In the heart of Fife, Dunfermline was once Scotland’s ancient capital, where King Robert the Bruce was buried and, in the 19^th century, the birthplace of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, the city is well worth a visit.

Dunfermline isn’t just about the past—it’s a thriving modern city with plenty to offer. Main Street, bookended by two large patches of green, is dotted with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s dominated by the City Chambers, a 19^th century French Gothic creation, with an elaborate four face clock tower.

Dunfermline’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of Fife and beyond. The iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short drive away and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. For beach lovers, the charming coastal villages of the East Neuk of Fife are within easy reach

Dunfermline Abbey

The Abbey is most famously the burial site of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s iconic warrior king, whose leadership secured the country’s independence during the Wars of Scottish Independence. His grave, marked with a striking brass inlay within the abbey church, draws visitors from around the world.

It’s also the final resting place of numerous Scottish monarchs, including Queen Margaret (later Saint Margaret), who was canonized in 1250 for her piety and a place she is charitable works. Her legacy endures in the nearby St. Margaret’s Cave, said to have used for private prayer. There are also the remains of the earlier Benedictine abbey that she founded with her husband King Malcolm III, in the 11th century.

The newer 12^th century Abbey boasts a Romanesque nave, with bold chevron-patterned columns, showing clear Norman influence. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the choir was allowed to collapse but, in the 19th century, the Church of Scotland incorporated the ruins into the modern parish church.

Andrew Carnegie

Dunfermline’s claim to fame extends beyond royalty, it’s also the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, the industrialist and philanthropist who became one of the world’s wealthiest men. He was born here in 1835 before leaving for America to make his fortune.

In the restored 19th century cottage, where he was born, the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum take you through his humble beginnings to his time in the USA. There he revolutionized the steel industry and later dedicated his wealth to philanthropic endeavours. Adjacent to the cottage is the beautiful Art Deco museum hall, built by his widow in 1928.

Pittencrieff Park

Known locally as “The Glen,” Pittencrieff Park is one of Carnegie’s most generous gifts to his hometown. Spanning 76 acres, the park is a green haven in the heart of the city and, as you’d expect there’s a giant statue of the man himself. Peacocks roam freely through its landscaped gardens and ancient woodlands. The Glen Pavilion is a lovely Art Deco style building that is a popular venue for weddings.

Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries

Opened in 2017, Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries (DCL&G) is set in the heart of the town, seamlessly combining a contemporary design with the heritage of Scotland’s first Carnegie Library. This was gifted by Carnegie in 1883, the first of 2800 libraries funded by him worldwide.

The museum details the rich history and culture of Dunfermline from its medieval beginnings to its industrial achievements. There’s a cinema and café and the art galleries have rotating exhibitions featuring local and international works. A stunning glass-walled terrace provides panoramic views of Dunfermline Abbey and the city’s historic skyline.

Culross

On the north shore of the Firth of Forth, the village of Culross (pronounced “Coo-riss”) is one of Scotland’s most well-preserved historic villages. Established in the 6th century, it blossomed in the 16th and 17th centuries as a prosperous trading port, thanks to its thriving coal and salt industries. However, as time moved forward, Culross seemed to resist the march of progress.

Today, it serves as a living museum of Scotland’s past, its cobbled streets, white washed houses with red-tiled roofs, and vibrant gardens providing an authentic glimpse into what life might have looked like centuries ago.  

Culross Palace is a beautifully restored 16th-century merchant’s house that dominates the heart of the village. Built between 1597 and 1611 by Sir George Bruce, a wealthy coal and salt magnate, the palace is a richly detailed representation of Renaissance domestic architecture in Scotland. It’s immediately recognisable with its mustard-yellow lime wash and distinctive crow-stepped gables.

Inside, the interiors have been painstakingly restored to reflect their historical glory, complete with painted woodwork, intricate plaster ceilings, and period furniture.  The palace gardens are another highlight, meticulously designed to resemble those of the 17th century. Wander through the terraced gardens, filled with fragrant herbs, colourful flowers, and heirloom vegetables.

East Neuk of Fife

Hugging the rugged coastline of eastern Scotland, the East Neuk of Fife boasts a series of picture postcard fishing villages, each with its own unique character. St Monans, with its weathered pier and historic windmill, invites exploration, while Pittenweem has a working harbour which enchants with its whitewashed cottages, all red pantile roofs and crow-step gables 

Wander through the cobbled streets of Anstruther, known for its award-winning fish and chips, and discover the maritime heritage at the Scottish Fisheries Museum. You can also take the ferry for a trip to the Isle of May, now a national nature reserve.

Crail, perhaps the most photographed village, has the Crail Museum and Heritage Centre detailing tales of smuggling and seafaring. Charming cobbled streets tumble down to the miniature harbour, which is sheltered by cliffs and framed by colourful fishing boats. The Fife Coastal Path, stretching 117 miles, is a good way to explore East Neuk.

Kingsbarns Distillery

Situated on the outskirts of the village of Kingsbarns, the distillery is famous for its Lowland single malts and Darnley’s Gin. A guided tour takes you through the garden where they grow the botanicals and then to the Gin Cottage. This houses the 350l copper pot still where their London Dry style gin is produced. A guided tasting follows, with a selection of nibbles.

Factfile

GO: LNER goes from Kings Cross to Dunfermline in around five hours. There are also regular bus transfers from Edinburgh airport.

INFO: Welcome to Fife has information about the region.

