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 Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$368 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$368
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,961 reviews)
"It was wonderful to be located under the castle and so close."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 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 S$368 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$368
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,735 reviews)
"Another excellent stay- hotel is friendly, very convenient for station, shops, walking around the city. Rooms spacious, spotlessly clean, and quiet even with heavy traffic around - the double glazing really works. Breakfast good."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
4 out of 5
132 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$250 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$250
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great updated large rooms. excellent dinner options and a large Bar area. good parking"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
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! (2,136 reviews)
"Wonderful location and very nice breakfast. Front desk staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was tidy and comfortable. Very walkable to old town, all the sights and museums, and easy walk to the bus/train as well."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 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! (922 reviews)
"Cozy, clean, and comfortable. Many thanks!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
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! (1,092 reviews)
"Incredibly convenient to the city centre! Just a short walk to the Royal Mile. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 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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Things to do

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
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1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

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