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Fife

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About Fife

Nestled between the Firths of Forth and Tay, Fife brims with historic landmarks, thriving fishing villages, rolling countryside and the ever-popular city of St Andrews — famed for its illustrious golfing credentials and ancient university. Hugely popular with travellers from across the globe, Fife features a broad range of accommodation options, with everything from quiet B&Bs to sumptuous country house hotels fit for a wide array of budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Fife are in St Andrews itself, but some of our favourite spots are nestled on the coast or in bucolic rural surroundings.

If you’re looking for a lively university town complete with heaps of history, bustling eateries, great shopping and endless world-class golf, look no further than St Andrews. This pint-sized seaside city is filled with things to see and do for couples, families and groups of friends. Highlights include St. Andrews Cathedral, the Castle and the University. Pop to the St Andrews Museum and the British Golf Museum for cultural insights and golfing history, before heading to the beach, strolling along the harbour or playing a round or two on one of the many picturesque courses.

For laid-back seaside bliss, head to the many fishing villages which dot the coastline, including Elie, Anstruther and St Monans. Book a room in a charming inn, try fishing, amble along coastal paths and feast on fresh seafood. Fife also boasts a number of spectacular castles and ruins — Aberdour Castle, Dunfermline Abbey & Palace, Falkland Palace and Culross Palace are particularly impressive. Join an expert-led tour for a real sense of Fife’s complex past. If you’re eager to go walking, hiking or cycling, there are myriad paths criss-crossing the region, too. Round off days of exploring with top-notch distillery tours and tastings, as well as delicious cuisine at one of Fife’s many fantastic pubs and restaurants.

Whether you’re eager to hide away in the countryside, to experience the region’s ancient heritage, to spend long days on the beach as a family or to perfect your golf game — Fife has it all. Most of the best places to stay in Fife fill up fast, so book your stay well in advance, especially if travelling during the summer months or whilst there are key golfing events happening in the area!

The Best Places to Stay in Fife

For an Intimate B&B

  • Bowhill B&B is a chic, boutique spot with four bedrooms, close to St Andrews and just down the road from the Michelin-starred Peat Inn. Pick this place for the intimate feel, great golfing location and bright, contemporary-classic interiors. Very romantic!
  • Greenhead Farm offers four, traditionally appointed rooms in a lovely rural farmhouse. Unwind in the flower-filled gardens, enjoy walking and birdwatching at nearby Loch Leven, and venture to St Andrews for a round or two of golf. Tranquil and owner-run, with delicious breakfasts.
  • Dukeside Lodge is a luxurious contemporary B&B with six comfortable bedrooms in Balone. Pick this place for its proximity to the famed Duke's Golf Course, the historic city of St Andrews, and enormous West Sands beach. Child-friendly with spacious Family Rooms!
  • 34 Argyle Street promises four generous modern suites with indulgent bathrooms. Ideal for an intimate St Andrews stay, the guesthouse offers great cooked breakfasts, as well as an appealing sunroom and garden for relaxing when you're not busy seeing the sights or walking to the nearby Old Course! Good for couples or friends seeking a central B&B.

For a Coastal Stay

  • The Ship Inn is a charming pub-with-rooms in the pretty seaside village of Elie. The six rooms have an appealing old-school feel, with blue-painted walls and vintage pieces, as well as striking beach views. Take a soak in a free-standing tub, or kick back and enjoy delicious fresh fare in the restaurant. Ideal for a coastal escape with heaps of character! This is also the only inn in the UK with its own beach cricket team.

For Foodies

  • The Peat Inn is a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms, just five miles from Cupar. Hide away in one of eight luxurious, traditionally-appointed rooms, go walking and sightseeing, and treat yourself to top-notch modern Scottish cooking — including dishes of wild roe deer or home-cured sea trout — in the evenings. One for foodies!
  • The Newport Hotel features four themed rooms — Scottish, Canadian, French and Nordic — set on the banks of the Firth of Forth, and an excellent pub-restaurant. Chef Jamie Scott, winner of BBC Masterchef, whips up dishes like Angus pigeon with cabbage and mung beans or Carnoustie pork with violets and lovage, and there's a great selection of craft beers and malt whiskies. A great choice for foodie couples or families — two of the rooms offer space for an extra bed.
  • Hotel du Vin St Andrews promises a comfortable, grown-up stay in central St Andrews. Complete with a lively bar and chic French bistro — including an in-house sommelier to help with optimum wine pairings — this is an elegant pick for romantics and food lovers eager to experience historic St Andrews. Book a suite for impressive sea views.

