Fife is only a short distance from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and staying in Elderburn Lodges makes for a perfect winter escape here. With so many beautiful destinations nearby, make the most out of the season and enjoy beach days, countryside days and warm, cosy nights in Fife.

Scenic Winter Landscapes

Winter in Scotland usually brings a cold, crisp air. This makes walks along a harbour in Pitenweem or a stroll through the beautiful streets of Culross all the more exhilarating. The scenery takes on a fantastic life of its own at this time of year. As the leaves drop and the trees show their bare branches, it offers a starkly beautiful view of Scotland. It also means that it can be easier to spot wildlife, as red squirrels have fewer hiding places! And if you are lucky enough to catch the sight of a Highland Cow with its breath creating a steam cloud, just make sure you have your camera ready.

Although we can’t guarantee snow, should you be lucky enough to get some during your stay you will be able to revel in the white duvet that makes Fife stunning. Build a snowman, go for a snowy walk or just stay in your Elderburn lodge and enjoy the gorgeous scenery from the comfort of a fireside. The choice is yours. 

Winter food

Many cafes and restaurants in Fife pride themselves on using local and seasonal produce in their dishes. Winter is a particularly good time for those who like game. Shooting season typically runs from around late autumn to late winter and you can expect to enjoy the freshest pheasant, venison and partridge in destinations like Kinneuchar Inn. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for ingredients to cook back at your lodge and make everything exactly how you like it, there are many fine butchers to be had in Fife. For example, Tom Courts Butchery is multi-award winning and situated in Burntisland. From game to haggis and quality sausages they are a popular location for all your meaty needs!

Things to do in winter 

Throughout the year you will always find indoor and outdoor things to do in Fife. Hiking and cycling are always popular, offering a different experience every time. There are plenty of cafes and friendly pubs to sit in and watch the world go past with a hot chocolate or beer. The sandy beaches at St Andrews are always worth a visit, and especially so if you are looking to do some windsurfing. 

There are also winter festivals to be found around Fife. Enjoy the Dunfermline Winter Festival in December; late night Christmas markets in Cupar at the end of November/start of December; or even some pantomime action at the Byre Theatre in St Andrews. 

Getting to Fife in winter

Fife is easily reachable by Scotland’s two main airports, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Whether you hire a car or hop on a train, you can be enjoying our scenery and good easily and quickly this winter. 

Make Fife your winter destination

A winter getaway in Fife offers the chance to relax and see the area in its raw beauty. Enjoying Fife from the comfort of your very own luxurious Elderburn Lodge means that your holiday can be as energetic or recharging as you want it. Wake when you want, eat what you want and if you don’t want to get out of your warm and comfortable bed, nobody is going to tell you otherwise! Enjoy our local food and drink with lovely views and make the most of our luxurious getaways. Check out our special offers and book your break with us. 

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Get into the Swing of Christmas in St Andrews

Teeing off in the middle of winter may not be at the top of everybody’s Christmas in Scotland wish list, but a winter golf break should be on yours. As the rest of the UK flock to warmer climates, you can play to your advantage with quieter greens and better rates at some of Scotland’s best golf courses. A little bit of Scottish weather can add a unique challenge to a course you may have played a hundred times before in summer – but it will be different in winter! Whether you tee off at the legendary Old Course, or put your skills to the test on one of the other 11 spectacular golf courses in St Andrews, play and save this winter.

Drink To Another Scottish Tradition

While St Andrews is undoubtedly the undisputed home of golf, it is also home to a number of great whisky distilleries. After a chilly day out on the green, toast a traditional Christmas with a trip to one of the many local distilleries near St Andrews and drink in the glory of one of Scotland’s grandest traditions – whisky.

Beating The Retreat

If you’re looking forward to exploring the fascinating history of this ancient city, you won’t want to miss the pre-Christmas St Andrews Day festivities, on or around 30th November each year. “The Big Hoolie” is a celebration for Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrew, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish food, music and dancing, as well as the festive lights switch-on for a truly magical festive experience.

Theatre lovers have plenty to look forward to in St Andrews at Christmas. The Byre Theatre caters to all tastes, including pantomimes, ballet, orchestral music and the occasional classic film too. Check out their upcoming schedule and book your tickets in advance.

Loving Local

Just walking along the beautifully decorated streets and past the many cosy shops with a steaming cup of hot chocolate is festive treat. It’s also a great opportunity to get a jump-start on all your Christmas shopping. Free from the run-of-the-mill retail chains, St Andrews is home to a number of independent, family-run shops guaranteed to sell a unique range of gifts and gadgets.

