Burntisland

Travel Guide

Aberdour Castle featuring a house
Burntisland
Silver Sands Beach featuring a beach
Aberdour Castle showing a castle, heritage elements and a ruin
Aberdour Castle which includes a garden
Enter a medieval abbey on an island and explore castles in this charming town with stunning views of the countryside.

Burntisland is known for its beaches and castles. It has pleasant views of undulating meadows and a prime location on the shore of the Firth of Forth that runs into the North Sea. Hike along the water through the rustic countryside to encounter the medieval buildings that give this town its personality.

Visit two castles. Aberdour Castle, dating back to the 1100s, is one of Scotland’s oldest preserved structures. Take a guided tour to learn its history and enjoy a picnic in the scenic gardens. It has floral displays, a dovecote and a medieval church. Learn the intriguing history of the 16th-century whitewashed mansion of Rossend Castle, involving abbots, Oliver Cromwell and Mary, Queen of Scots. The building is currently used for offices.

Another historic gem near town is Inchcolm Abbey on its namesake island. Take a boat to the islet and explore the wildlife and vegetation. Enjoy spectacular views of the Fife countryside and Edinburgh across the water. Marvel at the preserved walls and rooms of the abbey, which dates back to the 12th century.

Aside from the majestic medieval structures, Burntisland has many sandy beaches. Bring your family to Silver Sands Beach, which backs onto a forest. Sit at a wooden table with a picnic and enjoy the island. Sunbathe on the sand before cooling off in the water. Kayaking and sailing are popular here.

East of town, take the kids to the Craigencalt Farm Ecology Centre on Kinghorn Loch. Learn about how we interact with the natural world and our role in preserving it. Nearby, play a few rounds at the Kinghorn Golf Course.

The town has warm summers and cold winters with snow flurries. It is just north across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh. Drive for 20 miles (32 kilometers) to reach the capital city via the Forth Bridge. Trains from Burntisland Railway Station complete the same journey in 40 minutes.

Burntisland is an enchanting realm of castles, islands and sandy bays.

Where to stay in Burntisland

Aberdour featuring rocky coastline, a coastal town and a sandy beach

Aberdour

You'll enjoy the beaches and gardens in Aberdour. You might want to make time for a stop at Silver Sands Beach or Aberdour Golf Course.

Aberdour
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €117 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
€117
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,657 reviews)
Delightful
"We were made feel very welcome by staff, all helpfull, polite and genuinely happy."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €137 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
€137
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,513 reviews)
"Very helpful and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is €121 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
€121
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,229 reviews)
"The hotel is in a great location, easy to walk to so many attractions. Our room was great too. Nice and quiet and our son loved the size of the sofa bed. We didn't have breakfast at the hotel as there were so many options within walking distance. Got a taxi from airport to the hotel and back - we ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,951 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful. Great location, very clean. Kind staff. Easy walking to the Royal Mile yet very quiet. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
4 out of 5
26 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (797 reviews)
"Very convenient hotel with lots of pubs and dining options nearby. Located close to Edinburgh castle and short walk to the Royal Mile. Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Cheval Old Town Chambers
5 out of 5
Royal Mile, 329 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,939 reviews)
"This hotel/apartment was in the heart of everything. There were multiple coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs all a short walk away. When I come back to Edinburgh I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Cheval Old Town Chambers
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Burntisland

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

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