5 of the best parks in Fife
From coastal walks to beautiful green spaces
Fife is rightly renowned for its incredible natural beauty, and particularly the coastal areas. The beach areas and coastal walks are indeed worthy of the credit, but there are also many beautiful green spaces and parks in Fife to enjoy. There are gardens and play areas all over this historical area, and here are our top picks for the park life.
Craigtoun Country Park
Located just two miles from St. Andrews, Craigtoun Country Park is a vast area extremely popular with both residents and visitors. It’s easy to see why it draws so many people, the 47 acres of land are put to really good use for both amusement and relaxation.
Craigtoun Park offers more than most parks, although there are some charges for particular activities, there is far more on offer within the park completely free of charge.
A real plus is the beautiful boating lake providing a lovely calming view as you meander through the park. The wide green spaces, picnic areas and café provide the basic park amenities, but the additional pull comes from the adventure play area, crazy golf and putting area. There are zip lines for high flying fun, trampolines for bouncing, an activity trail and a magical fairy glen.
Of course, if you want to just walk and enjoy, there is plenty to see as you do so, including the walled gardens, greenhouses and a fountain. As the area is rich in heritage, there are statues and monuments to muse as you amble.
Now take a look at some more of the best parks in Fife:
Pittencrieff Park
To the west of Dunfermline city centre lies Pittencrieff Park, known locally as 'The Glen'. A real Fifer favourite, it is bursting with reasons to come and visit. The Glen is comprised of 76 acres of land, and is as steeped in history, as it is expansive.
If you are looking for a place to walk, relax and enjoy a treat for your eyes, this is simply a haven for you. The views include cherry trees which if you are lucky to see in Spring will be blossoming. There are woodland areas sporting wild flowers and calm ponds flanked by ancient trees. If you are a fan of wildlife, it just gets better as it lends itself to be a natural habitat for many species. The Laird's Garden is home to many beautiful butterflies and bees, while the woodland hosts grey wagtails, wrens, woodpigeons and buzzards. There are even peacocks strutting around the wide spaces. If you approach the park from the east side of the car park, you can see the stunning Dunfermline Abbey, and towards the lower glen you might just glimpse the ruins of Dunfermline Palace.
Letham Glen
Nestled in the north-east corner of Leven, Letham Glen is a quirky park with a great deal of interest. It may be smaller than the other parks on this list, being around eight hectares, but it is a must for its unique offering. This park not only has a play area for children but also includes activity equipment for adults too. A lovely way to get fit and spend time with family, it is a real bonus. The woodlands are ancient and impressive, not least because they are home to red squirrels, pipistrelle bats and the great spotted woodpecker. In fact, this great park hopes to host Fife's first bat house in the near future.
Beveridge Park
Just minutes from Kirkcaldy Rail station, Beveridge Park is a charming Victorian park to the west of Kirkcaldy. This park spans 104 acres and is a must for anyone looking to enjoy green open spaces in Fife. Not only does it boast impressive flower gardens, there are walled gardens and a bog garden. The bog garden is a wetland area which you can cross via the wooden bridge whilst you inspect the wildlife below.
If you prefer your park life to be a bit more active, there are options for playing rugby, football and tennis, plus putting areas and a boating pond.
Lochore Meadows Country Park
Lochore Meadows Country Park is simply a jewel in the Fife crown. Situated around the Loch Ore, the park spans a captivating 1200 acres.
There are so many attractions at Lochore Park that there really is something to interest everyone. It is one of those places where, each time you visit you realise you had forgotten how big it is and how much there is to enjoy.
There is both parkland and woodland to enjoy, whether you want to cycle, run or meander, and you can opt for a longer trek to the Harran Hill Woods. For those of you with a keen eye for wildlife, you can follow the nature trail and head for the bird hide. Or choose to explore the wildflower meadows and admire the hazel and coppice in the ancient woods.
The loch itself is lovely for paddling, fishing and there are even water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.
The next time you are thinking of doing something in Fife, why not try one of these parks, it may be closer than you think.
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