Discover Fife, Scotland

It may be small, but the ancient Kingdom of Fife has lots to offer if you love being outdoors. It’s surrounded by water on three sides and spans barely 50 miles at its widest point – features which contribute to the strong sense of identity and community spirit here. Its people are among the warmest in Scotland and its coastlines among the most enchanting.

The north of the region has a rural feel, with rustic villages and gently rolling fields stretching to the horizon. Along the coast, fishing boats bob in stone harbours that are edged by whitewashed buildings. The jewel in Fife’s crown is St Andrews, best known for its university and golf club, but also home to a ruined 12th century cathedral, which lies at the heart of the town’s creation myth. There’s also a castle ruin here and even a secret nuclear bunker, hidden beneath an unassuming farmhouse.

The more industrialised south of the kingdom is home to Dunfermline, which was once Scotland’s capital and where a 12th century abbey holds the remains of Robert the Bruce. The two Forth Bridges link Fife to Edinburgh from here too, making camping in Fife a good option if you want to explore the best of both areas.

Balbirnie Park

Surrounded by parkland, this small site in the heart of Fife is a fantastic base from which to explore the region’s towns and enjoy a host of outdoor activities.

Ideal for:
• Walking
• Nature lovers
• Short breaks

View site

Reasons to visit Fife

One of the primary reasons choose to go camping in the Fife area is the range of outdoor activities within easy reach. Whether you want to take to the land or the water, you’ll find a bracing way to enjoy the fresh air here.

Get back to nature

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the rural north of the region. The Scottish Deer Centre is a great place for adults and children alike to see species of deer from around the world, as well as a selection of other animals. It’s home to Fife’s only wolf pack and an array of raptors at the Bird of Prey Centre. Demonstrations and talks give a glimpse into the lives of the species, and kids can also enjoy a few laps around the kart track or a run around in the adventure playground.

Birdwatchers will be spoilt for choice with the host of waterfowl and seabirds that can be spotted. Camping on the Fife coast gives you prime opportunities to see eiders, puffins and all sorts of waders, while at Loch Leven you’ll find swallows, tufted ducks and – if you’re lucky – an osprey.

Picturesque walks

Despite being small, Fife has its fair share of picturesque walks. The sparsely populated north coast between Wormit Bay and Newburgh – which forms part of the Fife Coastal Path – is a peaceful location for a good hike. The full route is 15 miles, but you can pick it up wherever you choose. It passes through fields, pine woodlands and along narrow roads, with sections of more difficult climbing and scenic views. For something easier, try the trail from Leven Head to Shell Bay, which follows the sandy beach and an abandoned railway line, and passes a memorial to Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe.

If you’re tent camping in Fife with the kids, they’ll enjoy the Tentsmuir Forest walk, a circular route that follows part of the Fife Coastal Path and crosses through the forest. It gives you chance to spot red squirrels scampering through the trees and seals basking on the sandbars, while the views out to sea from the point are breath-taking.

The Lomond Hills are a great place to start if you’re new to hillwalking and map reading. There’s an enchanting route through the Falklands Estate that takes you through a tunnel in the hillside, over wooden bridges and past waterfalls. It’s a lovely walk to do with children, as the steep sections are short. You can even challenge them to find fairies along the way.

Take to the water

With so much coastline, it’s no surprise that water sports are big in Fife. You can learn a new sport or perfect your skills at one of several schools, which offer windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding and more. If you’re staying inland, you can visit one of the lochs and try anything from fishing to canoeing. Loch Ore is a good place for beginners to learn the basics, and guided paddles are also available for those with some experience.

If you want to mix the thrills of land and water, why not try land yachting? Combing sailing and karting, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled activity that’s easy to learn and makes for hours of fun. The whole family can get involved – you’ll soon be zooming from one end of the beach to the other with the wind in your hair and big smiles on your faces.

Why choose Experience Freedom?

Camping in Fife with Experience Freedom gives you the chance to enjoy a relaxing stay with as much or as little activity as you choose. Our quiet sites are within easy reach of local amenities and you won’t have to go far to find some of the region’s top attractions. With plenty of facilities too, you’ll soon feel at home. Select a site for more information or make a booking online with our Search and Book tool.