Burntisland

Travel Guide

Aberdour Castle which includes a house
Burntisland
Silver Sands Beach showing a beach
Aberdour Castle featuring château or palace, heritage elements and building ruins
Aberdour Castle showing a park

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 kilometres) 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 Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$296 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
S$296
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,726 reviews)
"Absolutely amazing , super friendly staff, excellent location ! Highly recommended !!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$239 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
S$239
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,263 reviews)
"Great location for city center. Quiet street, but close to shops & food"

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$325 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
S$325
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,118 reviews)
"Location, Location, Location. We were about half way up the Royal Mile. Everything we wanted to do in Edinburgh was walkable from the hotel or close to the tram. Be clear to read everything about the hotel. There was not daily room service and cleaning but towels and everything we needed were readily ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
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 aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,118 reviews)
"Location, Location, Location. We were about half way up the Royal Mile. Everything we wanted to do in Edinburgh was walkable from the hotel or close to the tram. Be clear to read everything about the hotel. There was not daily room service and cleaning but towels and everything we needed were readily ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
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! (2,094 reviews)
"Excellent room as central as you can get"

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Cheval Old Town Chambers
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
3 out of 5
74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,084 reviews)
"Veey convinient location."

Reviewed on 19 Jun, 2025

Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
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%
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3/5 - Okay

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