For Luxury

  • Balbirnie House Hotel offers a classic country escape in a beautiful Georgian mansion tucked amidst 400 acres of parkland. Expect elegant guestrooms with glamorous velvet touches, and wonderful food and drink — including delectable afternoon teas. The hotel is an enchanting wedding venue, and great for golfers eager to play a round at the nearby Balbirnie Golf Course.
  • The Old Course Hotel is a golfer's dream. Smart and sophisticated, the large property features opulent rooms and suites with fairway and beach views, as well as superb food and a world-class spa. A historic landmark for an indulgent stay in St Andrews — complete with lots of golf!
  • Rufflets is an ivy-clad heritage property hidden within ten acres of gorgeous gardens in St Andrews. Stay here for the lavish old-school feel, award-winning restaurant using produce from the hotel gardens, and the sense of tranquility.
  • Kinnettles Hotel is a chic, boutique property with hip suites in the heart of St Andrews. Pick this place for its comtemporary interiors, highly-regarded restaurant and soothing spa. One for well-heeled couples lookng for a glamorous city bolthole.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Edinburgh International Airport or to Dundee Airport and hop aboard a bus or train to your destination in Fife. The journey from the airport shuld take less than an hour.
  • There are also regular trains from London Kings Cross to destinations in Fife via Edinburgh, and the journey takes around 6 hours. Nab a cabin on the overnight sleeper train for a unique experience!
  • Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. Fife is a wonderful region to explore by road, and having your own transport gives you the most flexibility.
  • Visit between May and September for long days and warmer temperatures (peaking at around 21°C in July). This is still Scotland, though: bring your raincoat and wellies if you plan to explore, but there’s plenty of potential for beautiful sunny days and the drizzly moments make B&Bs with roaring fires all the more cosy.

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Best Hotels in Fife

  • The Ship Inn, Fife Elie, Fife 6 rooms from £90

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Great walks  -  The surrounding coastline is full of wonderful walking routes.
    Fishing  -  Sea fishing trips can be organised at Elie Harbour.
    Surfing  -  Nearby Ruby Bay, is a good spot for surfing.
    RestaurantPet friendlyParking

    The Ship Inn is home to only beach cricket club in the UK. That aside it also offers excellent rooms and delicious food with a focus on doing the simple things well. A great base for a holiday exploring the unique charms of Fife. See More

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  • Bowhill B&B Fife 4 rooms from £95

    Golf  -  Guests have access to a 270 yard driving range, plus there are a wide range of courses in the surrounding area
    Sights nearby  -  The iconic town of St Andrews is home to an historic University, Castle & Cathedral and is a short drive away
    Great walks  -  Fife's coastal path and beaches offer some fantastic walking routes.
    Views  -  Expansive views over the Fife countryside down to the Firth of Forth
    GardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Intimate four-bed B&B in a secluded setting just a short drive from St Andrews. A modern and boutique decor throughout with grand bathrooms. Golfers will love the on-site driving range as well as access to some of the best courses. The acclaimed Peat Inn restaurant is just up the road. See More

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  • Balbirnie House Hotel Markinch, Fife 31 rooms from £100

    Great walks  -  There are lots of lovely walking routes in the surrounding parkland.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit local sites such as Balgonie Castle and Falkland Palace.
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    RestaurantGardenParking

    Set amidst 400 acres of beautiful parkland, Balbirnie House Hotel is perfect for those looking for a relaxing country escape. With a selection of excellent rooms and a great restaurant, this award-winning hotel is a good choice for people looking to explore the charms of Fife. See More

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  • Greenhead Farm Glenrothes, Fife 4 rooms from £100

    Sights nearby  -  Take a trip to Loch Leven and explore Castle Island where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.
    Great walks  -  The nearby coastline has a number of lovely walks.
    Birdwatching  -  Loch Leven is a great spot for bird watching.
    GardenParking

    Nestled into the landscape near Loch Leven, Greenhead Farm is a charming rural B&B. There is a distinctive homely feel to the place with welcoming hosts, comfortable rooms and excellent breakfasts. See More

