Burntisland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aberdour Castle showing a house
Burntisland
Silver Sands Beach showing a beach
Aberdour Castle featuring building ruins, a castle and heritage elements
Aberdour Castle featuring 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 ₹19,217 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
₹19,217
₹23,061 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,987 reviews)
"Great location, great staff, clean room."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG

4 out of 5
132 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹11,367 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,367
₹13,640 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and check in was seamless. We enjoyed a lovely meal at the restaurant. The room was great."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Edinburgh by IHG
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is ₹22,700 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹22,700
₹27,240 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,751 reviews)
"Loved this hotel! Wish we stayed longer than 2 nights. Great location close to lots of shopping and dining. The breakfast at the cafe downstairs was AMAZING! Irine at the front desk was super nice and accommodating. Loved that we were able to have our luggage held before and after our stay. We will ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Apex Waterloo Place 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 aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,151 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Convenient location to explore the city!"

Reviewed on 14 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (927 reviews)
"Excellent mini apartments! All wheelchair accessible. Nice lobby w food and drinks. Laundry facilities as well."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Forth House by Supercity Aparthotels

Forth House by Supercity Aparthotels

4 out of 5
6 Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Royal Mile and Princes Street ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Amazing Aparthotel
"Studio room was was equipped/supplied. I was able to do laundry with the supplies soap. Room was so nice I wish I could move in!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Forth House by Supercity Aparthotels
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.

Popular places to visit

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

Verified traveller

Yes to Scottish independence

Cities near Burntisland