St Andrews and Falkland Palace Shore Excursion

South Queensferry , United Kingdom

St Andrews and Falkland Palace Shore Excursion

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About this experience

Explore St Andrews and see the Old Course. Travel along Fife's famous 'Coastal Road' bringing us through several of the area's most stunning fishing villages. Wander through the village of Falkland which stood in for Inverness in TVs Outlander.

Available options

St Andrews and Falkland Palace Shore Excursion

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Anstruther, pronounced locally as Ainster, is the largest and liveliest of the fishing villages. You’ll have time to explore the scenic harbour and take a wander through the narrow, cobbled streets. It may be that you just prefer to sit, have a coffee and watch the world go by.

At St Andrew’s you’ll have just under three hours of free time to explore one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval towns.

Renowned worldwide as “the home of golf”. People played golf here as far back as the 15th century. The Old Course is the best-known golf course in the world. At the 18th hole you’ll find another famous landmark, Swilcan Bridge. Originally built over 700 years ago to allow shepherds to take their flock across Swilcan Burn.

Visit the Royal and Ancient Golf Museum. This 5 star visitor attraction has many fascinating objects dating back 400 years. Step outside and you are within touching distance of the 1st tee of the old course at St Andrews. The University of St Andrews is the oldest in Scotland and was the meeting place of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.

You can visit the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century.

Stop 3

In the charming village of Falkland lies Falkland Palace. This was the country residence of the Stuart Kings and Queens. Its most famous resident was Mary Queen of Scots. The palace is one of the finest examples of Renaissance Architecture in Scotland.

Marvel at its grand entrance and take in the stunning Chapel Royal. Wander its extensive grounds where you’ll find the royal tennis court. Completed in 1541 by James V, this real tennis court is one of the oldest in Britain.

Explore the palace gardens, orchard and wildflower meadow and enjoy the colours and scents of its Physic Garden.

The village of Falkland stood in for Inverness in the Outlander tv series. You can enjoy a refreshment at the Covenanters Hotel – or Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse where Claire and Frank enjoy their second honeymoon. The Squares Bruce Fountain is the haunting spot where Frank see’s Jamie’s ghost watching Claire at the window.

What's not included

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We cannot accommodate children under the age of 5.

Meeting point

Your ship will arrange for you to travel to Hawes Pier via a tender boat. You will meet your Tour Leader at the end of the pier.

About South Queensferry

South Queensferry is a picturesque coastal town in Scotland, known for its stunning views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming town offers a mix of historical landmarks, scenic walks, and excellent dining options, making it a perfect getaway from the bustling city of Edinburgh.

Top Attractions

Forth Bridge

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge is an iconic cantilever railway bridge that offers stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's engineering history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to view, tours available for a fee

Queensferry History Museum

This small museum offers a fascinating look into the history of South Queensferry, from its early days as a ferry crossing point to its modern-day charm.

Museum 30-60 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Hawes Promenade

A scenic waterfront promenade offering beautiful views of the Forth Bridge and the Firth of Forth. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices.

Main Dish Contains meat and offal

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, a classic Scottish comfort food.

Soup Contains fish

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Cycling Water sports Picnicking Strolling along the promenade Whisky tasting Visiting museums Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the best time to visit South Queensferry for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The town is vibrant with events and festivals.

12°C to 20°C 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or GMT+1 during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

South Queensferry is a safe and welcoming town with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 20 miles (32 km)

By train

Dalmeny Station

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in South Queensferry. They are reliable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Hawes

Day trips

Edinburgh

12 miles (19 km) • Half day to full day

Scotland's capital city offers a wealth of historical sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant city life.

St. Andrews

35 miles (56 km) • Full day

A historic town known for its university, golf courses, and beautiful beaches.

Festivals

Queensferry Fete • June Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the Forth Bridge at sunrise or sunset for the best photographic opportunities.
Try local seafood dishes at the waterfront restaurants for an authentic taste of South Queensferry.
Explore the town's history by visiting the Queensferry History Museum and local landmarks.
Take a leisurely stroll along Hawes Promenade for stunning views of the Forth Bridge and the Firth of Forth.
Check out local markets and festivals for a taste of the town's vibrant community spirit.