlander and scenes were filmed there. It was so nice to see all of it. Can't recommend this tour enough (with Gillian as the guide ofc) !!!!!

It was such an amazing and most memorable and wonderful experience of my life, specially drive Duggy was amazing. Truly best tour of my life

Plenty of time to go through Stirling Castle with a few stops at some Abbeys on the way. Personalised tour with knowledgeable staff.

Thank you Martin our tour guide. We enjoyed the tour!