Things to do
On the farm
The Hide
Our bespoke BBQ cabin, The Hide offers guests memorable lunch experiences on the farm. Celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or enjoy a unique eating experience that will connect you to our farm, local producers and stunning panoramic views over the Tay valley. We’ll help you design a lunch experience depending on your group size and budget. Plan your own celebration or sit back and be hosted by a private chef and sommelier. Contact us to check availability, plan and book.
Horse Holidays
Horses and dogs need a holiday too and here at Lindores, you can bring them with you! We offer a range of horse holiday packages perfect for friends and family seeking a relaxing rural retreat.
Our equestrian facilities include 85 acres of cross country, 36 stables, outdoor arena, working hunter jumps, show jumps on grass, dressage on grass and beautiful off road hacking.
More information can be found on our sister site Lindores Equestrian. Contact us to book.
Dog walks
A stunning 50 minute walk is at your backdoor. This circular walk is all off-road, covering; grass land, farm tracks, stunning views, birdlife, farm stock and woodland.
Simply put your wellies on and head up Lindores hill – after a steep incline you reach the top which plateau’s across grassland. Sheep and cattle graze the land during some seasons so dog’s must be kept on a lead.
Walk across the plateau (passing Lindores Cross Country fences) and embrace the magnificent 360 degree views. Look north and see the River Tay running between Perthshire and Tayside with the backdrop of the Grampian Mountains.
Look south and enjoy the Lomond hills which tower above acres of rolling Fife countryside.
To finish the circuit from the summit meander down the hill past woodland looking out for pheasants, horses, deer and buzzards until you arrive at the farm. Then it’s a short 8 minute walk back from the farm to the Lodge.
Pampering
Enjoy a spa treatment while staying at Lindores with your very own personal beauty therapist. Call our experienced mobile beauty therapist Morna who would be delighted to make your stay even more relaxing.
Morna Oswald – 07932 069 964
Morna’s treatment list at Beauty with Morna
We recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Ideally a minimum of two treatments preferred.
Farm Tours
Here at Lindores we are passionate about sharing our day to day life on the farm and will be offering farm tours soon, for guests staying in our holiday houses.
From growing barley for the local whisky making industry to producing Lindores Lamb, our farm thrives on connections with other suppliers and businesses within Fife. More recently we have welcomed a small herd of Highland cows to graze over our rolling hill farm.
If you would like to spend time with one of the team learning about about our farming practices, sustainable measures and passion for circular farming practices, please get in touch.
In the area
Lindores Abbey Distillery – 2 miles
Lindores Abbey Distillery stands as a testament to centuries of whisky-making tradition. Its origins trace back to 1191. It was in 1494 when monks at Lindores Abbey first distilled aqua vitae, the precursor to modern whisky. This historic site, once a center of religious devotion, became renowned for its alchemy, producing a spirit that captured the essence of the land.
Today, Lindores Abbey Distillery welcomes visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring the ancient art of whisky production. Guided tours offer glimpses into the monastery’s past, revealing the secrets of its distillation process and the monks’ dedication to their craft. Visitors can wander through the ruins of the abbey, imagining the quiet contemplation that once filled its halls.
Distillery Tours provide an opportunity to sample the fruits of Lindores Abbey’s labour, with expert guides leading sensory explorations of their meticulously crafted spirits. From the smooth, honeyed notes of their single malt to the bold complexity of their blends, each sip tells a story of tradition and innovation.
Craft your own in the Apothecary – allows guests to step into the shoes of a monk, participating in hands-on activities such as blending their own whisky or bottling a cask straight from the barrel. Whether a whisky enthusiast or a history buff, Lindores Abbey Distillery offers a captivating blend of past and present, inviting visitors to uncover the secrets of Scotland’s liquid gold.
Days Out
The options are endless but here are a few ideas to get you started…Falkland Palace – A splendid renaissance country Palace built with French flair by James the IV and James V in the 1500’s. The Royal Palace of Falkland was a favoured hunting retreat for the Stuart Monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland and open to the public from 1st March to 31st October. 8 miles away.