Relax at Christmas in st Andrews

However you choose to spend your days in St Andrews over the Christmas period, book your stay at Elderburn Lodges in advance to ensure you have a cost space to return to. Our contemporary lodges are ideal for groups or families seeking some respite over the winter season and come with all the modern amenities you would expect from luxury accommodation. Come and go whenever you please as you enjoy all the seasonal attractions. Make this Christmas in St Andrews the jolliest you’ve ever had. Check out our special offers and book your stay online.

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Winter in Fife, Scotland is such a magical experience. While some people might think it’s all about staying indoors because it’s cold, there are so many wonderful things to do and see that’ll make you love this season. From the beautiful Northern Lights to peaceful seaside views and exciting places to visit, here’s a little peek at what you can enjoy in Fife during the winter.

Stargazing and the Northern Lights

Winter in Fife offers a chance for fantastic stargazing on a clear night. If you’re lucky you might even see the Northern Lights, which are colourful lights that dance in the night sky. You can spot them in spots away from city lights. These lights can be green, purple, pink, or even red and it looks like the sky is putting on a magical show just for you.

Scientists say these lights are made when particles from the sun hit Earth’s air, but that doesn’t take away from the magic of the experience. So, if you visit Fife in winter, look up at the night sky and you might get to see this beautiful display of dancing colours, reminding you of the incredible natural beauty in our world. Fife is the perfect place for star gazing on a clear night, away from light pollution. Remember seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland is a rare occasion, but you might just be the lucky ones!

Explore the beautiful Scottish coast

Fife has a stunning coastline with lovely beaches and cliffs. Even when it’s chilly outside, it’s a great time to take a walk. Breathing in the fresh sea air and listening to the sound of the waves is really relaxing. You can also visit charming coastal towns like Crail and Anstruther just a 20-minute drive away from Elderburn Lodges.

Enjoy the great outdoors

If you like nature, you’ll be happy to know that Fife has forests and woodlands that look especially beautiful in the winter with snow all around like Tentsmuir Forest. Fife’s countryside is home to a variety of bird species and you may even spot a red squirrel or two! There is nothing more exhilarating than wrapping up warm and facing the Scottish elements! And face the elements you will as you stroll the Fife Coastal Path in search of St Monans windmill. Visit this 18th-century windmill and even borrow the keys for a small fee to see inside. Carefully restored, it is the last remaining windmill in Fife.

Outlander Experience

Fife was used a lot as a filming location for the famous series ‘Outlander’. Falkland, Aberdour and Balgonie are but a few, and they are all beautiful in wintertime. Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire and see if you can recognise any of the sites. Check out our Outlander filming locations blog for full details.

Trips and tours in Fife

There are lots of fun trips and tours you can join during winter in Fife. You can learn about history by visiting places like St. Andrews Cathedral or Falkland Palace. Consider joining a whisky tour to warm up and sample Scotland’s renowned spirit.

Family days out

Winter in Fife doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors, although the region’s cosy pubs are a great way to warm up. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained. The St. Andrews Aquarium is a fantastic option for those travelling with children based in the centre of town.

St Andrews is the home of golf! It is also the home of the British Golf Museum. Situated just yards from the Old Course itself you can discover the history of golf through exploring their fascinating collections.

Step back into history and visit Scotland’s Secret Bunker. Not only is this attraction indoors, but it’s underground! The size of two football pitches stacked on top of each other, you can learn all about this exciting hidden structure that is hidden 100 feet below ground! Find out all about the Government Cold War and why they would have survived and you wouldn’t have!

The Scottish Deer Centre is an ideal destination for a family day out, boasting 55 acres of exploration. With 14 deer species, a wolf pack, wildcats, otters, birds of prey, and a host of rare Scottish wildlife, there’s plenty to discover and learn about!

Delicious food

Don’t forget to savour some tasty Scottish dishes. Warm up with a bowl of Cullen Skink, which is a delicious fish soup, or try haggis, neeps, and tatties. Fife’s restaurants are cosy and welcoming places to enjoy a good meal.

So, don’t hide away during winter in Fife. It’s a season full of outdoor adventure. With the Northern Lights, beautiful coasts, nature walks, exciting trips, family-friendly places and tasty food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Winter in Fife is a time to make great memories in this amazing place.

Looking for somewhere to stay?

Thinking about a holiday in Fife? We provide luxurious self-catering accommodation near St. Andrews, where you’ll discover an array of winter activities and much more!

For further information, feel free to reach us at 07840 801 114. We’re excited to hear from you!

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