Dunfermline in Scotland is a former royal burgh of the Fife region that is home to the famous Carnegie Hall and filled with beautiful attractions and luxury accommodation.
You’ll find that there are many things to do in Dunfermline, with this gorgeous former capital of Scotland being famous for exemplary visitor attractions like Dunfermline Palace & Abbey, Dunfermline Library, and Robert the Bruce Memorial!
The Dunfermline area is incredibly close to Edinburgh; you easily can reach this historic town by a leisurely walk across Forth Bridge.
Dunfermline began its history with royal standards, hosting the royal marriage between King Malcolm III of the Scots and Queen Margaret within the historic Dunfermline Abbey. Since then, the town has expanded and sprouted numerous local attractions that have brought visitors worldwide to explore Dunfermline and the greater Fife area around it.
Things to do in Dunfermline
There are so many things to do in Dunfermline that it’s difficult to decide what exactly you should be doing while you’re visiting. That’s why we’ve made this guide to help you decide what needs to be on your to-do list while visiting Dunfermline, Scotland.
Dunfermline Abbey & Palace
The Dunfermline Abbey Church & Palace is one of the most well-known churches within the Fife region and has a rich history waiting to be revealed when you explore the grounds of this grand Abbey.
The Abbey was christened by David I and used as a royal mausoleum to house the final resting place of some of medieval Dunfermline and Scotland’s greatest monarchs. Now, at least seven Scottish kings and British monarchs are buried within Dunfermline Abbey. Not many abbeys can boast about a fact like that!
You can visit Dunfermline Abbey and explore its fascinating history as you wander through its expansive grounds.
This site offers those who want to relive the lives of Scottish Kings and Queens an unparalleled opportunity to do so and makes visiting Dunfermline Abbey a one-of-a-kind experience that you should not miss out on.
Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries
Just down the street from Dunfermline Abbey is the equally impressive Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries. This library is crammed with history, stunning artworks, and engaging exhibits that will give you a richer understanding of this former capital of Scotland.
Visitors come face to face with Scottish royalty like Queen Margaret of Scotland, Charles I, and Robert the Bruce; explore the industrial expansion of coal mining and weaving; and discover the effects that World War I had on Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, and Dunfermline all from the brilliant themed information areas within the Library.
The Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries are an outstanding way to spend an afternoon in the town and are considered one of the must-see visitor attractions of Western Dunfermline.
Carnegie Hall
Built in the early 20th century and named after Dunfermline local, Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Hall plays host to some of Scotland’s most riotous, lively, and gripping performances.
The Hall is the perfect place to spend an evening and be entertained by artists, actors, and comedians from Kirkcaldy to Charlestown and the rest of the talented West Fife area.
Become immersed in the immaculate design and atmosphere of this iconic building while you begin to feel the giddiness and anticipation of seeing a live show in one of the best theatres in Scotland.
The Hall is a necessary stop on a visitor’s journey throughout Dunfermline centre, so make sure you’re booking one of their spectacular performances as soon as possible!
Pittencrieff Park
Pittencrieff park covers a magnificent 76-acres with beautiful lush greenery and acts as the grounds for notable sites like Dunfermline Abbey.
It’s filled with the best scenery for a family picnic and has a fantastic play park that accommodates children of all ages, perfect for some afternoon fun with the little ones.
Pittencrief Park brings many locals and visitors together with its ample space and refreshing sights. It’s one of the best ways to rest and relax on your holiday in Dunfermline.
Alhambra Theatre
The Alhambra Theatre is situated in the heart of Dunfermline and boasts dazzling performances within its classic 1920s architecture.
The theatre has been a host to some world-class performances and events like comedian Jimmy Carr, An Evening with Sir Alex Fergusson, and One Night of Queen, to name a few.
If your evenings are free while staying in Dunfermline or nearby Edinburgh, you will not regret booking a one-of-a-kind performance at this theatre.
