History.

Culross Abbey, founded in the 1200’s, stands as a striking reminder of Culross’s medieval heritage. Originally home to Cistercian monks, the abbey blends impressive medieval ruins with a later parish church that is still in use today. Set on a peaceful hillside overlooking the village, Culross Abbey offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s monastic past. The ruins are looked after by Historic Scotland and are free to enter.

A beautifully restored 17th-century merchant’s house at the heart of the historic village of Culross. Built by the wealthy coal and salt industrialist Sir George Bruce, the palace is famed for its distinctive ochre exterior, ornate painted ceilings, and period furnishings that reflect the wealth and style of the time. Surrounded by tranquil period gardens filled with herbs, fruit trees, and vegetables, Culross Palace is operated by the National Trust.

Dunimarle Castle is a striking 19th-century Gothic-style mansion set within beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Culross. Built on the site of a much older fortification, the castle was commissioned by the Erskine family and features elegant architecture, period interiors, and a private chapel. Surrounded by tranquil woodlands and gardens, Dunimarle Castle offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views. The grounds are free to enter, with scheduled guided tours.

Located just outside the village of Culross, is a picturesque medieval church ruin with a rich and atmospheric history. Dating back to the 16th century, it served as the parish church before being replaced by Culross Abbey Church. Surrounded by ancient graves and set against a peaceful rural backdrop, West Kirk is often visited for its haunting beauty and historic significance - can you find the oldest headstone? The site is is free to enter.

A waymarked long-distance footpath, stretching approximately 104 km (64 miles) from either Culross or North Queensferry to the iconic town of St Andrews.

Launched in July 2019, it retraces historic medieval pilgrimage routes across central Fife, weaving through ancient abbeys and churches, such as Dunfermline Abbey. Well-surfaced paths make it suitable for walkers of varied experience.

A charming historic woodland North of Culross carved through the steep valley of the Bluther Burn. Originating from a grand early‑19th‑century estate, it still reveals traces of its past.

Today it is lovingly managed by West Fife Woodlands volunteers, who have enhanced accessibility, restored a community orchard of heritage fruit trees, and host popular snowdrop‑trail walks every spring.

Originally a man‑made “island” it featured salt pans fired by coal mined directly on-site—linked by a sea wall, mines, pump engines, and workers’ cottages.

Though the island is now joined to the mainland by ash from Longannet power station, the well-preserved remains are a highlight on a circular nature‑reserve walk, complete with interpretation boards explaining its layered history.

Culross Pier is one of the village’s most charming landmarks, stretching out into the River Forth with stunning views across the water. Originally built to serve the busy trading port of Culross, and lovingly restored by the community, the pier once played a vital role in the town’s coal and salt industries. Today, it offers visitors a peaceful spot to enjoy the scenery, watch the tides, and take in the unique atmosphere of this historic village.

The Mercat Cross is a historic symbol of the village’s former status as a bustling market town. Dating back to the 16th century, it marks the traditional site where public announcements were made and local trade was conducted. Surrounded by picturesque cobbled streets and period buildings, the Mercat Cross remains a focal point of Culross, reflecting the village’s rich commercial and civic history.

Culross Townhouse is one of the most striking landmarks in the historic village of Culross, Fife. Built in the late 16th century, it originally served as the residence of Sir George Bruce, a wealthy merchant and industrial pioneer, before becoming the town’s administrative and judicial centre. With its distinctive clock tower, crow-stepped gables, and harled walls, the Townhouse reflects the village’s prosperous past. Today, it houses the National Trust for Scotland’s shop and a couple of shops on the upper floors.