Scotland’s ancient capital. Scotland’s newest city.
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THE FACTS
Named a Royal Burgh in 1124 by King David of Scotland, Dunfermline was granted city status in 2022 by Queen Elizabeth II.
With a population of almost 57,000, Dunfermline is one of the fastest growing areas in Scotland.
Silk for Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress was woven in a Dunfermline mill.
Dunfermline has a Royal Mail Post Box for every British monarch since Queen Victoria, including a rare King Edward VII Post Box.
The resident peacocks of Pittencrieff Park have been granted 'Freedom of the City'.
Dunfermline has certainly played its part in history. It’s a place where, in parts, time stands still. From majestic Dunfermline Abbey, where people have worshipped since the 11th century, to the towering ruins of Dunfermline Palace, birthplace of monarchs, to the humble home of Andrew Carnegie, the Fife man who shared his riches with the world.
Walk through Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter. Imagine kings and queens, nobility and servants, rich and poor, living and working in these historic buildings, cobbled streets and narrow wynds. Explore 21st century Dunfermline and experience the creative buzz, vibrant atmosphere and diverse cosmopolitan culture.
Dunfermline is a city proudly looking towards the future while celebrating its illustrious past.
Meet Scotland’s Warrior King at Dunfermline Abbey, where, until December, there’s a 3D recreation of the head of Robert The Bruce. Visit his final resting place – below the pulpit of New Abbey Church, Dunfermline’s Parish Church. Wonder at the still spectacular Dunfermline Palace. Wander through the The Heritage Quarter and let your imagination take you back to centuries gone by, when Dunfermline was the capital of Scotland.
Abbot House, affectionately known by locals as the 'pink hoose' stands as Dunfermline's oldest dwelling, with roots stretching back to the 16th century. It has withstood the ravages of the Great Fire of 1624, survived wars both at home and abroad, and weathered periods of religious turmoil. Its enduring presence is a testament to the resilience of this historic treasure which now offers creative space to artists, a gift shop, lovely cafe and walled garden.
Royalty left its grand mark on Dunfermline but so did a poverty-stricken weaver’s son. In 1848, 12-year-old Andrew Carnegie left Dunfermline with barely a penny to his name only to make his fortune in the American steel industry, which he then used to help others. The library Andrew Carnegie gifted to his birthplace is now Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, a five-star museum highlighting the city’s 1,000 years of history, heritage, industry and culture. From Fife’s coal mines to Dunfermline’s rock icons, it’s all here!
Pittencrieff Park was gifted to the people of Dunfermline by the city’s most famous son, Andrew Carnegie. Legend has it that, as a wee boy from a poor family, Andrew Carnegie used to peek through the gates to the grand gardens of Pittencrieff House and wish he could play there – and his gift has enabled generations of children to fulfil his ambition.
Locals fondly call it ‘The Glen’ and its 76 acres are home to stunning plants, flowers, trees - and a pride of peacocks. With glass houses blooming with exotic plants, a tea room in an art deco pavilion, the historic remnants of King Malcolm’s Tower, woodland walks and adventure playgrounds, The Glen is much more than a park. It’s an unmissable part of Dunfermline life.
Make the most of Dunfermline’s fantastic choice of places to go. Places to eat. Places to sip tea, savour a coffee or have a pint, a wine or a cocktail. Places to meet friends – and make new friends. Places to inspire. Places where live music is a must. Places where your breath will be taken away in a whirr of speed or a high-flying spray of water.
Experience authentic Indian street food at Dhoom. Enjoy the best of Scotland’s larder at Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s or The Canmore. Go vegan at 269 Vegan. Mix culture with coffee at Fire Station Creative. Enjoy a show at The Alhambra. Feel the room rock at a gig at PJ Molloys.
The remains of the Shrine of St Margaret are in the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey. Look closely and you’ll see where mighty pillars were once balanced on the giant stone slabs. Look even closer and you might see remnants of very early Dunfermline wildlife – fossils.
Visit St Margaret’s Cave, where the Queen prayed every day. Although now on the edge of a car park, go down the 87-step staircase to find a tiny cave which has barely changed since Saint Margaret was Queen of The Scots.
48 hours in Dunfermline
The Heritage Quarter. Soak in the atmosphere before going to Dunfermline Abbey.
Dunfermline Library and Galleries. As well as an excellent museum, there’s a first-class café.
Pittencrieff Park. Look out for the peacocks!
Amorist. Dunfermline's finest bistro and bar in the heart of the city
£ Balgownie Bunkhouse, Culross
££ Stay Dunfermline, Dunfermline
£££ Keavil House Hotel, Crossford, Dunfermline
Dunfermline Walking Tour. Discover the city’s hidden gems for free.
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. Learn more about Dunfermline's most famous son.
The Haberdashery. Sew good for lunch and, when the sun’s shining, the garden’s a suntrap.
Culross. Stunningly restored 16th century village – and Outlander location - only a short bus trip away, with supper available at the Red Lion Inn.
The Wee Creepy Pub - where some of the regulars have, allegedly, been around for a very long time!
£ A Wee Pad In Dunfermline, Dunfermline
££ Clarke Cottage Guest House, Dunfermline
£££ Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline
For more information on visiting the City of Dunfermline, visit Dunfermline.com
From Kincardine to Newburgh – the scenic route
Taste. Flavour. Fresh. Seasonal. Local. Eating and drinking in Fife’s a celebration of delicousness.
The magnificent Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing
Your journey of discovery starts here.
Nostalgic escapes to Levenmouth.
