Burntisland Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Burntisland with our comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, cultural experiences, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Burntisland

Nestled in the heart of Fife, Burntisland is a charming seaside town in Scotland, that offers spectacular natural beauty, outdoor opportunities, and rich cultural experiences. With a population of around 6,300, Burntisland delights visitors with its stunning beaches, ancient castles, museums, festivals, and warm Scottish hospitality. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip to Burntisland, including recommendations for the best things to do, places to visit, and the local food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Burntisland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Burntisland Heritage Trust Museum: This museum provides an insight into the town’s extraordinary history through various artifacts, costumes, photographs, and documents.
  • Rossend Castle: Built in the 15th century, this castle has a rich history and offers stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
  • St. Columba’s Parish Church: This impressive church dates to the 12th century and features an archaeological exhibition and displays on the local history.

Natural Attractions of Burntisland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Burntisland Beach: The award-winning sandy beach stretches for miles and is popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. The beach also offers stunning panoramas of the Firth of Forth.
  • The Binn: The 193m Binn Hill is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bicyclists and paragliders. The top offers stunning views including Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills and Fife.
  • Silver Sands: This is a secluded cove with a well-stocked rock pool and an iconic watchtower.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burntisland

The Fife Coastal Path runs through Burntisland and it provides stunning walking opportunities along the coast. Besides, Burntisland offers some exciting mountain biking trails and other hilly biking routes. Some recommended routes are:

  • Kirkcaldy to Burntisland: This route covers a total distance of 8.5 miles (13.7km) and provides stunning vistas of the Firth of Forth.
  • Burntisland to Kinghorn: The route is 8.7 miles (14km) in total and it features easy to moderate terrain with views of the coast and the hills of Fife.

Best Things to Do in Burntisland: Activities and Tours

  • Take a stroll on the Burntisland Promenade and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
  • Visit the Burntisland Fair, which takes place during the third weekend in July. It is a fun-filled experience of amusement rides, live music, and food stalls.
  • Participate in the Binn Hill Challenge, an annual event that involves running up and down the Binn Hill to fundraise for charity.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burntisland

Day 1: Check into your accommodation and settle. Day 2: Visit Burntisland Heritage Trust Museum and enjoy a walking tour of the historic town. Day 3: Hike up Binn Hill, take in the spectacular views, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Day 4: Visit Rossend Castle, then relax on Burntisland Beach. Day 5: Take a coastal walk to Kinghorn, then return via public transportation. Day 6: Visit the St. Columba’s Parish Church and the Burntisland Market. Day 7: Participate in the Burntisland Fair and enjoy street performances, food, and drinks.

Food and Drink Scene of Burntisland

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cullen skink: A smoked haddock soup that originated from the town of Cullen in northeast Scotland.
  • Haggis: A traditional Scottish dish consisting of sheep organs, oatmeal, and spices, cooked in a sheep’s stomach.
  • Sticky toffee pudding: A dessert made with date sponge cake and toffee sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Whiskey: Scotland is famous for its whiskey, and there are many distilleries in Fife offering an excellent range of whiskeys.
  • Ale: Locally brewed ales are a must-try in Burntisland and the surrounding area.

Where to Stay in Burntisland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Sands Hotel: Located opposite the beach, this hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms.
  • Burntisland House Hotel: A historic country house hotel offering luxurious accommodations at affordable prices.
  • Kaleidoscope: An affordable hostel that offers comfortable rooms and dorms.

What to Buy in Burntisland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-painted pottery and ceramics from Forth Pottery.
  • Scottish woolen products such as tartan scarfs and kilted skirts. Head to the Wee Bothy, a local boutique that specializes in traditional Scottish clothing and textiles.
  • Handmade soaps and natural skincare products from the Burntisland Soap Company.

Local Culture and Customs of Burntisland

The people of Burntisland are friendly and welcoming. Here are a few customs and cultures to keep in mind while visiting:

  • Respect the local traditions and religious beliefs.
  • Adapt to the local accent and dialect.
  • Dress appropriately, especially while visiting the religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Burntisland

The best time to visit Burntisland is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), which is comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burntisland

Do:

  • Respect the environment and dispose of litter correctly.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Experience the local festivals and events.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas.
  • Litter.
  • Disrespect others’ religious and cultural beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burntisland

Burntisland has a low crime rate, and it is a safe place to visit. However, tourists should take the usual precautions to ensure their safety, such as securing valuables and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Burntisland

There are a few pharmacies and medical centers in Burntisland that tourists can visit for medical attention. Tourists are advised to carry their health insurance documents and necessary medication while traveling to Burntisland.

Getting to Burntisland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Burntisland

The nearest international airports are Edinburgh Airport and Dundee Airport, which are about 30 miles (48.2 km) and 27 miles (43.4 km) away from Burntisland, respectively. Visitors can travel to Burntisland from these airports by a combination of train, bus, or taxi.

Bus Stations Near Burntisland

Burntisland has a well-connected bus network that links visitors to neighboring towns and cities. The Stagecoach bus service offers connections to Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, and Dalgety Bay.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Burntisland by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The train station is a few minutes’ walk from the town center and can be easily accessible.

How to Get Around in Burntisland

Burntisland is a small town, and most of the main attractions are easy to reach by foot. However, visitors can use the local bus service or hire a taxi to travel to nearby locations.

Where to Go Next from Burntisland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital city, which is just a 30-minute train ride from Burntisland.
  • St. Andrews: A historic town that is known for its world-renowned golf courses and the picturesque beaches.
  • Anstruther: A quaint seaside village that is known for its fish and chips and scenic coastal walks.

Conclusion

Burntisland is an ideal destination for tourists who want to explore the best of Scottish culture, heritage, and nature. With its stunning beaches, hills, and castles, in addition to its lively festivals and events, Burntisland is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic Scottish experience. Plan your visit today to explore all that this charming town has to offer.

Burntisland docks Burntisland docks Burntisland Parish Kirk Burntisland Parish Kirk View of town from The Binn View of town from The Binn Monument to Alexander III Monument to Alexander III