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 ₹22,677 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹22,677
₹27,213 total
24 Jul - 25 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! (2,005 reviews)
"Great location in Grassmarket within easy walking distance of the castle, Royal Mile, National Museum and many pub and restaurant options."

Reviewed on 22 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 ₹11,999 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹11,999
₹14,399 total
27 Jul - 28 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"It is a busy facility and the staff continues to give a good service to all the visitors. Room was prepared as discussed and my Hubby’s birthday celebration went on well with your help. I will recommend the Hotel."

Reviewed on 19 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 ₹23,914 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹23,914
₹28,697 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (1,757 reviews)
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Reviewed on 17 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! (2,172 reviews)
"Great location. The breakfast is really good. Staff is very helpful at the front desk. There’s even a place to do your laundry in the basement. I really like this place. It’s a lot cheaper than a hotel."

Reviewed on 19 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! (931 reviews)
"It was located in the best location"

Reviewed on 19 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"This was a great place to stay. It is a very new building, all the rooms are super clean. Highly recommend this place. The only part is that it was a little bit confusing to find the entrance, but besides that I have no complaints at all"

Reviewed on 20 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

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Yes to Scottish independence

Cities near Burntisland