Fife Leisure Park
For those that want a family-centred holiday in Dunfermline, look no further than East Scotland’s premier leisure centre — Fife Leisure Park.
Here, families can enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and participate in fun-filled activities & events like bowling at a bowling alley, watching a movie at their prestigious cinema, classic games like bingo & adventure golf, and even more!
The Fife Leisure Park is the perfect place to spend a day while you’re in Dunfermline.
Knockhill Racing Circuit
The sounds of tyres screeching against concrete and revving engines fill the air while you visit the exhilarating Knockhill Racing Circuit in West Fife, just north of Dunfermline and Capital Edinburgh.
This attraction draws in visitors every year with thrilling racing experiences like Karting and Rally Driving — perfect for satisfying your need for speed!
The Knockhill Racing Circuit & Centre offers excellent services and packages to those interested in motorsports or those just wanting a fun afternoon of racing. Make a booking for an unforgettable adrenaline-pumping adventure at this circuit in West Fife.
The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum
One of the most unique attractions in Scotland’s Dunfermline is the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum north of Dunfermline. These 49-acres of land contain over 100 vintage buses, trams, horse-drawn carriages, and many other exhibits.
You’ll be enthralled by how Scottish engineering has improved these buses throughout the ages and the integral part they’ve played in transportation during milestone events in history.
This visitor attraction has a little something for everyone and provides you with an unparalleled opportunity to understand this hidden niche of history!
Go Escape!
A recent trend that has swept through many cities worldwide is escape rooms, and there’s no better place to experience the thrill and excitement than at Go Escape in Scotland’s Dunfermline.
Go Escape has a multitude of rooms for you to tackle, with intricate and challenging puzzles, riddles, and minigames that will test your abilities and make you work to escape!
Solve a manor murder, escape from prison, and find a missing person while trying to beat the clock and escape at Go Escape!
Devilla
A beautiful natural glen can be found in West Fife called Devilla, home to towering Scotch pines and a collection of conservation woodlands filled with lochs, flora, and abundant wildlife.
Enjoy a walk along the trails and keep an eye out for the adorable red squirrels that make the Scotch pines their home. You can also find otters and dragonflies as you wander through this expanse of nature, a definite bonus to the already relaxing atmosphere present in the park.
If you find yourself exploring the western area of Fife, make sure to spend an hour or two at Devilla, you won’t regret it.
Clan McKenzie Routes
For an unparalleled look into the history of the famed Clan McKenzie, look no further than Clan McKenzie Route, which offers incredible day tours and experiences that cover the historical sites of this family.
Visitors to Dunfermline and West Fife who have a great interest in the hit series, Outlander, will be thrilled to know that the routes cover many of the filming locations for the show!
Whether you’re interested in the beautiful locations and sites of Edinburgh and Fife or want to explore your heritage, Clan McKenzie Routes have everything that you can ask for.
Abbot House
The Abbot House stands proudly in the centre of Dunfermline as the oldest building in this former capital of Scotland. The House is easily recognised for its pink colour and eye-catching design.
Standing in this grandeur, Abbot House is the perfect location to visit if you want to relive the history of Scotland, with special attention given to King Robert the Bruce who was buried near Abbot House.
You can easily visit this great landmark of Scotland’s history while enjoying other local attractions like East End Park, Dunfermline Abbey Church, and Kingsgate Shopping Centre, so there’s no reason to miss out on it.
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
One of the greatest Scots of the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie was a steel tycoon, stockbroker, writer, lecturer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist to boot. You can learn about the history and humble beginnings of this man who was once the richest person in the world.
Stroll through the cottage that Andrew Carnegie grew up in and learn about his road to wealth and how he used his massive generosity to build landmarks, art theatres, and heritage sites.
Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of one of the most remarkable men in Scottish history while at this superb place of interest in Dunfermline.
Craigluscar Activities
If you want some traditional activities that celebrate the Scottish culture, look no further than an afternoon at Craigluscar Activities.
