Travel Information

Abbot House has borne witness to the intrigues of Church and State, survived fire and tempest, war and pillage and even outlasted much of the great Benedictine Abbey itself. Within its walls Abbots and Kings have consulted on affairs of State, while great poets like Henryson and Dunbar have declaimed their latest works. Hardly any aspect of Dunfermline’s and Scotland’s colourful history has failed to leave its mark. It is well worth a motorhome Scotland Sight seeing tour.

Abbot House
Maygate
Dunfermline
Fife
KY12 7NE
Scotland

Telephone: +44 (0)1383 733266

This place is worthy of a visit for anyone keen to learn more about scottish history or those of you who just enjoy visiting interesting and beautiful historic homes. The house is located in lovely gardens close to the Royal Palace, and the buriel ground of Robert Bruce Scotlands Heroic King.The building is now a tribute also to the work of local people in Dumfermline. In 1989 a group of local people got together to open the building as a heritage centre which displays Dunfermlins amazing historical past. With support from Carnegie Dunfermline Trust the group of locals succeeded in openig to the public this place in 1995. You can now enjoy the fruits of all their hard work as well as finding a cup of tea and cake for sale at the Abbot House Cafe. There is also a gift shop selling Arts and Crafts with a great deal of locally made gifts that would make your visit here rather special.You may also want to listen to the regular monthly lectures that take place on the last tuesday of every month. Events also take place here and the Long Gallery is often a venue for singers,songwriters and music to suit all tastes. Contact Abbot House for a list of events taking place when you are planning to visit Dunfermline in your Scottish Motorhome Hire. For more information click the link below.

Abbot House Heritage Centre
13/15 Maygate
Dunfermline
Fife
KY12 7NE
Scotland

Telephone: 01383 733 266

Birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie (November 25, 1835 – August 11, 1919) was a Scottish-American businessman, a major and widely respected philanthropist, and the founder of the Carnegie Steel Company which later became U.S. Steel.

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace
Moodie Street
Dunfermline
Fife
Scotland
KY12 7PL
Tel: (+44) 0 1383 724302

The Scottish Nature Reserve own the Bankhead Moss Nature Reserve. The reserve is 42 acres in size.

This is a park that children will love to visit. It is a childrens park in the true sense of the word with play areas as well as that traditional fun the crazy golfcourse. Crazy Golf is not just for children it is a whole family game and an opportunity for Dad to pit his skills against the rest of the family!  There is also a miniature railway here which is always a joy to ride whatever age you may be! Put these fun activities into a really lovely countryside setting in fife, Scotland, and you have Craigtown Country Park. The Country Park is located on the outskirts of St Andrews and it is owned and run by Fife Council. Originally part of the Mount Melville Estate, it was sold in 1947 for £25000. It may seem cheap now, but this was a good price then for those lovely 47 acres of Fife parkland. The parkland encompasses a series of gardens of different styles and Glasshouses that are maintained by gardeners all year round. There is also a boating pond, where children can hire little paddle boats.  There is an admission charge to the park but then facilities are free thereafter. If you are visiting St Andrews in your Scottish Campervan Hire and want to find a place that your whole family can enjoy a walk then this is worth a visit. For more details click the blue text below.

Craigtoun Country Park
St Andrews
Fife
Scotland
KY16 8NX

Telephone :01334 473666 ‎

Surrounded by a petrochemical works across the river, a huge power station and a derelict colliery, you may well not think this is an ideal tourist location. You could well be surprised as central to this industrial landscape sits the rather unique village of Culross. Culross contains some rather special sixteenth century houses, all preserved to give you the impression you are entering the village during the sixteenth Century.  The palace is at the heart of the village and noted for its stunning yellow mustard coloured render. It is less of a palace and more of a rather grand stately hall. It was built in 1611 by Sir Robert Bruce, a wealthy merchant who was laird of Carnock. He was an astute business man who owned coal mines, salt and traded through the ports.  His trade led him to import much of the best things he came across for his palace. As a result it was made with Baltic pine, imported Dutch tiles and fine furnishings. He collected Staffordshire pottery as well as Scottish pieces. The restored garden is a gem with paths made of crushed sea shells. The palace was also called ‘Great Lodging’ and the name speaks for itself. The Scottish National Trust has preserved this special place. The village centre offers plenty of photo opportunities so have those cameras ready. For a true picture of early Scottish History during the sixteenth Century a visit to Culross in your Scottish Campervan Hire will be an enriching experience. For more information click the link highlighted below.

