Scotland: Land of Kingdoms, Palaces and Golf

Duration

8 Hours approximately

Prices vary by season

About

The Home of Golf, beautiful beaches and the best fish and chips in Scotland - what more could you want from a day out. On this tour, you will explore the great Kingdom of Fife and discover its fascinating history and wonderful scenery.

Tour Itinerary

Head North to Fife...

This tour is all about Fife and to get there we cross the Firth of Forth - this is your perfect chance to get a photograph of the famous Forth Rail Bridge. This stunning example of Victorian engineering was opened in 1890. It took nearly 4,000 men 3.5 years to build it. With its triple cantilever design, it is the biggest one of its kind in Britain and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. This bridge was also voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in 2016.

Sample the delights of Falkland...

We travel to Falkland and you'll be able to walk around this beautiful village, where time seems to have stood still. Fans of Outlander will recognise it as post-war Inverness - the Bruce Fountain here plays a vital role as it's where Claire sees Jamie Fraser's ghost. You can browse the craft shops and there is an option of visiting the beautiful Falkland Palace and Gardens *, a royal palace of the Scottish Kings. It was the favourite retreat of the Stuart dynasty, especially Mary Queen of Scots. It also has the oldest tennis courts in use anywhere in the world. Follow in the footsteps of monarchs when you walk around the amazing formal gardens and be sure to check out the unique willow labyrinth situated within the grounds.

St Andrews - Golf and so much more...

St Andrews is the star attraction of this tour and you'll have ample time here to explore the town and its various sites on your own. As the spiritual home of golf, it is a must-see for all devotees of the game, The Royal and Ancient Gold Club of St Andrews is one of the oldest in the world. On certain days you can even walk this golf course. Otherwise, why not try out the Himalayas, the famous mini golf course which lies adjacent to the Old Course.

Follow in the footsteps of royalty...

St Andrews is also home to the third-oldest University in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge, commencing teaching in 1413. It is most famous for being where Prince William and Kate Middleton (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) first met and studied. You can take the time to walk in their shoes, taking in the stunning gothic architecture of St Salvator’s Quad and St Salvator’s Chapel.

Visit the ancient cathedral and castle...

You can also explore St Andrews Cathedral, built in 1158 it became the centre of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland and was the largest cathedral in Scotland. For stunning views of St Andrews and across Fife, why not scale the 33m St Rule’s Tower. This site, which is, said to be the site of the remains of St Andrew, has been used as a place of worship and pilgrimage since the 700s. It now lies in ruins, as does St. Andrews Castle. This castle is the ideal place to discover mediaeval siege warfare, marvel at the stunning façade, and discover its turbulent 450-year-old history.

Explore stunning beaches...

Why not walk along Castle Sands to take in the beauty of these ruins from the cliffs below. Be sure to walk along the pier to get a great view of the whole town. The town also boasts several stunning beaches, one of which, West Sands, you may recognise from Chariots of Fire.

Get up close to sea life...

There is also an aquarium which is well worth a visit. See sea life and much more: Meerkats, penguins and sharks are all housed in this aquarium, as well as of course over 100 species of fish. Take time to explore the plethora of great cafes and shops, walk the ancient cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the beauty and vibrancy of this historic university town.

Enjoy the beauty of the East Neuk...

This is an often-forgotten corner of Fife that has some particularly beautiful historic fishing villages and stunning coastal scenery. You'll have the chance to photograph Anstruther on our way along the coastal route. Anstruther is also famous for its fish and chips! You can also visit the Wee Couper of Fife – a whisky and gin specialist. Take the opportunity to experience local whisky with a tasting and learn all you can from the experts! There is also a good selection of independent shops and coffee shops to look around, as well as the beautiful beach. Anstruther also boasts a beautiful working fishing harbour. Experience an authentic Scottish business in action and see where your food comes from!

Look out to the Isle of May...

You will also see exceptional views of the town and towards the Isle of May, a national nature reserve maintained by Scottish Natural Heritage. This island is currently home to seabirds and seals, but in the past was a hiding spot for smuggled goods, as well as inhabited by monks. This island, full of secrets, is a must see.

What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go! It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.