Burntisland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aberdour Castle which includes a house
Burntisland
Silver Sands Beach showing a beach
Aberdour Castle showing a ruin, heritage elements and château or palace
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 kilometers) 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 which includes a sandy beach, rocky coastline and a coastal town

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$442 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$442
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (2,029 reviews)
"Everything fine"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 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 AU$445 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$445
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,777 reviews)
"Very courteous and friendly staff. Breakfast included a good variety of food. A couple of mornings when we had to leave before breakfast was served, we were given a bag of food, so we didn’t have to leave hungry. We enjoyed our stay and recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is AU$229 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$229
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostal in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (968 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and helpful. As a middle aged female solo traveler I was nervous about using a hostel for the first time. I recommend Code Pod Court. It has perfect location, attentive staff, and the on site restaurant and free activities were a plus."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
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! (2,196 reviews)
Good stay
"Location is ideal and central, close to the Edinburgh castle and holyrood palace. Has a kitchenette with microwave and a decent size fridge, food is expensive in Edinburgh No regular housekeeping, you have to drop off your trash yourself and the hotel charges an extra 20 pounds for cleaning if stay ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 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! (952 reviews)
"Great central location"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Fraser Suites Edinburgh

Fraser Suites Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Fraser Suites Edinburgh, 12 - 26 St Giles Street, 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 helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,977 reviews)
"We had a great stay at Fraser Suites. The room was comfortable and the staff was very helpful. The location was perfect for exploring the Royal Mile."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Fraser Suites Edinburgh
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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