Hill of Tarvit– One of Scotland’s finest Edwardian mansion houses, complete with a splendid collection of antiques, furniture, Chinese porcelain and superb paintings. Tours available. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Open all year. One of the property’s major attractions is the original 9-hole hickory club golf course. There is also a shop and tearoom open Mar-October. 12 miles away.
Wemyss Ware Pottery – Scotland’s most famous pottery (right), and dates from 1882. Watch it being made and hand painted in the picturesque village of Ceres. 12 miles away.
Scottish Fisheries Museum – Find out about the history of sea fishing and fishing communities from earliest times to the present. See the nationally important collection with model boats, paintings, costume and 19 full-sized boats, including the famous ‘Reaper’. Plenty of activities for younger visitors, including quiz sheets, dressing up clothes and bunk beds to try out. 25 miles away.
Scotland’s Secret Bunker – Hidden beneath an innocent Scottish Farmhouse, a tunnel leads to Scotland’s Secret Bunker with 24,000 square feet of secret accommodation. The size of two football pitches, one on top of another, 100 feet underground. Had there been a Nuclear War, this is where Scotland, would have been Governed, from within. Explore and learn. 22 miles away.
Family Fun
Time together as a family is precious so here are some top destinations to make the most of it.
Cluny Activities – Top of the range facilities for all ages. Experience innovative Trackman golf range (the ball has a radar and is tracked – its golf gameified for families – love it! Try out target shooting, segways, 9-18 hole golf course, archery, air rifle shooting, the Clubhouse food and drink. It’s easy to spend a whole day here, there is something for kids and adults. 18miles away.
The Scottish Deer Centre – Meet and learn about 14 species of Deer from around the world, Fife’s only Wolf pack, Otters, European Brown Bears and other rare Scottish species including the Wildcat.
Take a guided tour, trailor ride, play indoors, ride a kart track, or try the Treetop walk. You’ll also find a Puro coffee shop and Edinburgh Woollen Mill courtyard shopping. 6 miles away.
Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze – This is a popular local landmark with a Fruit farm and café open March-October producing an abundance of top quality fruit to buy, pick and eat. The café food is all homemade – we recommend the strawberry tarts! From July – October the Mega Maze opens, this unique labyrinth of pathways is made from 8ft maize and is sure to get you laughing. There is also a large childrens playpark with trampolines, swings, trikes… you name it. 10 miles away.
Fife Zoo a teensy weensy zoo with 15 species with curious reptiles, monkeys, lemurs, meerkats and Azara’s Agouti. There is also a zoo cafe and outdoor play area. 4 miles from Lindores.
St Andrews Aquarium – a fantastic rainy day option. Home to mesmerising underwater creatures and other creatures too like meerkats. Look out for pirahanas, snapping turtles, penguins, seahorses and moon jellyfish. Feeding sessions too.
R&A World Golf Museum – Located next to the famous Old Course and beach. The museum is good for all ages. The story of golf is told verbally and visually rather than lots of reading. Kids can get dressed up, and all learn through stories. Cafe and gift shop on site.
Eating Out
You are spoilt for choice! If you don’t feel like cooking in your accommodation we’ve selected North Fife’s best eateries and broken them down into restaurants, farm shops and pubs.
The Boars Head – 4 miles
Carefully crafted local, honest delicious dishes. Traditional pub and restaurant experience that has opened in 2022 and won awards. Dog friendly and a great new addition to the area!
Lindores Abbey Distillery – 2 miles
Whisky and champagne afternoon tea’s are delicious and hugely popular. Served in the beautiful surroundings of the Legacy Bar, with its glorious views of Lindores Abbey and the river Tay beyond. They are a fantastic way to relax and eat delicious food locally during your stay. Great destination to celebrate a special occasion such as an engagement or a birthday celebration. Read more about the Afternoon Tea’s.
The View – 14 miles
Modern Scottish food featuring fresh local produce from a seasonally changing menu. The setting is spectacular with tables looking over the River Tay. 2013 Certificate of Excellence award winner. Enjoy lunch, dinner with children’s menu. Fresh Coffee, Pastries and Breakfasts from 10am.
