Places to visit in Scotland - Dunfermline

The city of Dunfermline (in Gaelic, Dùn Phàrlain) is situated near the western edge of the county of "The Kingdom of Fife" in central Scotland. Dunfermline is a former capital of Scotland and many famous kings and queens such as Queen Margaret and King Robert the Bruce are buried there. It is known as "the auld grey toun" (the old grey town).

Dunfermline is about 16 miles (27 km) northwest of Edinburgh (approx 35 minutes by car) and about 38 miles (61 km) northeast of Glasgow (approx 1 hour by car). If you are on vacation in Edinburgh or Glasgow it is well worth making a day trip to see the historic sights of Dunfermline.

Historic places to visit :-

Abbot House - this is oldest surviving house in the town. It was built in the mid 1400s and survived the fire of Dunfermline in 1624, which destroyed most of the town. It is now a Heritage Centre with a garden, shop and tea room. When you visit you will be able to hear its story told by the resident ghost. It is open 363 days a year (closed Christmas and New Year's Day only), from 10am - 5pm. Prices: Admission to the ground floor, cafe, gift shop and garden is free. There is an admission charge for the displays on the 1st and 2nd floors. Abbot House is located in the Maygate - in the centre of Dunfermline near the Abbey (the gardens lead into the Abbey churchyard). Free Dunfermline Heritage Guided Walks around Scotland's other Royal Mile take place every Sunday throughout the summer at 2pm from Abbot House and last approximately one hour.

Dunfermline Abbey - St. Margaret Street - In 1075 Queen Margaret started the building of the Benedictine priory which later became the abbey. It is open from 24th March to 30th September: Daily 9.30am to 6.30pm and from 1st October to 23rd March: 9.30am to 4.30pm (closed Thursday afternoon, Friday & Sunday morning).

Royal Palace (Ruins) - It is located right next to the abbey and was originally part of the abbey. This was the birthplace of two kings and seven queens. Charles I was born in this palace in 1600.

St. Margaret's Cave - This is where Queen Margaret secretly came to pray after her marriage to Malcolm III in 1070 - Queen Margaret was made a Saint in 1249. The cave is open from Easter to September and admission is free.

Pittencrieff Park - A large park with a large area to explore, formal gardens plus Pittencrieff House Museum. It is known locally as "the glen". This park was bought for the town by Andrew Carnegie. There is a side entrance to the park opposite the abbey.

Dunfermline Museum - Located in Viewfield, near Carnegie Hall and the town centre - See the fascinating display of Dunfermline's rich history, including the linen and silk industries for which the town was once famous. It is open all year and there is free admission.

Andrew Carnegie - birthplace and museum - Moodie Street, near the centre of town. Inside the cottage where the millionaire benefactor was born, the story of the family's life before they emigrated to the USA in 1848 is told. The museum reveals the story of amazing business career of Andrew, going from bobbin boy, telegraph operator and railroad developer to become the Steel King of America. He retired from business life in 1901 as the richest man in the world. By the time he died in 1919 he had given away over $350 million to provide free libraries, schools and colleges, plus trusts and foundations which he established in Britain, Europe and America. He owned the Carnegie Hall in New York City from its construction in 1890 until his widow sold it in 1924. The museum is open from the 1st April to 31st October, 11am until 5pm (Mon - Sat) and 2pm - 5pm (Sundays).

Another place worth visiting is the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum. It is located just outside Dunfermline on the M90 Commerce Park, Lathalmond (note that it is only open on Sundays). The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum has become the acknowledged focal point of historic bus restoration and operation in Scotland, and houses, around 170 vehicles. Most of these buses were built in Scotland and are in varying conditions, ranging from dilapidated to fully restored. The museum now has other vehicles as well as buses. Currently: Leyland Hippo Lorry - ANG 224, Fire Engine - AEC Regent MK3 - FKG 50, Peterhead Parcels Office and The CO-OP Mobile Shop - DES 776. Also there is a small workshop where the Shed 47 Railway Restoration Group does restoration work on railway locomotives and rolling stock. There is a shop, cafe and picnic areas. The museum is open very Sunday from Easter to the 1st weekend in October from 12.30pm - 5pm.

Enjoy your visit to historic Dunfermline.

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