Balbirnie, Falkland & St Andrews

We've been adding nights each time we go away. Since this was our third trip, it was three nights!

First stop was at Balbirnie Park Club Campsite. It was easy to find. The motorway and A roads were relatively quiet so we made good time. The site is edged by the main village of Markinch on one side and a large park on the other. The site is quiet, cosy and well-kept with nice floral displays and fairy lights. It's surrounded by trees and quite a few pitches are on a slope. We spent a bit of time, trying to get level. We also held our breath driving between some of the markers and signs on the edges of the internal roads. We enjoyed a walk through the historic village. It's quaint and pretty, and has a pub, takeaway, small supermarket, etc, so we stocked up on essentials ... like jammie dodger sundaes. 

Next morning, we left and drove to Falkland to see the Palace. Only ten minutes from Balbirnie. The Palace and Gardens are well worth a visit. The main signposted car park doesn't accept caravans so we drove out of the village to park, and then walked back.

From Falkland, it was on to St Andrews and the Clifftop site at Abbeyford Leisure St Andrew park. The views were stunning. The tourer park was well laid out with the pitches around a central grassy area with picnic benches, tables and lots of space for children to play. The main park is for static caravans and that part of the site also has a playpark, restaurant/pub and pizza place who will deliver direct to your pitch! Despite the proximity of the main site, it was very quiet and peaceful. On the second day, we drove along the coast to Anstruther, visited a cheese farm (yes, that's what the sign said!)  and Kellie Castle. The Castle belonged to sculptor Hew Lorimor, and the NTS has restored his barn studio complete with statues and famous pieces. We drove back to St Andrew beach at the Old Course, paddled in the sea and watched them setting up for the Open. Then, back to site, to walk part of the coastal trail and watch the most amazing sunset.

We ate: Jammie dodger sundaes from Markinch; Irn Bru chocolate with honeycomb from Falkland Palace; cheddar cheese, and blueberry and ginger chutney from the local cheese farm aka St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company.

We drank: mini Eden Mill pink gin from Falkland Palace

We visited: Markinch; Falkland Palace; St Andrews; Kellie Castle; cheese farm.