July is the perfect time to discover Fife's outdoor attractions and open-air events. We have more than our fair share of beautiful gardens to explore and since many are within palaces and castles, it's also an opportunity to peek inside. There are more than highland games, festivals, and food markets taking place throughout the month, so plan ahead to make the most of your visit. If you haven't made your booking yet, remember our Rufflets Hotel website will have the best rates available on-line.
2nd July - Balgove Larder Night Market. The market takes place between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. Visitors can sample treats from a variety of vendors and enjoy street-style food throughout the evening along with live music.
4th July - Boat lovers should head to Anstruther as a flotilla of up to 50 boats sail down the Forth to arrive in Anstruther to escort and welcome back the Scottish Fisheries Museum's flagship, the Reaper, after major restoration in Rosyth. The arrival back into port also marks the beginning of the Museum's 50th anniversary celebrations.
13th & 14th July - For foodies the Bowhouse Food Market at Balcaskie Estate in St Monans in a must-visit. Held over two days between 10:00am and 4:00pm food lovers get an opportunity to taste and buy local produce, watch cookery demonstrations and enjoy live music. Entrance is free. It does get busy so it is recommended to arrive earlier in the day.
15th July - It's the turn of Burntisland to host their own Highland Games. The arena is located on Burntisland Links, alongside the town's annual summer fairground and close to an award-winning beach. Founded in 1652, these are the second-oldest highland games in the world and feature highland dancing, running, cycling and heavy events.
19th - 21st July - Anstruther Harbour Festival returns in 2019. On Friday afternoon celebrations begin with a parade by St Andrews Pipe Band to introduce the Dunedin International Dance Festival on the Anstruther Harbour. This is followed by a weekend of music, dance, local foods and crafts including a number of Gaelic events at the picturesque Anstruther Harbour.
27th - 30th July - Annual Gents Open at Falkland. For golfers this is a great opportunity to participate in the annual gents open in historic Falkland, in sight of Falkland Palace and the Lomond Hills, both providing an iconic background to the event. First tee off is from 7am and the entry fee of £12 is payable in advance or on the day although advance booking is recommended. There is a full bar and refreshments from 8am until close of play and a barbeque open all day for friends and family who would like to join you. For more information visit Welcome to Fife to book, call 01337 587404 or email falklandgolfclub@gmail.com.
28th July - St Andrews Highland Games are relative to newcomers to the highland games as this will be only the 34th time they will have been held, but the event has firmly established as one of the top highland games. The venue for this year's events is Station Park. Admission prices are £7 for adults and £4 for concessions and car parking is free.
