Burntisland offers a range of reasons to visit: the coast on the Firth of Forth, leisure activities on the Links and traces of the past. The tide matters for the route to Pettycur, while the date is important for the Highland Games and boat trips.
Coast, Beach and Links
Burntisland Beach lies east of the town and looks out over the Firth of Forth. The wide sandy beach has numerous rock pools. At extremely low tide, large areas of sand and mud are exposed, making it possible to walk to Pettycur Beach with care. Check the tide conditions before taking this route. The Fife Coastal Path section from Burntisland to Buckhaven also runs along the edge of the Firth of Forth. This gives you a choice of different coastal experiences: a tide-dependent route towards Pettycur or a clearly defined section of the Coastal Path.
Beacon Leisure Centre is a short walk from the beach. It has a 25-metre swimming pool with slides and a wave machine. Two railway underpasses connect Burntisland Links with the coastal path, the beach, the skatepark and the leisure centre. The Links have play areas all year round; pitch-and-putt is available in summer.
Town History and Trails
Rossend Castle is a 16th-century tower house with a ground floor dating from the 13th century. These two dates offer a specific insight into the building’s long history. The Heritage Trails also focus on different aspects of the past: the Inner Heritage Trail traces Burntisland’s development from the 16th century to the present day. The Outer Heritage Trail explores the town’s historic and industrial heritage, starts at the western corner of the Links and is about four miles long. The trails therefore differ both in their stated focus and in the length of the Outer Trail.
The Museum of Communication is at 131 High Street in Burntisland. Check the address before your trip. A working model of the harbour shows it as it was in 1883. Access is by prior arrangement; check current availability in advance.
The Binn and Views
The Binn is a volcanic vent that has shaped the landscape around Burntisland. Its steep slope is made of basalt, with columnar jointing in places. The summit is approximately 600 feet above sea level. These details give the landscape a geological dimension that sets it apart from the coastal paths and the town’s history.
Burntisland Golf House Club also offers its own views of the surrounding area: the parkland course dates from 1896 and was designed by Willie Park Jnr. The club offers views across the Firth of Forth and of the Forth Bridges.
Events and Seasonal Activities
The Burntisland Highland Games take place on the Links on the third Monday in July. They date back to 1652 and are the second-oldest Highland Games in Scotland. Check the current event date before your trip. There is also a fairground on the Links every year between May and August; confirm the current dates before visiting.
The seasonal Three Bridges and Three Inches boat tour departs from Burntisland harbour and passes the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. Check operating dates before your trip. Those interested in sailing can find designated visitor berths on the pontoons at Burntisland Sailing Club. Visitors are welcome, but booking is required.
Discover more destinations: New Gilston, Crossford, Anstruther, Dunfermline, Tayport, Kilconquhar, Blairhall, Pitlessie
For the broader travel overview: Fife.