STAY:  Garvock House Hotel is a short walk from Dunfermline centre and offers luxury family owned accommodation with good food.

EAT: Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s is good for fine dining in Dunfermline.

The Haberdashery Bistro has excellent local specialities in Dunfermline.

The Wee Chippie in Anstruther has some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted.

The Red Lion in Culross has excellent pub food and good beer.

The post Travel Guide to Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Salut Maroc hotel stands as an oasis of bohemian luxury in Essaouira, the tiny walled city on the edge of the Atlantic. Orson Welles filmed his Hamlet here and the 1960’s attracted rock stars like Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger. These days it still retains its unique calm and charm.

Salut Maroc hotel is the dream project of British owner, Helen Howat, who bought the building in 2012 when it was an empty shell. She was attracted by its position at the edge of the ramparts, with the deep blue sea beyond, and set about creating her unique vision. It took five years for it to become a reality as she scoured the world for antique furniture and employed local artisans to craft the interiors.

Nothing was too much trouble and such was her attention that she even designed all the textiles. What she created is a riot of colour, yet still tasteful, matching the beat of the city’s heart. Even the bathrooms became destinations in themselves, retro luxury yet completely functional.

Who for

Salut Maroc hotel is ideal for singles, couples and families who want a luxury base in the heart of historic Medina with gorgeous sea views.

 Accommodation

Each of the 11 unique rooms and suites is strikingly different and is themed to match destinations in Morocco. They offer a truly contemporary take on Moroccan design yet draw on traditional artisanal skills of local craftsmen. The result is a fusion of Islamic patterns and vibrant colours, a vibrant stage for her collection of contemporary and antique furniture.

Although the interiors feel they’ve been here for centuries, they’re all in fact entirely new as the building was derelict. Multi-coloured steps lead up a narrow stairway to sumptuous landings where doors open to rooms and suites. Each bathroom has a large copper bath tub, hammered by artisans in Marrakech, and the fittings are traditional brass. Special mention must be made of the Thomas Crapper Toilet, “The Venerable” with varnished wooden seat.

We stayed on the second floor in two different suites.  Our first was Tangier. “Looking out to Sea” with private seating area, king sized bed, private bathroom and copper bath tub.

Above the bed there was an Orientalist mural depicting Moroccan subjects looking out to sea. The large floor to ceiling windows open out to this sea view and the ramparts. Sunset are to die for and the sounds of the waves ensured a peaceful sleep.

Our second suite, Casablanca “Mosaic Trellis”, also came with a king sized bed, private bathroom and copper bathtub. The textiles in all rooms were unique, this time in sumptuous yellow. It also had its own private salon lined with the entrance wall a wealth of traditional mosaic tile patterns. The period chair, chest and tables were particularly striking.

Food and Drink

The rooftop is devoted to drinking and dining, with stunning sea views, fresh Atlantic breezes, and exquisite sunsets. The restaurant occupies several levels and is usually open air, although there is an interior space in case of rain.

It’s a special place for breakfast with freshly pressed orange juice, traditional Moroccan bread and pastries, served with a selection of local preserves. There’s also porridge, yoghurt, fruit and Berber omelettes.

The lunch and dinner menu features fresh charcoal grilled fish and local produce, all organic. The Moroccan chef has been here since the beginning and features international dishes, together more traditional dishes like couscous, pastillas and tagines. In the evening there’s live music.

Facilities

You enter through blue doors to an enchanting tiled courtyard, serving as the reception area. Above, a cobalt blue nest of painted balconies open up to the sky. On one side is a relaxation space kittled out with cushions and tables. There’s a private Hamman, beautiful tiled, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the souk. The bar and restaurant are on the roof, but sweetbreads and bottled water are supplied free in your room on arrival

How much

Rooms at Salut Maroc start from 180€ based on two adults sharing and include breakfast.

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 What’s nearby?

Above the alley outside the hotel are the ramparts, lined with cannons, and beyond is the Atlantic. Street sellers ply their wares here and narrow streets lead into the heart of the Medina, a matter of minutes away. You’ll find the local market here and an assortment of restaurants.

A 15 minute walk takes you to the fishing port where you watch fishermen unload their catch. Buy some of their fish and have it cooked to perfection at one of the many stalls nearby. Just beyond is the long sandy beach, shallow and safe for swimming with surfers at the far end. Marrakech is just under four hours away by bus.

VERDICT:

Salut Maroc hotel is a very special place in a very special city. Enter a multi-coloured Moroccan dreamscape and admire the crashing waves outside, whilst wallowing in bohemian luxury.

 

Rue Ibn Rochd, Kasbah, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco.

 

The post Salut Maroc hotel review, Essaouira, Morocco appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists reveal the ultimate month-by-month guide to the best wellness retreats around the world in 2025. From detox retreats in January to luxurious spa experiences in December, this curated travel calendar showcases wellness destinations across the globe, helping travellers make 2025 a year of physical and mental renewal. Whether you’re looking to recharge with a health-focused escape in Thailand or immerse yourself in mindful relaxation in Italy, this guide offers an ideal wellness journey for each month of the year.

Lisbon will host EuroPride in June 2025, a historic moment for the city and the LGBTIQ+ community. Each year, a different European city is chosen to host EuroPride and this will be the first time the event is held in Portugal. It promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating diversity, inclusion and the vibrant spirit of the LGBTIQ+ movement. Activities and events will include the big EuroPride parade, debates, seminars and workshops, stage shows and parties