Tourist attractions Dunfermline

Culross is famous for its fine examples of Scottish vernacular architecture: white roughcast or faded colourwash, rubblestone work, windows with stone moulding, door trim, red Flemish tiles interspersed with glass tiles, and forestairs. The significa..

The origins of this garden, a veritable haven but also a research tool, dates back to the late 17C. The rhododendrons are one of the estate's main attractions. You can wander around the winding paths inside the futuristic greenhouses (1967) between t..

The 11C Benedictine abbey was founded on the site of a Celtic church. The Norman nave of the abbey church , with its massive pillars and round-headed arches, is one of the finest in Scotland. The east end (rebuilt in the early 19C) serves as the par..

By the 17C, the ferry across the Forth was the busiest crossing in Scotland. However, it was a full two centuries later that the first bridge was built over the river at this point. Begun in 1883, the Forth Rail Bridge was inaugurated in 1890. The sl..

Situated west of Edinburgh on the southern banks of the Forth, 3 km from South Queensferry, this large building stands in a magnificent setting with wonderful views. The architecture of Hopetoun House helps us to understand the differences that separ..

Built between 1597 and 1611 by George Bruce , an entrepreneurial merchant, the Palace is both a monument to the times (the reign of Jacques VI) and to a man. Despite the foreign origin of many of the materials used (tiles, Baltic pines, Dutch tiles,..

This ancient royal residence dominates the town and loch of Linlithgow. Two fires (1424 and 1745) left it in its current state. With numerous staircases and corridors, the size of this vast 15-17C building that is now roofless is fascinating for the ..

The famous collection of penguins in Edinburgh (colony of 30 Emperor penguins and a hundred papoose penguins) is the most popular attraction with the daily penguin parade. As well as visiting, common animal species, don't miss out on some indigenous ..

The principal residence of the Earls of Morton since 1642, the castle was abandoned in favour of Aberdour House in 1725. The present castle has a primitive, 14C tower, the upper part of which was rebuilt in the 15C. The land south of the castle was..

This delightful example of 17C architecture in small Scottish towns dates from 1610. Inside the restored painted ceiling and original panelling in the living room date back to 1633. The wedding chest is Norwegian and the imposing portrait of George B..

The simplicity of the layout of this fine Norman church is evident from the outside: a massive west tower, added by Lorimer in the 20C, stands next to a long nave with a fairly short choir at one end and a semicircular apse. The best feature is the s..

Sir Archibald, the 4th Earl, commissioned William Wilkins to build this neo-Gothic house on the estate of the Earls of Rosebury, completed in 1817. The house contains the Rothschild collection of 18C French furniture and tapestries, Madrid tapestries..

This is one of the largest pre-Reform ecclesiastical buildings; it took more than a century (15 -16C) to build. It was built in the typical Scottish style and is very much like the Holy Rude in Stirling.

The site is spectacular: perched on a spur overlooking crevasses with rushing burns. Originally known as Castle Gloom, it stands out against the Ochil hills, dominating the valley and town. The estate came to the Campbell family via marriage; the c..

This site represents five distinct phases in prehistoric evolution. The 1947 excavations are clearly explained by a model and descriptive noticeboards. The earliest monument dates from 2500-2000 BC and was altered in the Copper Age (2000-1600 BC). Th..

Interesting Dadaist and surrealist compositions drawn from the collections and curiosity rooms of Sir Penrose. The Paolozzi donation allows you to familiarise yourself with the work of Eduardo Paolozzi, contemporary sculptor born in Edinburgh, his Lo..

A wood-panelled location houses the sculptures of Bourdelle, Epstein, Hepworth, Moore and Rickey; the museum is found in an imposing neo-classical building. The collection stresses Scottish art of the 20th century it also offers the visitor an excell..

In the 14C, a new royal palace was built next to the hostelry. Only a wall now shows the splendour of this building that can be seen from Pittencrieff Park. Charles I and his sister Elizabeth of Bohemia were both born here.

In addition to various local collections, the museum has interesting displays illustrating the weaving of Damask and Dunfermline linen , including weaving tools and looms and weaving patterns.

The house where Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was born is laid out like a traditional weaver's cottage. Displays in the adjacent Memorial Hall illustrate the great philanthropist's works which include the Palace of Peace at the Hague, the Carnegie ..