For a day trip from Edinburgh packed with history, culture, green spaces and entertainment, look no further than Dunfermline.
Just a short journey across the River Forth, this ancient city in the Kingdom of Fife offers a rich slice of Scottish heritage, world-class museums, beautiful parks, and plenty of spots to grab a bite or enjoy live entertainment.
Whether you’re on a solo day out, a family adventure, or showing Scotland to visiting friends, Dunfermline surprises and delights at every turn.
Getting there: quick, easy and scenic
Regular trains from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station will whisk you over the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and into Dunfermline City Train Station in around 35 minutes. The station also provides regular services to other towns and villages across Fife, making it easy to explore the rest of the region by rail. Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland.
Buses from Edinburgh Bus Station also run frequently, making it a hassle-free and cost-effective option for a spontaneous day out.
The ancient capital of Scotland
Dunfermline isn’t just another pretty city – it’s steeped in royal history. Once the capital of Scotland, it’s the birthplace of King Charles I (who was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until 1649), and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, the Scottish King who defeated the English army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
The city also gave the world Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist and industrialist who reshaped libraries, education and cities around the globe.
Dunfermline was crowned Scotland’s newest city in May 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
History and heritage
Step back into the heart of medieval Scotland at Dunfermline Abbey and Palace and see Robert the Bruce’s burial place and a reconstruction of his original tomb, and stand in awe of the hugely impressive nave. The Palace also runs a series of living history events throughout the year, offering the chance to immerse yourself in this historic building. St. Margaret’s Parish is also worth a visit, as it is here that the relics of Queen Margaret (who was the wife of the 11th century Scottish King Malcom III, and who was canonised after her death in 1093 for her devotion both to religion and the development of Dunfermline) can be seen.
Just steps from the Abbey lies Abbot House, Dunfermline’s oldest house, with roots stretching back to the 16th century. Known locally as the ‘pink hoose’ (on account of its pinkish hue) it has survived the destruction of The Great Fire of 1624, national and international wars, and religious unrest. Today, this local treasure offers creative spaces to artists, a gift shop, cafe and walled garden. Down the hill from St. Margaret’s Parish is the humble weaver’s cottage where Scottish-American industrialist and globally famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835. Free to visit, (with donations welcome), the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum traces his life, legacy and lasting influence. While the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries that he gifted to the city is now a five-star museum highlighting the city’s 1,000 years of history, heritage, industry and culture.
Get outdoors and explore
Affectionately known as ‘The Glen’, Pittencrieff Park also owes its existence to Andrew Carnegie. This lush, sprawling green space of 76 acres is home to winding woodland paths, stunning plants, glass houses, adventure playgrounds. The park’s resident pride of peacocks have even been granted the honour of ‘Freedom of the City’! Or for great views of the Forth Bridges, head to Dunfermline Public Park – it’s here that younger visitors (or the young at heart) can put their skills on wheels to the test at Dunfermline Skate Park. Just bring your board and join in the action.
If you’re visiting on match day, why not catch a game at East End Park, home to Dunfermline Athletic Football Club (also known as ‘the Pars’). For fun on the water, don’t miss a visit to Townhill Country Park, which has water-skiing and wakeboarding activities for all levels of abilities, or for the ultimate high-speed experience, hot foot it to Knockhill Racing Circuit. Located just 6 miles outside Dunfermline, a day here offers activities for all the family, from karting and rally driving, to off-road and even supercar experiences.
If you’re up for stretching your legs beyond the city, the Fife Coastal Path offers stunning sea views and rugged shoreline walks. Starting in Kincardine and ending in Newburgh, the whole route is 117 miles (188km) long, but as it’s split up into 10 sections, you can choose to do as many as you want. Catch the bus or train from Dunfermline to your chosen starting point and let the adventure begin.
Dunfermline is also a key stop on the Fife Pilgrim Trail, a historic 64 mile walking trail that retraces the footsteps of medieval pilgrims. Start your walk at Culross or North Queensferry and finish at Dunfermline, just like thousands did centuries ago.
Culture and entertainment
Dunfermline may be historic, but it’s far from quiet. The city pulses with year-round cultural events and venues that support live music, theatre and the visual arts.
The Alhambra Theatre is a grand old theatre, hosting West End shows, live music and comedy, while Carnegie Hall offers an eclectic mix of music, drama and community arts all year long.
Breathing new life into an art deco fire station building, the aptly-named Fire Station Creative is now a fantastic contemporary hub with exhibitions, café and artists’ studios. Why not sign-up to one of the daily classes and master a new skill.
You’ll find an all-encompassing list of events taking place over the year in Dunfermline – from artisan markets and music performances to walking trails and outdoor yoga. A key period in the city’s calendar is autumn when both Outwith Festival and The Wee Fife Folk Festival take place. Music and arts festival, Outwith, turns the whole city into a festival space, while The Wee Fife Folk Festival champions up-and-coming musicians.
Shop, eat, relax
After soaking up all that history and culture, enjoy some retail therapy in the city centre. You’ll find a mix of independent boutiques and high street shops dotted along the pedestrian-friendly High Street, along with a food and drink scene that caters to all tastes. If you’re looking for all your leisure needs in one place, Fife Leisure Park on the outskirts of Dunfermline has it all – from crazy golf and bingo, to bowling and cinema. If you’re travelling by car, there’s even free parking.
Dunfermline isn’t just a formal capital – it’s a vibrant city that’s proud of its past and bursting with life in the present. Don’t miss your chance to explore this historic part of Scotland.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