Culross Palace
West Green House
Culross Fife
KY12 8JH
Scotland

Telephone: +44 (0)1383 880359

The palace is a stunning renaissance building at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Building commenced on Falkland Palace in 1501 and took over 40 years to complete. It is set in the heart of a medieval village and was used for hunting by the Stuart monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots. It is said that she spent some of the happiest times of her life here enjoying the woods and beautiful gardens. The gardens are famed for their beauty and feature colourful herbaceous borders and a variety of rare trees and shrubs. They are the only remaining original gardens designed by the famous landscape artist Percy Cane.The orchard still sits in its original site from the 17th century and from here visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the village and the East Lomond Hills. The palace is also famous for its Real Tennis court Built in 1539, it is in fact, the worlds oldest Royal Tennis Court. Indeed the palace enjoys a thriving tennis club today. It is the only royal palace in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. To get to the Palace in your Scottish Motorhome Hire take the A912, 10 miles from M90, junction 8. Whilst there you can enjoy the palace shop which sells a large variety of individual gifts and decorations. For more information click the blue text below.

Falkland Palace and Gardens
Falkland
Cupar
Fife
Scotland
KY15 7BU

Telephone : 0844 493 2186

If ghost and ghoulies are your thing, then a visit to Kellie castle is just for you, whilst holidaying in Fife. This is an ancient Scottish castle with a history dating back to the 14th century and it is the Northwest tower that is the place to go to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Kellie ghost. In 1617 King James VI stayed at Kellie during his only visit to Scotland. He was indebted to Sir Thomas Erskine, the Earl of Mar who owned the castle and had saved the life of the King by killing the conspirator Sir Alexander Ruthven who had tried to take the life of the monarch. As reward for this loyalty, the King made Erskine the Earl of Kellie. However in 1829 the family’s lineage ceased and the castle lay empty for some time. The castle was eventually aquired by James Lorimer, but it was his son Sir Robert Lorimer, the renowned architect who is responsible for much of the restoration work which remains in evidence today including the spectacular plaster work ceilings, paneling and furniture. Sir Robert’s son the sculptor Hew Lorimer sold the castle to the National Trust for Scotland in 1970, many of his pieces can be seen on display at the castle today along with an exhibition on his life. For the garden lovers there is an excellent collection of traditional roses and organically cultivated plants. When wandering the grounds spare a thought for the 5th Earl of Kellie who it is said, hid in the burnt out stump of a tree in the gardens for a whole summer following the battle of Culloden in 1746. No mean feat considering the Scottish weather! You will find the castle in your Fife motorhome rental 3 miles form the pretty village of Pittenweem. For further information on Kellie Castle, please click the blue link below.

Kellie Castle and Garden
Pittenweem
Fife
KY10 2RF

Telephone : 0844 493 2184

Follow the signs to Kinshaldy Beach from Leuchars or the B945 road south of Tayport to Locate Kinshaldy Farm on the right. These stables are not the easiest to find as they are tucked away in the forest. The journey will certainly be worth while if you want to treat your children or the whole family to some horse riding. The stables caters from beginners to the more experienced rider and there horses and ponies to suit all types of riders. There are also sand schools for beginners to have expert instruction. The unique thing about this particular location is the surrounding scenery. Riders can ride on one of Scotlands most famous beaches, the magnificent sandy Kinshaldy beach. You can also take rides through the seemingly endless network of forest trails and see some of the best scenery around on horseback. Taking your holiday in a Scottish Campervan hire gives you the opportunity to visit lots of different locations and plan a trip which fits your interests specifically. Kinshaldy Riding Stables is in an idyllic setting and children, who love ponies particularly, will love this treat in your trip. Contact the stables prior to setting out to book a ride or lesson and get prices and opening times.

