The city of Dunfermline (in Gaelic, Dùn Phàrlain) is situated
near the western edge of the county of "The Kingdom of Fife" in
central Scotland. Dunfermline is a former capital of Scotland
and many famous kings and queens such as Queen Margaret and King
Robert the Bruce are buried there. It is known as "the auld grey
toun" (the old grey town).
Dunfermline is about 16 miles (27 km) northwest of Edinburgh
(approx 35 minutes by car) and about 38 miles (61 km) northeast
of Glasgow (approx 1 hour by car). If you are on vacation in
Edinburgh or Glasgow it is well worth making a day trip to see
the historic sights of Dunfermline.
Historic places to visit :-
Abbot House - this is oldest surviving house in the town. It was
built in the mid 1400s and survived the fire of Dunfermline in
1624, which destroyed most of the town. It is now a Heritage
Centre with a garden, shop and tea room. When you visit you will
be able to hear its story told by the resident ghost. It is open
363 days a year (closed Christmas and New Year's Day only), from
10am - 5pm. Prices: Admission to the ground floor, cafe, gift
shop and garden is free. There is an admission charge for the
displays on the 1st and 2nd floors. Abbot House is located in
the Maygate - in the centre of Dunfermline near the Abbey (the
gardens lead into the Abbey churchyard). Free Dunfermline
Heritage Guided Walks around Scotland's other Royal Mile take
place every Sunday throughout the summer at 2pm from Abbot House
and last approximately one hour.
Dunfermline Abbey - St. Margaret Street - In 1075 Queen Margaret
started the building of the Benedictine priory which later
became the abbey. It is open from 24th March to 30th September:
Daily 9.30am to 6.30pm and from 1st October to 23rd March:
9.30am to 4.30pm (closed Thursday afternoon, Friday & Sunday
morning).
Royal Palace (Ruins) - It is located right next to the abbey and
was originally part of the abbey. This was the birthplace of two
kings and seven queens. Charles I was born in this palace in
1600.
St. Margaret's Cave - This is where Queen Margaret secretly came
to pray after her marriage to Malcolm III in 1070 - Queen
Margaret was made a Saint in 1249. The cave is open from Easter
to September and admission is free.
Pittencrieff Park - A large park with a large area to explore,
formal gardens plus Pittencrieff House Museum. It is known
locally as "the glen". This park was bought for the town by
Andrew Carnegie. There is a side entrance to the park opposite
the abbey.
Dunfermline Museum - Located in Viewfield, near Carnegie Hall
and the town centre - See the fascinating display of
Dunfermline's rich history, including the linen and silk
industries for which the town was once famous. It is open all
year and there is free admission.
Andrew Carnegie - birthplace and museum - Moodie Street, near
the centre of town. Inside the cottage where the millionaire
benefactor was born, the story of the family's life before they
emigrated to the USA in 1848 is told. The museum reveals the
story of amazing business career of Andrew, going from bobbin
boy, telegraph operator and railroad developer to become the
Steel King of America. He retired from business life in 1901 as
the richest man in the world. By the time he died in 1919 he had
given away over $350 million to provide free libraries, schools
and colleges, plus trusts and foundations which he established
in Britain, Europe and America. He owned the Carnegie Hall in
New York City from its construction in 1890 until his widow sold
it in 1924. The museum is open from the 1st April to 31st
October, 11am until 5pm (Mon - Sat) and 2pm - 5pm (Sundays).
Another place worth visiting is the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum.
It is located just outside Dunfermline on the M90 Commerce Park,
Lathalmond (note that it is only open on Sundays). The Scottish
Vintage Bus Museum has become the acknowledged focal point of
historic bus restoration and operation in Scotland, and houses,
around 170 vehicles. Most of these buses were built in Scotland
and are in varying conditions, ranging from dilapidated to fully
restored. The museum now has other vehicles as well as buses.
Currently: Leyland Hippo Lorry - ANG 224, Fire Engine - AEC
Regent MK3 - FKG 50, Peterhead Parcels Office and The CO-OP
Mobile Shop - DES 776. Also there is a small workshop where the
Shed 47 Railway Restoration Group does restoration work on
railway locomotives and rolling stock. There is a shop, cafe and
picnic areas. The museum is open very Sunday from Easter to the
1st weekend in October from 12.30pm - 5pm.
Enjoy your visit to historic Dunfermline.
|
