Attractions in The Kingdom of Fife

The ancient Kingdom of Fife (County of Fife) on the East Coast of Scotland, sandwiched between the Forth estuary in the South and the Tay estuary in the North, has a distinct identity befitting an area long cut off from the cities of Edinburgh and Dundee until the building of the famous Forth Rail Bridge and the once infamous Tay Rail Bridge (happily replaced by a sturdy but elegant bridge - one of the longest in the world). In recent times both estuaries are traversed by toll free road bridges. Although the north and south parts of Fife are quite different, attractions for visitors are available throughout. See suggestions below.

Deep Sea World

Situated in North Queensferry, Scotland's National Aquarium boasts the longest underwater tunnel in the UK. Essential minerals from natural Scottish seawater from the Firth of Forth are nourishment for the animals in the displays. Visitors move through themed zones getting up close to one of the largest collections of predator sharks in Europe - safely enclosed, of course! You are then taken on an Underwater Safari around the world. A great day out for adults and children alike - and you can return time and time again as the exhibits are regularly changed. Fancy a shark dive to meet Sand Tiger Sharks, Angel sharks, Stingrays and Tope? Free car parking. Open all year.

B&Bs near Deep Sea World - Bayview Bed and Breakfast, Upper Largo , Craighall Steading in Ceres, Arden Country House, Linlithgow

Isle of May

The Isle of May is a Special Protection Area for breeding seabirds, and a Special Area of Conservation to protect its seals and the rocky underwater reefs around the island. It is protected by Scotland's National Nature Reserves. In the north of the outer Firth of Forth the Isle of May can be reached by boat trips from Anstruther on the May Princess or the Osprey almost daily from April to September. Thereafter, the breeding season halts further trips. So what can you see? If you are there on the right day and your luck is in you may see one of the. 250,000 seabirds, which can include 120,000 Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags (best time for Puffins is from April to mid-August), also about 150 seals live all year round on the Isle of May. Porpoise and Dolphin and the odd whale can be seen. Other interests are the Isle of May Bird Observatory, which was founded in 1934 and manned by volunteers between March and November, the remains of a 12th Century Monastery built in memory of St. Adrian martyred on the island by Norsemen in the year 875 and the oldest light house in Scotland dating back to 1636

B&Bs near Isle of May - Bayview Bed and Breakfast, Upper Largo, Craighall Steading in Ceres, Arden Country House, Linlithgow

Scottish Deer Centre

Near the market town of Cupar is the Scottish Deer Centre where there are daily tours and feeding events. Rangers introduce you to deer species from around the world You learn about raptors, otters, wolves, red fox and wild cats and conservation efforts for rare and endangered species. There is an indoor play area in the advent of poor weather, a tree top walk and woodland walks. If that is all too much to take in there is respite in the shop for shopaholics and a lovely tearoom to put your feet up.

B&Bs near the Scottish Deer Centre - Craighall Steading near Cupar, Bayview Bed and Breakfast, Upper Largo , Newton Farm, Inverarity

The Secret Bunker

Bizarrely the location of The Secret Bunker is sign posted from most places in Fife and as it is near St. Andrews it is easy to find. It's been known to the public when it was revealed in 1994, 40 years after being hidden underneath a farmhouse. You enter this nuclear bunker through a 450 foot (approx.135 metres) long tunnel to reach 100 feet (approx 30 metres) underground, feeling the heat increase as you go. The bunker was built to help safeguard Scotland during the Cold War - a place where government officials could advise our citizens of what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. It all seems so naïve nowadays, but at the time a lot of thought had gone into it. The exhibits are fascinating and as there are two large floors there is much technology to be seen. The café food duplicates what was probably available to the operators at the time!

B&Bs near the Scotland's Secret Bunker - Craighall Steading in Ceres, Bayview Bed and Breakfast, Upper Largo, Newton Farm, Inverarity

Craigtoun Park

Just two miles from the centre of St. Andrews lies Craigtoun Park, a beautiful estate with a putting green, a bowling green, a walled garden, Cypress avenue, Italian garden, rose garden and mature trees and shrubs. For children there are boats, crazy golf, a miniature railway, bouncy castle, nature trail, adventure playground, and picnic areas. Mute swans, mallards, grey herons, red squirrels and European water voles can be seen around the numerous small lakes.

B&Bs near Craigtoun Country Park - Bayview Bed and Breakfast, Upper Largo, Newton Farm, Inverarity, Craighall Steading in Ceres