Fife

Fife's coastline shapes much of its character, from the golfing fame of St Andrews to the fishing villages of Anstruther and Pittenweem, where harbours and stone cottages recall a quieter maritime past. Burntisland and Aberdour offer sandy beaches and gentle seaside charm within easy reach of Edinburgh, while Inverkeithing and Rosyth serve as practical gateways across the Forth.

Inland, Dunfermline's historic abbey and royal connections make it Fife's most substantial town, while Cupar provides a market-town base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy suit those wanting everyday amenities and transport links, and Leven's long beach draws visitors seeking an unhurried coastal stay. Together these places suit both lively breaks and slower, traditional holidays.

St Andrews holds much of the county's best-known accommodation, from guesthouses tucked behind the old town to country properties on its outskirts, and rooms here get booked up quickly around golf tournaments and graduation weekends. Dunfermline offers a more workaday base with good transport links, useful if you're touring Fife rather than settling in one spot, while Aberdour suits those after a quieter coastal stay with beaches and a station close at hand.

Beyond the towns, Fife's B&Bs and guesthouses spread out into farmhouses and converted cottages, such as Balmungo Cottage B&B or Craigduckie Shepherd Huts, which make sense if you'd rather wake up to fields than pavements. Places like Lorimer House and Balmule House show the range on offer between period townhouses and rural retreats, so it's worth deciding whether you want to be within walking distance of the shops or happy to drive in each evening.

Fife packs a lot into a small area, from the golf heritage of St Andrews to the fishing villages along the East Neuk. Attractions here range from beaches at Lundin Links and Kingsbarns to indoor options like the St Andrews Indoor Golf Centre and Bongos Soft Play Centre for wet afternoons, plus more unusual outings such as the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline or a race day at Knockhill.

Families tend to gravitate towards Anstruther and the coastal towns for beaches and boat trips, while Cupar and Glenrothes offer farm visits and riding stables such as Wellsgreen Farm and Barbarafield. St Andrews itself covers everything from history to golf-themed fun, including trails like the St Andrews Treasure Trail. Whatever the weather or the age group, there's enough spread across the county to fill several days without much driving between stops.

Fife's dining spread reflects its mix of golf-town polish and quiet farming country. St Andrews carries much of the interest, from casual daytime spots like Coffee Culture to venues tied into the town's community and student life, such as St Andrews Community Association. It's an easy place to eat well without much planning, particularly around the centre.

Cupar and the surrounding countryside offer a different pace, with places like Jamesfield Organic Centre leaning on local produce and a more rural setting. Families passing through will find options too, including The Treehouse Softplay for younger children, while the Kirk Cafe suits a simple stop between sightseeing. Choosing between them often comes down to whether you want the buzz of St Andrews or the calmer feel of the county's farmland.

Fife's coastline and farmland give campers and glampers plenty of choice, from shepherds huts and wooden pods to more traditional tent pitches. St Andrews and the East Neuk draw visitors keen to combine golf, beaches and coastal walks with a stay somewhere like Off Grid Travel at Cambo Estate, while sites near Leven and Kinghorn suit those wanting easy access to sandy shores on the Firth of Forth.

Further inland, around Cupar and Dunfermline, farm-based sites such as Ring Farm Camping and Grange Hill Farm offer a quieter base for exploring market towns and countryside, with huts and pods like Craigduckie Shepherds Huts and West Fife Pods giving a more sheltered alternative to canvas.

Choosing between them often comes down to setting: woodland retreats such as Green Oak Nature Retreat and Woodland Gardens Caravan Site appeal to those after seclusion, whereas coastal spots put beaches and clifftop paths within easy reach.

Fife's coastline and farmland make it well suited to self-catering, with cottages ranging from converted fishermen's houses in the East Neuk to farm conversions inland. Pan Ha Cottage sits close to the harbour at Dysart, while others like The Old Smithy or 2 Mill Hall Cottages occupy quieter village settings away from the water.

Coastal villages such as Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem draw those wanting harbour views and beach walks, while properties further inland suit visitors basing themselves for golf at St Andrews or exploring the Lomond Hills. With 171 cottages across the county, choice comes down to whether you want to be within walking distance of the sea, as with Fidra or The Rest, or prefer a more rural spot like Fernwoodlea or Serena 25.