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  • The Newport Hotel Dundee 4 rooms from £100

    Sights nearby  -  Visit Captain Scott's ship Discovery across the river in Dundee.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Restaurant with rooms
    RestaurantViewsParking

    It's worth visiting this chic little restaurant with rooms on the banks of the Firth of Tay just for the food. The fabulous sunset views over the Tay Bridge are a free bonus - and the bedrooms are delightful. See More

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  • Hotel du Vin, St Andrews St Andrews 37 rooms from £110

    Sights nearby  -  Visit St. Andrews crumbling old Cathedral.
    Great walks  -  Beautiful walking along St Andrews bay.
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    With beautiful views over St. Andrews Bay and superlative golf on the doorstep, it's the perfect place for this excellent hotel. Both charming and comfortable in equal measure, Hotel du Vin offers luxurious rooms, a lively bar and a great French restaurant. A seaside gem. See More

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  • Dukeside Lodge St Andrews (Balone) 6 rooms from £124

    Golf  -  Less than a mile from the famous Duke's Golf Course.
    Great walks  -  There are walking trails for all levels of fitness in the surrounding countryside
    Sights nearby  -  St Andrews is home to an historic University, Cathedral and Castle.
    GardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Luxurious, contemporary guesthouse, situated in Balone, on the outskirts of St Andrews. Each room is individually styled with ensuites and free wifi. The managers are on hand to help you make the best of your time with fantastic local knowledge. A great spot for golf lovers or local exploring. See More

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  • Rufflets St Andrews 24 rooms from £134

    Country Escape  -  A stunning 1924 turreted country property set within beautiful fragrant gardens, rolling onto the gentle countryside of Fife.
    Great walks  -  Grab a packed lunch and make the most of the stunning coastal walks and trails throught the Fife landscape.
    Sights nearby  -  Situated just three kms from St Andrew's Castle, a must see for any visit to this area.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    A historic property set within ten acres of pretty gardens in St Andrews. Individually styled light and contemporary rooms and an award winning restaurant, using only local seasonal produce much of which comes from the garden. Stunning property for events or simply a country escape. See More

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  • 34 Argyle Guesthouse St Andrews 4 rooms from £169

    Local exploring  -  Ideally located in the centre of St Andrews, plus easy access to the whole of the charming East Neuk of Fife.
    Golf  -  Situated in the home of Golf, just a short walk from the Old Course.
    Sights nearby  -  St Andrews is home to an historic University and Cathedral.
    Restrictions on children  -  No children under 14 allowed
    GardenParkingNo pets

    A Luxury modern guesthouse, ideally located in the iconic St Andrews, home of golf. Four exquisite suites with expansive and stunning bathrooms, guests have access to a lounge, sun-lounge, and garden. The perfect base for exploring the both the town and the East Neuk of Fife. See More

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  • Kinnettles Hotel & Spa St Andrews from £170

    Golf  -  Situated in the home of golf and very close to the Old Course and New Course..
    Restaurant  -  à la carte restaurant featuring classic scottish cuisine from a multi award winning chef
    Spa  -  Sauna, steam room, a hot tub and nail bar facilities.
    Tennis  -  Charges apply.
    TennisSpaRestaurantParking

    Luxury hotel with nine suites, top-class spa, restaurant, and bar. Individually designed, contemporary rooms all with ensuites. The à la carte restaurant offers fine dining, based on Scottish produce. Perfectly located for golfers on the doorstep to several courses while being central in St Andrews. See More

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  • The Peat Inn by Cupar, Fife 8 rooms from £185

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Restaurant with rooms
    RestaurantGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    A Michelin-starred restaurant tucked away in rural Fife. Beautifully furnished rooms, calm ambiance, and delicious food. See More

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  • The Old Course Hotel St Andrews 144 rooms from £340

    Local exploring  -  A short stroll away from the historic university town of St. Andrews
    Back to Nature  -  Has 135 kilometres of stunning coastline
    Golf  -  An onsite 18 hole golf course
    Local markets  -  Several family run shops and businesses to choose from
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A luxury hotel overlooking the West Sands Beach with elegant and contemporary decor. An 18 hole golf course, a world class spa, casual and formal restaurants and bars and a rooftop hot tub. A great location with stunning views. See More

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