Kinshaldy Riding Stables
Kinshaldy Farm
Leuchars
Fife
KY16 0RD

This is a picture postcard fishing village, with narrow little streets running down to the working harbour. It’s a lovely place that has attracted many artists over the years. More than 100 artists will be exhibiting in front rooms and studios, gardens and garages. There are currently about thirty artists resident in the village and more in the surrounding chain of small villages set along this lovely coastline, known as the East Neuk of Fife. The Arts Festival, which is in its 29th year, always starts on the first Saturday in August and ends on the second Sunday. The Festival hosts both well-established artists and newcomers. There are two free car parks, located off the A917 and clearly indicated by yellow AA signs. Drivers should follow the AA signs and park at either Charles St. car park or West Braes car park. (There will be no car parking at West Braes on Saturday 6th owing to the Viking camp). Coaches should park in West Braes car park. Do not take your Scottish Campervan the village unless to offload. Artists may deliver and collect but must return their vehicles to the car park. The village has a one-way system, west to east along the High Street and waiting restrictions. Please follow the traffic signs. The road leading to the harhour is closed to traffic except for residents and business access. There is no parking at the harbour for visitors. The road linking the High Street and University Avenue is also closed to traffic.  You are advised to use the Festival Shuttle Bus: park and ride daily from10am-5pm. Park your Scottish Campervan Hire wisely, remember that it is often others that do the damage. For more information on the artists and venues, click on the blue text for Pittenweem Festival.
Pittenweem Arts Festival Office47 High Street
Pittenweem
Fife
KY10 2PG
Scotland

Tel ;01333 313 903

Scotland’s secret bunker is a fabulous day out for all except those who suffer from claustrophobia! You will be travelling deep into this concrete lined, underground safe house which would have been used in the cold war years in the event of a nuclear attack. For over 40 years, the bunker was kept a secret from all but those with top level government clearance. It consisits of over 24,000 square feet of accommodation on two floors each the size a football pitch with the entrance disguised under an unobtrusive Scottish stone farmhouse. This is where the chosen few would have gone to survive a nuclear attack. There would have been military staff as well as senior ministers and key civil servants hidden within the depth of the bunker whilst the nuclear threat was alive, along with a BBC broadcasting studio that would have remained operational if all other broadcast sites were compromised. Dormitories would have been able to house up to 300 staff on a six hour rotational watch while the senior minister would have his own suite on the top floor. Conditions inside the bunker would be far from pleasant with no washing facilities as water from the outside would be contaminated and water supplies to precious to be used for bathing. To raise morale there was a fully operational kitchen which would serve quality food to all the personnel for the duration of the stay. In the event of there being a three minute warning the phones would ring in the operations room and then all personnel present would be aware that they were to be sealed into the bunker for at least a three month stay whilst the radio active matter dispersed. If you are looking for an interesting and unusual day out whilst travelling in your Fife motorhome hire you will find the secret bunker situated near St Andrews. For further information, please click the blue link below.

Scotlands Secret Bunker
A.D.E.P.T. Anstruther Defence Establishment Preservation Trust
Crown Buildings
Troywood
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 8QH

Tel: 01333 310301

Once the largest, and once the most magnificent cathedral in Scotland. It is now in ruins, but is still an interesting place to visit. It occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century AD and the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here. It was first established in 1160 with 16th century precept walls, 12th and 13th century gables, and a south wall still standing.  The St Rule’s Tower is 33 m tall and may have acted as a beacon for pilgrims. There is also a Cathedral Museum which houses an amazing collection of early and later medieval sculpture and relics found on the site. There are early christian medieval carved stones as well as a fine collection of post-Reformation memorials. The St Andrews sarcophagus, a masterpiece of 8th-century Pictish sculpture is also not to be missed on your visit! The setting for this Cathedral was dramatic, located as it is in St Andrews on the A91, on the sea front at the head of North Street. For opening times and admission prices click on the blue text for St Andrews Cathedral. Getting there in your Edinburgh Motorhome Hire is easy and whatever the weather you have all your home comforts close at hand.

St Andrews Cathedral and Rule’s Tower
North St
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QL
Tel: 01334 472563

St Andrews’ heritage from early times to the 20th century, covering both the medieval period when the Cathedral was one of the great religious centres of Europe and the growth of tourism starting in the Victorian.Well worth a visit.

