8 gems to discover in the Heartlands of Fife

Grab a coffee in one of Kirkcaldy's oldest properties

A day out isn't complete without a visit to cafe. Why not stop off at the quaint and historic Merchant's House, Law's Close where they are known locally for their delicious home baking, and believed to be the second oldest house in Kirkcaldy dating back to the 1500’s. There's also a lovely garden where you can enjoy coffee al fresco when the sun shines.

Climb the Old Kirk tower for amazing panoramic views

For the best views around, visit Kirkcaldy's historic oldest church, the Kirkcaldy Old Kirk where you can climb the tower (with prior arrangement), for incredible panoramic views of the Lang Toun and beyond. Interesting Fact - Parish Records indicate that Adam Smith was baptised in Kirkcaldy Old Kirk on 5th June 1723. 

Walk the Adam Smith Heritage Trail

Walk in the footsteps of world-renowned economist and philosopher, Adam Smith, who was born in the Fife town of Kirkcaldy in 1723 with a guided Heritage Tour. This immersive experience takes you through the streets of Kirkcaldy, where Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, spent his formative years and wrote significant parts of his masterpiece, The Wealth of Nations. Discover the places and stories that shaped his life and legacy as you explore this historic town including Adam Smith Close, Old Kirk, Smith's garden, Law's Close and Merchant's House. 

Tour duration: 1-2 hours

Discover picturesque fishing villages (not in the East Neuk)

Think picture postcard fishing villages and you might automatically think East Neuk...but, you don't need to head to the East Neuk to see some of Fife's prettiest harbour towns. Walk through Ravenscraig Park along to Dysart and you'll be greeted with the quaint harbour, also used in the filming of Outlander. Dysart is a tourist town on the Fife Coastal Path and home to the Harbourmaster's House (HQ of the Fife Coast & Counryside Trust) which houses a gorgeous cafe, perfect for a lunch stop to break up your walk and rest the feet for a while. Don't miss exploring the Pan 'Ha and the beautiful cobbled streets.

Get your cultural fix at Kirkcaldy Galleries

Kirkcaldy Galleries offers visitors a library, museum, art gallery, local and family history room, café, gift shop and children's areas - all under one roof! And exhibitions are FREE.

Collecting the Contemporary: Scottish Art at Kirkcaldy Galleries exhibition showcases a selection of the incredible examples of modern and contemporary art inspired by Scotland and runs until 31 December 2026. 

Explore Scotland's longest coastal path

Stretching 117 miles from start to finish, the Fife Coastal Path is one of Scotland’s most popular long-distance walking routes. The section heading along the promenade towards Kinghorn passes the historic ruins of Seafield Tower and is particularly easy to follow. This stretch is well known for wildlife spotting, with seals often seen resting on the rocks and seabirds overhead. With coastal views for miles and fresh coastal air, it offers an enjoyable walk for visitors of all ages.

Get active at Cluny Activities

On the outskirts of Kirkcaldy, Cluny Activities offers an exhilarating escape for families, friends, and adventure seekers alike and is Fife's leading Outdoor Activity Centre. Choose from clay shooting and archery to footgolf, disc golf and indoor mini golf, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Whether you spend a couple of hours or half a day, it really is a great spot to add to your Fife itinerary.

Spend the day at Fife's most popular free visitor attraction

And just a few miles from Kirkcaldy, off the beaten tourist trail you'll fine Lochore Meadows Country Park, known locally as 'The Meadies' and Fife’s number one free visitor attraction. It makes for the great day out. The path around the loch is around 3k and perfect for a leisurely walk or cycle, and there's so much wildlife to spot along the way. It's all acessible too for buggies and wheelchairs.

If you're feeling a bit more energetic, why not try kayaying, sailing or paddleboarding, fishing or a round of golf on the country park’s 9-hole course.