If you’re on the lookout for a great getaway, somewhere with plenty to do and numerous outdoor spaces to explore, the vibrant city of Dunfermline should be at the very top of your list.

Conveniently located in central Scotland, Dunfermline is ideal for visitors looking for top-class attractions, history and heritage, food and drink, arts and culture, and outdoor activities aplenty. This September, you can even take part in a week of adventure and fun in the beautiful Kingdom of Fife by joining the Fife Outdoor Activities Week 2025; running from September 6 to 14, you can experience the best of the stunning outdoors with a week packed full of activities. It’s the perfect time to try something new!

Why not give water sports a go? Lochore Meadows offers fun sessions where you can explore the fundamentals and basic skills of kayaking and paddling in a fun, inclusive and safe environment.

If boosting your wellness is more your speed, take the chance to head to the coast to experience all the health benefits Largo Castaway Sauna has to offer whilst enjoying the incredible views across Largo Bay.

Abbot House. (Image: Welcome to Fife) Meanwhile Fife Seaweed Fest has a packed programme of activities and experiences so you can discover the wonders of seaweed for nutrition, creativity and your garden. Events include seaweed foraging and cooking to seaweed arts and crafts, plus exhibitions, talks and even seaweed gin tasting.

Or perhaps you’re looking to experience a more traditional Scottish day out? Bowhill Highland Games feature highland dancing, heavy athletics, races and bagpipes plus a market village for you to explore.

There’s also the Outwith Festival; a vibrant five-day celebration of creativity, culture, and community taking place in Dunfermline from 3–7 September. Showcasing the best in music, art, film, literature and theatre, the festival features local talent alongside big names. With everything from live gigs to art exhibitions and creative workshops, Outwith offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or adventure and adrenaline, there’s plenty to choose from with some great special offers and come-and-try sessions.

Although, there’s no need to wait for an event to make the journey; Dunfermline is full of green spaces to explore, walks and trails to conquer and outdoor activities to take part in all year round.

Aberdour Silver Sands. (Image: Welcome to Fife) If you’re desperate to sink your toes into the sand, Aberdour Silver Sands could be the place for you. Offering the freshness and variety of the seaside as well as the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, The Fife Coastal Path is right alongside the beach for any ambitious ramblers.

Pittencrieff Park, or ‘The Glen’ as it is more commonly known as by local people, is certainly worth a look. One of Scotland’s most important and popular urban parks, this 76-acre park is of huge historical and cultural significance is well known for its resident peacocks.

Roamers would also be interested to learn about the Dunfermline Discovery Trails; a series of self-guided walks to help you uncover hidden local gems, discover more about the history of the city, and explore more about the great outdoors. The trails are digital, so you’ll need a smartphone to guide you around the area and feature a live map, so that you’ll always know where you are.

Dunfermline Discovery Trails. (Image: Welcome to Fife) If your preference is two wheels instead of two feet, you’ll be pleased to discover that Dunfermline offers an excellent choice of both road and gravel cycling, with a selection of scenic routes and historic sites that make the area a popular destination for cyclists. With the latest Cycling Around Dunfermline e-guide at your fingertips, you’ll be able to explore 16 different routes with a range of difficulty to test yourself against, or just to enjoy a smooth day out and about.

Perhaps you’d simply like to bask in the outdoors with a cup of tea and a strong sense of the local culture? Abbot House, a beautiful ‘A’ listed building that is instantly recognisable by its colour and fondly referred to by locals as ‘the pink hoose’, dates back to at least the 16th Century and has both a delightful gift shop and café for you to really make the most of your time there. Meanwhile Abbot House’s splendid walled garden to the rear of the building sits proudly, with stunning views from all angles; an easy way to spend a day.

Then of course there’s the sport that Scotland is known for – anyone for a game of golf? With two courses in Dunfermline and several others close by, there’s plenty of opportunity to pick up a club and get swinging.

With its central location, Dunfermline is easy to get to either by road or public transport, with Edinburgh only around 30 minutes away for a quick visit. Ideal as a home-base too for exploring the surrounding area, its compact feel and relaxed atmosphere lends itself as a retreat from the faster-paced city breaks one might typically imagine.

There’s something for everyone in this charming locale, whether you’re a solo traveller, you’ve got a dozen family members in tow, or you’re looking for a quiet location for you and your partner to enjoy. No matter how you choose to spend your time here in Dunfermline, you can be sure it will be time well spent.

Find out more and plan your trip to Dunfermline now.

W: www.welcometofife.com/fife-icons/city-of-dunfermline