St Andrews Museum
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
Tel : 01334 412690

You will definitely feel at one with nature during a visit to The Scottish Deer Centre. As the name suggests this is a park dedicated all species of deer. It is also home to other wild animals such as the Scottish Wild Cat which is now an endangered species in Scotland as well as to Wolves which would have roamed the Scottish woodland feeding mainly on deer from the last ice age up to 1745 when the very last wolf was hunted and killed. It is due to the persecution of these animals that the deer population in Scotland has to be managed by man to stop the destruction of Scottish woodland by the overgrazing of the deer population. For those who enjoy birds of prey there is also a raptor centre which holds three demonstrations daily and gives an education on the history of mans association with these beautiful creatures, as well as their importance in hunting during the medieval times. But it is really the deer that are the stars of the show at the centre. There are over 14 species of deer from around the world as well as those breeds which are indigenous to Scotland. Included is the critically endangered Pere David deer from China, which was extinct in the wild by the time they were known of in the western world. They have recently been re-introduced to China and hopefully through careful conservation work, the breed will now survive. There are plenty of activities for children, including an adventure playground and a tree top walk from where you can keep a look out for the lovely red squirrels which live amongst the trees. If you need a little retail therapy, you can browse in the on site Edinburgh Woolen mill which has clothes for every member of the family or visit the Highland Smokehouse where you will find plenty of traditional Scottish foods, including a selection of alcoholic beverages. But be careful of taking advantage of the free whisky tasting if you are driving afterwards in your Fife motorhome rental. For further information on the Scottish Deer Centre, please click the blue link below

The Scottish Deer Centre
Managers House
Cupar
KY15 4NQ

Telephone: 0133781 0391

If you are reasonably fit, and in Fife on holiday on 13th August 2011 from 6pm to 10pm, join the locals for an evening walk  to raise money for local Marie Curie Nurses. Registration from 6:00pm and the walk begins at 7:00pm.The Hill of Tarvit was the  site of the original Marie Curie Hospice, and the Mansion House provides the most emotive and stunning backdrop for their Walk Ten event. The 10km route follows wonderful farmland, drovers tracks and ancient pathways and culminates on topThe Hill of Tarvit itself, which boasts unbelievable panoramic views of Fife and beyond. This is a wonderful opportunity to take part in something really worthwhile and enjoy yourself at the same time. You are advised to bring along a picnic hamper or buy some food on the day, and at 10pm we’ll gather to mark the beginning of the next Marie Curie Nursing shift with a firework display.  The evening will continue with live music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. All the organizers ask for in return is a £10 registration fee and for all adults to aim to raise £50 by sponsoring their walk.  Children go free! Registration fee includes a t-shirt with free return bus services available from key locations. To register or for more information about Walk Ten Hill of Tarvit contact the Events Team on the telephone number given below, or visit their website by clicking the blue text for  Walk Ten Hill. Staying in your Scottish Campervan Hire, means that you can get involved with all sorts of events and have the ability to visit different locations.

Walk Ten
Hill of Tarvit
Cupar
Fife
KY15 5PB

Tel:0870 034 0040

From April 2011, on the first Friday of every month, it’s worth visiting the Carnegie Birthplace museum to see weaving taking place on an old loom. Ian Dale of Angus Handloom Weavers looks after, maintains and operates the loom on the ground floor of the Birthplace Cottage. This is a fascinating craft to watch in action. The museum is open until 30th November 2011 and open from 10am till 5pm. On Sundays it is open in the afternoon only from 2pm till 5pm. Apart from the weaving you will be interested to see information about the man who became the richest man in the world from these humble beginnings. There is also a really nice garden and a café, plus a museum shop if you are searching for gifts to take home. Travel in your Scottish Motorhome Hire to Dunfermlin to visit this little gem of a museum. If you are taking the children you may well inspire them to set out and make millions in much the same way as Andrew Carnegie did! The weaving demonstrations at Carnegie Birthplace Museum could well inspire young creative crafts people of the future! If your family are not inspired they wont fail to be impressed by the vast wealth that Andrew Carnegie amassed when he went to start a new life in America.

Carnegie Birthplace Museum
Moodie Street
Dunfermline
Fife
KY12 7PL
Scotland

Tel: 01383 724302