They provide you with an authentic Scottish experience and teach you how to play some of the highland’s most fun pastimes like archery, rifle shooting, and many other highland classics.
Spending an afternoon enjoying some of the finest diversions taught by professionals is one of the best things you can do while in Dunfermline.
Margaret’s Cave
One of Dunfermline’s most unexpected attractions is hidden near a cark park in town. St. Margaret’s Cave is located 87 steps from a rather unassuming building that blends in with the surrounding area.
Little do visitors know that this descent reveals a secret cave depicting St. Margaret praying at the altar. As you travel down, you can read about the fascinating tale of this Saint to get a deeper understanding of who St. Margaret was and her importance to Scottish history.
You won’t regret spending time at this peculiar but fascinating attraction hidden within Dunfermline.
Peacock Sanctuary
Within the town park, you can find a family of beautiful peacocks living in the Peacock Sanctuary. Enjoy some time with these iconic birds and learn about them from conveniently placed information notices around the sanctuary.
These peacocks were originally brought from India by Henry Beveridge and were prone to wander the town as they pleased, a possibility they still can enjoy but only within the grounds of Pittencrieff Park Centre.
Visit the sanctuary to see these majestic birds if you’re not lucky enough to spot them wandering the park’s grounds.
East End Park
If you want to enjoy some of the most thrilling and lively events in Dunfermline, look no further than a match at this beautiful stadium while you’re staying in town.
Watch along with enthusiastic locals as they score their way up the Scottish League Table facing off against other notable teams of Fife like Falkirk F.C. This park is home to the local team, Dunfermline Athletic.
You won’t want to miss a match from one of Scotland’s finest while you’re in the Dunfermline area!
Rosyth Castle Ruins
One of the most well-maintained ruins in Fife, take a visit down south to the site of Rosyth to see how castles truly age through time.
Just South of Dunfermline is the ruins of Rosyth Castle, an incredible place to see as you travel up from Edinburgh to Dunfermline.
Left to ruin in the early 1700s, the castle is now a part of the firth and a historic site of interest as you explore the greater Fife area of Dunfermline. Now a beautiful relic of the past, reimagine this abandoned home of kings and queens as it once was in its prime.
Lathalmond Railway Museum
The Lathalmond Railway Museum is the perfect location to understand the fascinating history of how railways have impacted Scotland. It is located right next to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum in Dunfermline, Kingdom of Fife.
Dedicated to rebuilding parts of the railway in Dunfermline and housing some of the most fantastic restored railway wagons, there are endless learning possibilities to have while you enjoy some time at the Lathalmond Railway Museum.
While you’re in the area, be sure to visit one of the best attractions in West Fife.
Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s
Found just off the high street of Dunfermline, you will find no better place to enjoy fine dining than Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s. This restaurant prides itself on presenting traditional tastes of Scotland with international twists and turns that will delight the taste buds.
This restaurant’s impeccable services and electric atmosphere will bring life into your night out on the town and be an unforgettable experience.
While you explore the town of Dunfermline and its high street, you will be doing yourself a favour by enjoying the exceptional food and services at Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s.
Townhill Country Park
A small detour north of Dunfermline, Townhill Country Park is an exquisite opportunity to relish the natural world around you and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the town.
From its high ground, you’ll be able to see the beauty of Dunfermline around you and Edinburgh beyond it. This spot is the perfect place to spend a day off from sightseeing and just enjoy quality time together with friends and family or travel companions.
The Country Park is also home to a host of ducks that make the park’s lake their home, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to feed these majestic birds while you’re there (ducks love sliced grapes, cracked corn, and grains).
Enjoy some time at the Country Park while you’re in Dunfermline. It will refresh your mind and soul like nothing else.
Other Things To Do in The Kingdom of Fife
- Things to do in Anstruther
- Things to do in Burntisland
- Things to do in Cupar
- Things to do in Leven
- Things to do in St Andrews