The Region, things to do & places to visit

Kinghorn history

A former ferry port in Fife, Kinghorn is situated on the north shore of the Firth of Forth between Burntisland and Kirkcaldy. Created a royal burgh in 1170, Kinghorn's former castle was frequently visited by the Scottish Court, the town's name being included in the title of the earldom of Strathmore and Kinghorne and the offices of Constable of Kinghorn and Keeper of the King's Door.

During the Middle Ages the town had a hospice for the poor. In addition to its ferry link with the Lothians, Kinghorn developed into a thriving centre of spinning and shipbuilding and is today a popular holiday resort.

There are many attractive 18th-century pan tiled houses, the 17th-century Cuinzie Neuk, a railway viaduct built in 1847 and Kinghorn Parish Church (1774) with a Sailors' Aisle from an earlier church. To the west of Kinghorn a roadside cross erected in 1886 commemorates Alexander III, the last of Scotland's Celtic kings, who fell to his death from
the cliff top here in March 1286. Kinghorn Loch lies just inland for Kinghorn itself offering canoeing, sailing and fishing.

Golf

Kinghorn has its own 18 hole course within walking distance from the property and
the Royal & Ancient St. Andrews course is only short distance up the coast. There are
a further twenty plus 18 hole courses to choose from in the surrounding areas.

Beaches

One of the main attractions in Kinghorn is the award winning Pettycur beach, 2 minutes
walk away from the property, past Pettycur harbour where local fishermen bring in their
seasonal catch.

Other sports

Golfing, snorkeling, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and sailing are all common
activities all along the Fife coast. Pettycur Bay itself is one of the best places in
Scotland to Kite Surf and it is also popular with wind surfers.

Walks

At low tide the beach is over 3 miles long and makes a fantastic walk. You can also
walk or cycle the well sign posted Fife coastal path route, plan short or long routes
along the coastal path to the Forth bridges or right round the coast to St. Andrews
and beyond.

Places of interest

Other attractions include the Ecology centre, various boat trips to the islands or to
go fishing, Ravenscraig castle, Aberdour castle, Beveridge Park, and the Adam Smith
theatre all of which are nearby. Weekend and evening entertainment at the Bay holiday
complex located 10 mins walk from the property. The fishing villages along the coast
of Fife are known locally as the East Neuk and are well worth a visit. Pittenweem holds
its own Art Festival in August and there are highland games held in several locations in
Fife throughout the summer.

Local towns

Within the village of Kinghorn there are two small supermarkets, butchers, bakers,
a chemist, 5 pubs which serve food and several food takeaways from Chinese to
fish and chips. The neighbouring towns of Burntisland and Kirkcaldy have public
swimming pools; there is also an ice rink and impressive Art Gallery in Kirkcaldy.

Aberdour

Aberdour which is 6 miles away nestles around Aberdour's two beaches and the
natural harbour formed by the Dour Burn (burn - small stream), Aberdour actually
means "River Mouth of the Dour". For such a small village Aberdour has much to
offer, there are the two beaches, one a European Union "Blue Flag Award" winner,
Aberdour castle, built in the 13th Century, Saint Fillans, the 12th century village
church, hotels, bed and breakfasts, convenience stores, restaurants, gift stores
and much more.

Burntisland

Burntisland is 3 miles away and is well known to generations of day trippers, who
return time and again to enjoy the beach, the Links and the annual summer fairground.

Edinburgh

You also have the option to leave the car and take a train ride from Kinghorn Station
across the famous Forth Bridge into Edinburgh to visit the many historic sights
including Edinburgh castle, Sir Walter Scott's monument, the Museum of Scotland
and the new Scottish parliament building. Alternatively you can browse around the
trendy shops and cafe bars on and around Princess Street.
In August there is also the famous Edinburgh festival to enjoy, a winter festival over
Christmas and the famous new year Hogmanay celebrations. The journey takes around
40 minutes and an off peak same day return ticket costs around £5.