From picturesque time capsule villages where you simply step back in time, to castles and historic gems, here are some filming locations in the Kingdom of Fife worth a visit.
The Crown, St Andrews
The Crown is a series that dives deep into the historical background of the British royal family. Fans of the series can now watch Season Six (released Dec 2023) which is set in St Andrews as they explore the story of Wills and Kate, the Prince & Princess of Wales, during their time at St Andrews University where their fairytale romance began. There is so much to explore in the historic University town which is also the home of golf. Don't miss climbing the 156 steps to the top of St Rule's Tower for panoramic views, followed by a coffee at NorthPoint Cafe, where the couple used to meet for coffee.
Outlander (various locations throughout Fife)
The hugely popular Outlander is a historical drama television series which continues to attract fans to Fife to visit the many film locations. Outlander has many scenes filmed in the picturesque towns of Culross and Falkland, as well as a number of other film locations including Dysart harbour, Aberdour Castle and Balgonie Castle. If you visit the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, you can also get on board The Reaper - Sailing Herring Drifter, used for filming in Series 2. Outlander has become so well known that there are many passionate tour guides dotted around Fife, incuding Clan Mackenzie Routes.
The Railway Man & Whisky Galore, St Monans
St Monans Kirk was one of the locations used in The Railway Man, a war film about Eric, a POW during World War II tortured by a Japanese officer. Later on in Eric’s life his wife encourages him to face his oppressor when they find out that the Japanese officer is still alive. St Monans Kirk is the closest church to the sea in Scotland and set on the Fife Coastal Path.The quaint fishing village is well worth exploring. Don't miss the Welly Boot Garden and the East Pier Smokehouse.
Christmas in Scotland, Culross
Chrismas in Scotland is a romantic movie, which tells the story of a New York installation designer on a trip to Scotland, who finds herself helping the fictional small community of Glenrothie create a festive light display. Forced to work together with the wealthy local heir, they unite to bring seasonal magic to light and fall in love along the way. It was heavily filmed in Culross featuring the cobbled streets, Mercat Cross, as well as Stay Bed and Breakfast, which featured as the village pub.
Karen Pirie, St Andrews
Karen Pirie, the British crime drama television series based on Inspector Karen Pirie series of novels by Fife author,Val McDermid aired for its first series on ITV back in September 2022, filmed in St Andrews and was one of ITV's most watched dramas. A much-anticipated second season has been commissioned. Watch this space!
The Outlaw King, Dunfermline
The Outlaw King is a 2018 historical action drama film about 14th-century Scottish King Robert the Bruce during the Scottish Wars of Independence, when he is commanded into exile by the English, leading Robert the Bruce to create a group of outlaws to help reclaim his throne. The film used many locations throughout Scotland, including Dunfermline Abbey. Visit the stunning Abbey where Robert the Bruce is buried, explore the historic quarter and discover Dunfermline's history at the award-winning museum in Scotland's once ancient capital and now Scotland's newest city!
Captain America: The First Avenger, Culross
The renowned 2011 movie Captain America: The First Avenger, is an action marvel based film on the adventures of Superhero Captain America and the wild tale of World War II. Culross in West Fife was a key location to capture the beauty and mystique atmosphere for the film. It's renowned as being one of Scotland's most picturesque villages with cobbled streets and wynds you'll just love exploring.It's a real step back in time.
The Happy Lands, Cardenden
The Happy Lands is a drama that depicts the realities and hardship of Scottish miners in the community of Fife during the General Strike of 1926. The fictional mining village of Carhill in the film is In fact Cardenden in Fife. Just along the road in Cowdenbeath visit this other mining town where you can view the wonderful art murals, including The Miner's Boy.
Tommy's Honour, St Andrews, Falkland & Leven
Tommy’s Honour is a 2017 sports romance film filmed mainly in St Andrews, the home of golf, as well as scenes at Largo Bay and Falkland. Young Tommy aspires to be like his father, the greatest golfer of all time. Tommy’s life changes when he falls in love and marries an older woman of lower class. Film locations in St Andrews include the harbour, Castle Course and the cathedral, where you can visit Tom Morris' grave.
The Little Vampire, Culross
The Little Vampire is a 2000 comedy horror film based on the children's book series of the same name by German writer Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, about a boy who tries to save a young vampire and his family from a ruthless vampire hunter. Scenes were shot in the picturesque village of Culross, as well as nearby Dunimarle Castle. which occupies a spectacular woodland setting, stretching 52 acres in a highly elevated position overlooking the Firth of Forth and is open for tours of the castle, chapel and gardens.
Chariots of Fire, St Andrews
Chariots Of Fire, based on a 1981 British sports drama follows the story of two men who race for gold in the Olympics. The iconic opening scene from the movie of the slow-motion run along the beach was filmed along West sands beach in St Andrews. Popular with walkers, runners and swimmers, this stunning beach is also used for land yachting, surfing and paddleboarding. In addition, to ensure as many people as possible enjoy the West Sands, beach-friendly wheelchairs are available free of charge during the summer season.
