Nestled between the Firths of Forth and Tay, Fife brims with historic landmarks, thriving fishing villages, rolling countryside and the ever-popular city of St Andrews — famed for its illustrious golfing credentials and ancient university. Hugely popular with travellers from across the globe, Fife features a broad range of accommodation options, with everything from quiet B&Bs to sumptuous country house hotels fit for a wide array of budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Fife are in St Andrews itself, but some of our favourite spots are nestled on the coast or in bucolic rural surroundings.

If you’re looking for a lively university town complete with heaps of history, bustling eateries, great shopping and endless world-class golf, look no further than St Andrews. This pint-sized seaside city is filled with things to see and do for couples, families and groups of friends. Highlights include St. Andrews Cathedral, the Castle and the University. Pop to the St Andrews Museum and the British Golf Museum for cultural insights and golfing history, before heading to the beach, strolling along the harbour or playing a round or two on one of the many picturesque courses.

For laid-back seaside bliss, head to the many fishing villages which dot the coastline, including Elie, Anstruther and St Monans. Book a room in a charming inn, try fishing, amble along coastal paths and feast on fresh seafood. Fife also boasts a number of spectacular castles and ruins — Aberdour Castle, Dunfermline Abbey & Palace, Falkland Palace and Culross Palace are particularly impressive. Join an expert-led tour for a real sense of Fife’s complex past. If you’re eager to go walking, hiking or cycling, there are myriad paths criss-crossing the region, too. Round off days of exploring with top-notch distillery tours and tastings, as well as delicious cuisine at one of Fife’s many fantastic pubs and restaurants.

Whether you’re eager to hide away in the countryside, to experience the region’s ancient heritage, to spend long days on the beach as a family or to perfect your golf game — Fife has it all. Most of the best places to stay in Fife fill up fast, so book your stay well in advance, especially if travelling during the summer months or whilst there are key golfing events happening in the area!

The Best Places to Stay in Fife

For an Intimate B&B

• Bowhill B&B is a chic, boutique spot with four bedrooms, close to St Andrews and just down the road from the Michelin-starred Peat Inn. Pick this place for the intimate feel, great golfing location and bright, contemporary-classic interiors. Very romantic!
• Greenhead Farm offers four, traditionally appointed rooms in a lovely rural farmhouse. Unwind in the flower-filled gardens, enjoy walking and birdwatching at nearby Loch Leven, and venture to St Andrews for a round or two of golf. Tranquil and owner-run, with delicious breakfasts.
• Dukeside Lodge is a luxurious contemporary B&B with six comfortable bedrooms in Balone. Pick this place for its proximity to the famed Duke's Golf Course, the historic city of St Andrews, and enormous West Sands beach. Child-friendly with spacious Family Rooms!
• 34 Argyle Street promises four generous modern suites with indulgent bathrooms. Ideal for an intimate St Andrews stay, the guesthouse offers great cooked breakfasts, as well as an appealing sunroom and garden for relaxing when you're not busy seeing the sights or walking to the nearby Old Course! Good for couples or friends seeking a central B&B.

For a Coastal Stay

• The Ship Inn is a charming pub-with-rooms in the pretty seaside village of Elie. The six rooms have an appealing old-school feel, with blue-painted walls and vintage pieces, as well as striking beach views. Take a soak in a free-standing tub, or kick back and enjoy delicious fresh fare in the restaurant. Ideal for a coastal escape with heaps of character! This is also the only inn in the UK with its own beach cricket team.

For Foodies

• The Peat Inn is a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms, just five miles from Cupar. Hide away in one of eight luxurious, traditionally-appointed rooms, go walking and sightseeing, and treat yourself to top-notch modern Scottish cooking — including dishes of wild roe deer or home-cured sea trout — in the evenings. One for foodies!
• The Newport Hotel features four themed rooms — Scottish, Canadian, French and Nordic — set on the banks of the Firth of Forth, and an excellent pub-restaurant. Chef Jamie Scott, winner of BBC Masterchef, whips up dishes like Angus pigeon with cabbage and mung beans or Carnoustie pork with violets and lovage, and there's a great selection of craft beers and malt whiskies. A great choice for foodie couples or families — two of the rooms offer space for an extra bed.
• Hotel du Vin St Andrews promises a comfortable, grown-up stay in central St Andrews. Complete with a lively bar and chic French bistro — including an in-house sommelier to help with optimum wine pairings — this is an elegant pick for romantics and food lovers eager to experience historic St Andrews. Book a suite for impressive sea views.

For Luxury

• Balbirnie House Hotel offers a classic country escape in a beautiful Georgian mansion tucked amidst 400 acres of parkland. Expect elegant guestrooms with glamorous velvet touches, and wonderful food and drink — including delectable afternoon teas. The hotel is an enchanting wedding venue, and great for golfers eager to play a round at the nearby Balbirnie Golf Course.
• The Old Course Hotel is a golfer's dream. Smart and sophisticated, the large property features opulent rooms and suites with fairway and beach views, as well as superb food and a world-class spa. A historic landmark for an indulgent stay in St Andrews — complete with lots of golf!
• Rufflets is an ivy-clad heritage property hidden within ten acres of gorgeous gardens in St Andrews. Stay here for the lavish old-school feel, award-winning restaurant using produce from the hotel gardens, and the sense of tranquility.
• Kinnettles Hotel is a chic, boutique property with hip suites in the heart of St Andrews. Pick this place for its comtemporary interiors, highly-regarded restaurant and soothing spa. One for well-heeled couples lookng for a glamorous city bolthole.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Edinburgh International Airport or to Dundee Airport and hop aboard a bus or train to your destination in Fife. The journey from the airport shuld take less than an hour.
• There are also regular trains from London Kings Cross to destinations in Fife via Edinburgh, and the journey takes around 6 hours. Nab a cabin on the overnight sleeper train for a unique experience!
• Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. Fife is a wonderful region to explore by road, and having your own transport gives you the most flexibility.
• Visit between May and September for long days and warmer temperatures (peaking at around 21°C in July). This is still Scotland, though: bring your raincoat and wellies if you plan to explore, but there’s plenty of potential for beautiful sunny days and the drizzly moments make B&Bs with roaring fires all the more cosy.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in St Andrews.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Scotland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.