Culross, Fife: A 17th-Century Scottish Burgh, History & Things to Do

Culross lies on the north shore of the Firth of Forth in Fife, about seven miles west of Dunfermline. Its white-harled houses with red pantile roofs and crow-stepped gables climb a hillside from the shore to the ruins of a medieval abbey.

Why Culross Is Special

Walking into Culross is like stepping into the Scotland of the 1600s. Its cobbled streets, merchant houses and the ochre-coloured Palace have changed so little that the village is regularly used as a film set.

Much of it has been lovingly restored by the National Trust for Scotland, which has cared for the village since the 1930s.

The History of Culross

Culross is believed to have been founded by Saint Serf in the 6th century. According to legend, the princess Theneu crossed the Firth of Forth in a small boat and landed here, where Serf cared for her and became foster-father to her son, Saint Kentigern, better known as Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow.

In 1217 Malcolm, Earl of Fife, founded a Cistercian abbey dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Serf on the hill above the village; part of it is now the parish church, and its ruins can still be explored.

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries Culross grew rich on coal and salt. The merchant Sir George Bruce sank a pioneering coal mine that ran out under the Firth, and built himself the house now known as Culross Palace, with its painted ceilings, ochre walls and terraced garden. When the trade declined, Culross was left almost untouched, which is why it survives so well today.

More recently, Culross has played the village of Cranesmuir in the television series Outlander.

Things to Do in Culross

Visit Culross Palace and its garden (National Trust for Scotland; check opening times), then walk up the Back Causeway, with its raised central strip of cobbles, to the Study, a house with a lookout tower, and on to the abbey ruins.

Walk along the shore for views over the Forth, and look out for the Mercat Cross and the Town House in the square.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Culross

For gardens, Fairley's Garden Centre is at Cairneyhill, a few miles east. Edinburgh is about forty minutes away, with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the antiques of Georgian Antiques in Leith.

Across the Forth and to the north, the Scottish Antique and Arts Centre, Doune is near Stirling, and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park begins beyond it.

Culross Through the Seasons

Spring and summer are the time to see the Palace garden in flower. Autumn light is soft on the ochre walls, and winter brings quiet streets and wide views over the Forth.

Getting to Culross

The nearest railway stations are Dunfermline and Falkirk, with buses to the village. There is a car park at the west end of the village.

Culross: Questions & Answers

Was Outlander filmed in Culross?

Yes. Culross played the village of Cranesmuir in the television series Outlander.

Can you visit Culross Palace?

Yes. It is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Check opening times before you go.

Our Advice

Our advice: Book the Palace tour, then simply wander: the best of Culross is in its back lanes.