Activities in Dunfermline

As Scottish as haggis, kilts and Irn-Bru, the Forth Bridge is an iconic Scottish symbol and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. A cantilevered railway bridge that crosses the Firth of Forth, the bridge is nearly 3 km long and the second longest bridge of its kind in the world. Built in 1890, it connects North and South Queensferry over the Forth and is crossed by up to 200 trains each day. The views from both banks are spectacular, with plenty of walks and viewing points nearby.

The home of Scottish motorsport, the Knockhill Racing Circuit was opened in 1974 and is a 1.3-mile circuit that hosts regular Superbikes and Touring Cars races, as well as track days, go-karting sessions, off-roading, rally racing and more. In addition to regular meets and races throughout the year, the circuit runs a series of track-driving experiences where you can take control of a Ferrari, Aston Martin, modified rally car or even a single-seater Formula 1-style car. The circuit is located to the north of Dunfermline, and around a 10-minute drive from our Dunfermline hotel.

One of the most historic sites in the region, the Dunfermline Abbey & Palace was founded in the 11th century as a Benedictine abbey by Queen Margaret and is the final resting place of eight Scottish kings, including King Robert Bruce. The ruins have been well-preserved, and serve as a fascinating insight into Scottish history, with the visitor centre, exhibitions and staff on hand to provide historical context and insightful background to the stunning site.

Attracting nearly a million guests each year, Pittencrieff Park is a 76-acre park, perfect for a family day out. It is located in the middle of Dunfermline on the border of the Abbey and Palace. With three parks and playgrounds, some amazing natural wildlife trails, activity walks, several amazingly well-tended gardens – including some of the highest trees in Scotland – an Art Deco Pavilion and a café, the park is a great place to explore. Plus, make sure to head down during the Bruce Festival and the annual fireworks display, when the park truly comes alive.

One of the many Scots who had a worldwide impact in the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie became the richest man in the world at one point thanks to the steel industry, before giving away a majority of his fortune founding libraries, universities and charitable foundations. The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is located on the southern edge of Dunfermline in the house he was born in during the 1770s. It is a free-to-enter museum that celebrates his arrival in the world and his incredible journey via an interactive experience packed full of activities, demonstrations and exhibitions. There’s also a garden, gift shop and café to explore during your visit. A word to the wise, Bodenham Arboretum is not free, and the price of tickets changes with the seasons of the year but at roughly a few pounds for adults it's worth it for a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

You wait for one, and then 160 buses come along at once. At least they do at the Vintage Bus Museum, a 49-acre space home to over 190 vehicles dating from the 1920s to the 1990s. Only open on Sundays from Easter until September, there are several tours available during the day, including a ride on at least one bus, as well as a trip around the workshop. Plus, there’s a café where you can refuel and a gift shop for that ideal souvenir.