Dunfermline Car Hire

Guide to Dunfermline

Amazing history

Dunfermline first started to flourish around the Benedictine Abbey that was built here in the late 11th century AD. It was Scotland’s capital during the Middle Ages and seven Kings are buried here, from Malcolm III to Robert the Bruce. Extensive ruins of the royal palace can still be found in Pittencrieff Park, which was bought for the citizens by Dunfermline-born Scottish-American steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1902. Prominent industries here included linen, coal and naval shipbuilding, while major employers now are the banking and retail sectors.

Cool culture

Dunfermline has always punched above its weight in terms of producing great bands. Punk icons The Skids were local lads, with guitarist Stuart Adamson later founding successful 80s rock outfit Big Country. Nazareth are another Dunfermline band which gained global success and other music genres were represented in the town in cult dance club The Kronk, as well as mainstream venue the Kinema Ballroom, which (in various incarnations over the years) attracted live acts including The Clash, The Beat, Dario G, Deep Purple, The Drifters, Josef K, Cat Stevens and Womack & Womack.

Superb sports and leisure

If you’re into spectator and participation sports, as well as leisure activities that are fabulous fun, Dunfermline has lots to offer. Dunfermline Athletic FC play at East End Park and if you can catch one of their home matches against a local rival like Raith Rovers, the atmosphere is electric. Alternatively, if golf’s your thing you can play at Dunfermline Golf Club’s Pitfirrane course, or at Pitreavie or Canmore. Fife Leisure Park also has 10-pin bowling and pirate adventure golf!

Things to do in Dunfermline

Vibrant villages

Dunfermline is surrounded by several satellite villages which each have their own charms. To the north, former mining village Townhill hosts a lovely loch and the Scottish National Waterski Centre, there are scenic, undulating landscapes around Saline and Steelend, and historic Culross has riverside views and ancient villages that featured in the hit TV series Outlander. Take a tour around Dunfermline’s neighbouring villages and you’re sure to find something to surprise and delight you.

Forth bridges boat tours

A stone’s throw from Dunfermline, the famous Three Bridges (Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing) connect Fife to Edinburgh and beyond, via rail and road respectively). Showcasing over 130 years of engineering ingenuity, they’re simply spectacular and one of the best ways to see them up close is on one of the boat tours which leaves from South Queensferry on the Lothian side.

Supercar racing

Knockhill Racing Circuit north of the town is Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre and here you can have a thrilling day out watching professional Touring Cars whizz around at breakneck speed, try karting with friends and family or (if you’re a bit of a daredevil) treat yourself to a bucket list driving experience in the likes of a Ferrari F430. Whether you’re happy cheering on the pros from the stands or love to get behind the wheel yourself and feel all that power beneath your seat, you’re in for a day to remember!

Eating out in Dunfermline

If you’re feeling hungry in ‘the Auld Grey Toun’, there are plenty of eateries where you can tempt your tastebuds and slake your thirst. We’ve gathered together a few of the best.

Pub grub

Fancy some good old Scottish pub grub? Enjoy sumptuous steak pie with all the trimmings or ocean-fresh haddock with your choice of beer or wine at The Glen Tavern (close to Pittencrieff Park) tender rotisserie chicken or sizzling hotplate steaks at The Red Lion in Culross, stacked burgers at The City Hotel in the town centre, or anything from curry to fajitas a few doors down at Seven Kings.

Fine dining

For something a little more exclusive, try authentic Italian favourites at Incontri, awesome Indian classics at The Viceroy, terrific Spanish fare at Tapas Ducal, and Scottish staples infused with global flavours at Jack ‘O’ Bryans. There aren’t nearly as many locations for a slap-up meal in Dunfermline as Edinburgh, but for a relatively small town, the choice is fairly good.

Well-known names

Want to play it safe in Dunfermline? Fife Leisure Park and its environs in the Halbeath area is fast food heaven. You’ll find Burger King, McDonalds, Tim Horton, Nando’s, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Frankie and Benny’s, Toni Macaroni, Smashburger and more. Alternatively, if you want Scottish-style fish and chips (made with delicious haddock rather than the cod typically used in England), try The Brig or The Golden Chip.

Transport in Dunfermline

The most convenient way to get around Dunfermline is in your car, but it’s also well served by public transport for short trips in the local area and its central location means that it’s well connected to the rest of Scotland, the UK and international locations.

Airports

The nearest airport to Dunfermline is Edinburgh (EDI) which is only 30-40 minutes by car. This is Scotland’s busiest airport and is well-connected to every major domestic destination as well as a range of international locations across Europe and North America. If you’d like to hire a car at Edinburgh Airport, there are plenty of options right here at Enjoy Travel.

Public transport

The main mode of public transport in Dunfermline is the extensive bus network, which is operated mainly by Stagecoach. You can catch a bus from the station in the town centre to any part of town, surrounding villages and many other Scottish towns and cities. Meanwhile, Park and Ride facilities at Halbeath and Inverkeithing are convenient for onward connections to Edinburgh, Glasgow, northern Scotland and England. There are two train stations in Dunfermline – Queen Margaret and Dunfermline Town – both connect to other cities in Scotland’s central belt as well as to England.

Driving

The speed limit in most residential areas in Dunfermline is 30mph but it reduces to 20mph when travelling through small villages. Also, you might be surprised by how many tricky roundabouts there are – read the signs carefully and select your lane in plenty of time. There are a lot of zebra crossings in the centre of town and James Street in the town centre is only open to buses and taxis. There’s metered parking and several car parks – if you don’t have coins, download the Ringo app to pay for parking via your mobile phone.

There you have it – a whistle-stop tour around Dunfermline which we hope has whetted your appetite. Hire a car and explore this hidden hotspot soon!

Top Tips when hiring a car in Dunfermline

• Shop Around for the Cheapest Car Hire Company: Don't settle for the first option you find. Compare rates from different car rental companies in Dunfermline to ensure you get the best value for your money.

• Expanding your search to nearby locations can sometimes lead to cheaper rates. Check if there are car rental companies in nearby towns or cities that offer more competitive prices.

• Check for Unlimited Mileage: If you plan to do a lot of driving, make sure to inquire about unlimited mileage options. This can save you money if you're planning to explore the Dunfermline area extensively.

• Look for Cheap Car Rental Deals: Keep an eye out for the best car hire deals and promotions. Many companies offer discounts or special offers on their websites or through various travel platforms.

• Check the Car Types Available: Depending on your needs, you may require a specific type of car. Ensure the car rental company in Dunfermline offers the car type you need, whether it's a compact car, SUV, van rental, or something else. A van hire if you're traveling with family would be ideal.

• Drop-off Pick-up Locations: Determine where you want to pick up and drop off the rental car. Some car hire companies offer airport locations, while others have offices in the city center. Choose the most convenient option for your travel plans.

• Consider Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise is among the well-known car rentals with a presence in Dunfermline. They offer a wide range of car types and have both airport and city center locations.

• Check Bus Timetables: If you plan to use public transportation in addition to car hire, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with Dunfermline's bus timetable. This can help you plan your travel efficiently.

• Know the Costs: Be aware of the overall cost of your rental, including any additional fees such as insurance, fuel, and taxes. Make sure there are no hidden charges.

• Read Reviews: Before making your reservation, read reviews of car rental companies in Dunfermline. This can provide insights into the experiences of previous customers and help you make an informed decision.