The Peat Inn – 15 miles
A beautiful Michelin star Scottish restaurant that focuses on delivering modern cooking based on the finest local and seasonal ingredients. Consistently one of the best restaurants in Scotland. 15 miles from Lindores Lodge. Enjoy lunch, dinner and a wine list with over 400 bins.
Balgove Larder Steak Barn – 17 miles
Rustic and funky venue with simple reliable meaty menu. The building clings to its rustic past with walls of potato boxes and rough hewn communal tables made of wind blown beech from the estate. The steaks are hung on site for no less than 28 days. Their onsite butchery creates delicious burgers and sausages that you can watch be cooked on the massive wood-fired BBQ. Add twice fried chips, crispy beer battered onion rings, wine and local beer and enjoy. Complete the experience a little something sweet and perhaps a wee espresso. Just turn up, no bookings taken 7 days a week.
Nestled in a pretty close in Cupar, serving lunch and dinner this family run restaurant is reliable, tasty and has a fantastic specials board. There is a great selection of local sourced food, relaxed dining and good value. Choose from seafood, game, vegan and more. Thanks to chef/proprietor Hermann Schmid, a few Bavarian dishes (and beers) can also be enjoyed.
St Andrews offers a vast amount of choice for eating out during the day, at night, with family or without family. Whether you want Bistro’s, Thai, Bangladeshi, Indian, Scottish, Seafood, French-Scottish, American there are a wealth of high standard eateries open all year round. 17miles away.
Farm Shops
Loch Levens Larder – a family run farm, restaurant, deli and shop selling everything from carrots to cashmere. Great if your shopping for gifts with a twist, interested in local produce and walking after a tasty lunch. The interiors are fresh, modern. There are beautiful walks around Loch Leven after lunch and complimentary mobility scooters if you need some help moving around (book mobility scooters in advance). 13 miles away.
Balgove Larder – farm shop, butchery and café this is the biggest farm shop our of our shortlist and its grown in size because it’s so good. Nominated in the Farm Shop and Deli Awards in the category for Best Farm Shop its worth popping into after a visit to St Andrews. 17 miles away.
Gloagburn Farm Shop – best for homemade soups, sandwiches and home-baking. Enjoy lunch then visit the gift shop and deli to buy something tasty to make back at Lindores Lodge. 18 miles away.
Ardross Farm Shop – for food lovers. Award winning Farm Shop & Deli. Family run shop stocking British artisan foods. Ranging from traditionally reared homebred beef to handmade ice cream and sorbet. Open all year just a short drive from Elie beach at the East Neuk of Fife.
St Andrews
A charming and historical town with a lot to see and do.
St Andrews is known worldwide as the Home of Golf. St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club often plays host to famous celebrities and golfers eager to take on the Old Course (visit the golf section of our website to read how you could play on the Old Course).
Scotland’s oldest university where Prince William and Kate met is accessible and beautiful, enjoy the stunning architecture and the cobbled narrow streets where William and Kate often walked.
You can visit St Andrews Cathedral – The magnificent medieval ruins which stand on a site used for Christian worship since the 8th century, when the relics of St Andrew were reputedly brought here.
Take a stroll to St Andrews West Port – One of the few surviving city gates in Scotland, built in 1589 and renovated in 1843.
Depending on what you like you can eat in excellent restaurants, shop, visit the Botanical gardens, play on the famous West Sands beach, explore the castle, visit the golf museum or simply walk around.
It’s well worth a day out!
Beaches
St Andrews
West Sands, St Andrews – Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire. West Sands extends for almost 2 miles alongside the world-renowned St Andrews Old Course. The beach is about 15 minute walk from the town. For adventure experience why not try landyachting, beach kayaking, or zapcatting with Blown Away. 19 miles away.
