FIFE

Balmerino Abbey
Balmerino, Fife
Open: all year, daily.

Ruins of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1229. Visitors may not enter the buildings but can view them from the grounds.

Falkland Palace, Garden & Old Burgh
Falkland, Cupar, Fife
Tel: (01337) 857 397
Open: 1 Mar to 31 Oct, Mon–Sat 10–6, Sun 1–5.30. Shop also open 6 Jan to 28 Feb and 1 Nov to 24 Dec, Mon–Sat 11–4, Sun 1–4.

The country residence of the Stewart kings and queens, built between 1501 and 1541.

Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse & Garden
Cupar, Fife
Tel: (01334) 653 127
Open: Good Friday to 30 Sep, daily 1–5; 1st weekend in Oct, Sat/Sun 1–5. Tearoom and shop, same dates, but  open at 12 noon. Estate, all year, daily.

The present house was virtually rebuilt in 1906 to form a suitable setting for its collection of French, Chippendale-style and vernacular furniture, paintings, tapestries, porcelain and bronzes.

Kellie Castle & Garden
Pittenweem, Fife
Tel: (0133) 720 271
Open: Castle, Good Friday to Easter Monday and 1 May to 30 Sep, daily 1–5. Tearoom and shop, same dates, but open at 12 noon. Garden, all year, daily 9.30-5.30. Grounds, all year, daily.

A fine example of the domestic architecture of Lowland Scotland. Restored around 1878, it contains magnificent plaster ceilings.

Royal Burgh of Culross
West Green House, Culross, Fife
Tel: (01383) 880 359
Open: Palace, Study, Town House and shop, Good Friday to 30 Sep, daily 12–5. Tearoom, same dates but opens at 11. Garden, all year 10–6 or sunset if earlier.

A small royal burgh providing an introduction to Scottish domestic life in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Palace, built between 1597–1611, features decorative painted woodwork and original interiors.