What to see and where to go -

- you have a wonderful choice of things to see and do.

St Andrews Castle, the backdrop for many of the bloodiest episodes of the Reformation, consists of the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century. Notable features include a 'bottle-dungeon' and mine and counter-mine, tunnelled during the siege that followed the murder of Cardinal Beaton in 1546. 

At the Cathedral you can climb St Rule's Tower for magnificent views of the town and surrounding area. The Cathedral was founded in 1160 and was in use for three centuries, during which time it suffered damage by gale and fire, each time being repaired. The Reformation in 1560 heralded its final downfall.

St Andrews Castle Newport on Tay Fountain Kellie Castle Balcomie Links, Crail
St Andrews Castle
(Robert Richmond) 		Newport on Tay Fountain
(Robert Richmond) 		Kellie Castle Hill of Tarvit Mansion House

Following the coast from Kincardine to Newport on Tay, the Fife Coastal Tourist Route takes you to some of the Kingdom's most attractive corners. From Fife's famous bridges, passing through historic towns and fishing villages, and past sandy beaches that give a taste of all that Fife has to offer. The picturesque villages of the East Neuk (meaning 'corner') have a special atmosphere. Each village has its own character but the maritime influence is strong in all of them. At their heart are harbours, some of which are still busy fishing ports, others now used by pleasure boats. From Anstruther you can take a boat trip to May Island where, in early summer the sea-cliffs are covered with breeding Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Guillemots etc.. not forgetting thousands of burrow nesting Puffins.

North of the Eden Estuary lies the village of Leuchars with its parish church (1180) one of the  finest  examples of Norman architecture in Great Britain. Beyond, the wonderful sands and forest of Tentsmuir, a national nature reserve which offers a wonderful playground for adult and child alike. Children are well catered for in the Kingdom. Apart from the stunning award winning beaches in St Andrews there is the Aquarium committed  to the care of sea creatures and with over 30 displays, feeding demonstrations, seahorse parade and close encounters with sharks. The East Sands leisure centre has a pool and flume together with fitness suites. Offering something for everyone,  the Scottish Deer Centre south of Cupar has many species of deer from across the world, together with falconry displays and an adventure area.  Craigtoun Country Park, once the grounds of a spectacular family residence, offers boating, train rides, bouncy castle etc.

There is a wealth of fine country houses and castles to visit in the area, some maintained by theNational Trust for Scotland including Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse and Garden styled in the Edwardian fashion, with a fantastic private collection of Dutch painting, Flemish tapestries, Chinese porcelain and French furniture. Kellie Castle and Garden was completed in 1606 though the oldest parts are believed to date from the mid thirteen hundreds. Magnificent plaster ceilings, painted furniture and panelling together with stunning Victorian walled garden. Falkland Palace and Gardens built in the early 1500 was the country residence of the Stuart monarchs. It was from here that they hunted deer and wild boar, went hawking and played royal tennis on courts built in 1539 and still in use today. There are also wonderful gardens and orchard. 

Whilst in the area a visit to the newly refurbished Byre Theatre is a must. It offers year round entertainment including drama, dance, concerts, opera, comedy and community events