Elie
Elie Harbour – Is brilliant for so many reasons! Elie has a blue flag beach with an active sailing club and a water sports facility where you can hire equipment and head out on an inflatable adventure. Elie Harbour is adjacent to Elie Earlsferry Beach, which is almost a mile of uninterrupted sand. Kids and adults can safely play on the beach then visit the Elie Sports Centre for golf or tennis and enjoy the good cafés and bars. 23 miles away.
Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
Kinshaldy Beach – Just stunning! With 3 miles of golden fine sandy beach part of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve this is an ideal location for a picnic. Walk along the beach to Tentsmuir Point and you may see hundreds of seals basking on the sandbars. Or visit Tayport Heath for beautiful wildflowers and fantastic views across the River Tay. The Eden Estuary Centre and Morton Lochs both provide wonderful opportunities to watch waterfowl from dedicated bird hides. 19 miles away.
Pubs
The Boars Head – 4 miles
Traditional pub and restaurant experience that has opened in 2022 and won countless awards. Dog friendly and a great new addition to the area!
The Stag – 8miles
Dog friendly pub The Stag in Falkland is nice after a walk in the Falkland woodlands. It has traditional pub food, live music and local ales and a cosy warm atmosphere.
SupperBox
Fancy a restaurant standard meal in the comfort of your holiday home? We have teamed up with local Chef Andrew who has created a delicious 3 course meal box which can be ready for you to cook when you arrive. Just add to your booking at checkout.
Takeaways
Tasty Wok our nearest take away has a Chinese and traditional fish and chips menu. It is on the Newburgh High Street, 2 miles from Lindores.
The Shehnai Indian Restaurant in Cupar offer pick up, or delivery if you order in advance and don’t mind a wait. Cupar is a 15min drive.
Biking
Bring your bikes when you come to stay at Lindores …
There are road and mountain bike routes across Fife for all standards but we’ve picked out two favourites routes:
Newburgh, Auchtermuchty, Pitmedden (and back)
This route is 17.5 miles in total and is on and off road. There are some hilly stretches, making it suitable for adults and older children. It begins in Newburgh on the Firth of Tay and takes you through both farmland and forest in the Howe of Fife. It takes in the town of Auchtermuchty, the setting for the TV drama Doctor Finlay’s Casebook, which is a good place to stop and rest. You’ll also cycle through Pitmedden Forest where you can enjoy some off-road cycling on the forest routes.
Pitmedden Forest off-road cycling:
Pitmedden Forest is suitable for everyone – from those just wanting to explore the wide open fire tracks, to those who want to try something a little more challenging. Pitmedden is just fun!
For more routes click here:
Fishing
Golden Loch Fishery is a small inland Stillwater, well established fly fishing loch, sitting in the rural rolling countryside known as “North Fife” being well tucked away in its own wee valley, it enjoys complete seclusion, and that brings, tranquillity, unrivalled peace and quiet from mobile phones, The fishing is predominately Rainbow trout, a good head of Brownies and Blue trout are in the water, however they are much harder to catch, the Goldenloch is a pastime fishery, a place to relax and unwind, we welcome clients to come and visit, mixing with our resident wildlife of otters, squirrels, osprey, ducks, swans, it is boat or bank fishing, if you have a float tube or canoe we don’t mind, dog friendly, even child friendly, but under 16 must wear goggles and a life jacket which are kept on site for all to use, Expert instructors are available as is all equipment required, many past clients are “hooked” for life.
Golden Loch can provide Gillies and fishing tuition for all and can tailor packages to suit you. To book Golden Loch call John Nicol on 01337 840 355 or 07968 006 367 or email john@goldenloch.co.uk. 2 miles from the Lindores.
Salmon Fishing
Salmon fishing on the Tay River begins on January 15th until October and can be booked through www.fishpal.com.
Local Taxis
Ian Sommerville Mini coaches Taxi (8 seater) 07951 510078
Town & Country Taxis, Cupar 01334 840 444
A & J Taxis, Cupar 01334 654 049
Falkland Taxis, Cupar, 01337 857 485
Freuchie Taxis, Cupar, 01337 858722 or 07834 551509
Starfish Taxis (St Andrews) – 07790 021 000