The village is often described as one of the prettiest villages in the UK – and with good reason. Just one look at its cobbled lanes and ochre-hued houses, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 17th-century painting.
Nestled on the northern banks of the Firth of Forth, the village of Culross (pronounced “Coo-riss”) is often hailed as one of the UK’s prettiest villages – and it’s easy to see why. With its quaint cobbled streets, warm ochre-hued buildings, and distinctive red-tiled roofs, this immaculately preserved Scottish burgh transports you straight into a scene from the 17th century.
While popular spots like the Cotswolds or Cornwall usually steal the limelight for idyllic countryside retreats, Culross remains somewhat of a secret amongst British holidaymakers. On a bright June day, my mum, sister, and I embarked on a day trip to this small coastal gem after hearing that Culross was a place not to be missed.
That recommendation turned out to be quite the understatement.
The visit revealed one of the most enchanting vilages we’ve ever come across – an undiscovered treasure that surely warrants more recognition than it currently receives.
The village exuded a peaceful atmosphere, yet it was anything but dull or deserted. Considering its picture-postcard appeal, you would anticipate a throng of visitors.
Surprisingly, that wasn’t the case. Perhaps it’s overshadowed by the draw of more renowned destinations such as Cornwall, Devon, the Cotswolds, or the Lake District for summer getaways.
Even Edinburgh, less than an hour’s drive away, seems to capture the bulk of Scotland’s tourism.
Our day began with a leisurely stroll through the winding cobbled streets, nestled between mustard-yellow homes, whitewashed cottages and quirky chimneys. It felt as though we’d travelled back in time, particularly as we approached the Mercat Cross and ambled uphill past Culross Abbey.
It’s hardly surprising that Culross serves as a filming location for Outlander – parts of the village double up as Cranesmuir in the series. In fact, it’s not just Outlander – several films and shows have capitalised on Culross’s 17th-century charm, including Captain America and The Little Vampire.
We paused for lunch at a quaint tearoom called Bessie’s Cafe, where we enjoyed soup and a sandwich. The tearoom itself was housed in one of the iconic ochre-yellow buildings, complete with a lovely outdoor area.
After our meal, we popped into the small shops and galleries before making our way to the highlight of our trip: Culross Palace.
The National Trust for Scotland is responsible for the palace, and I must admit, I wasn’t prepared for its stunning beauty. The ochre-hued merchant’s house, which dates back to the 17th century, was constructed for Sir George Bruce, the Laird of Carnock.
However, it was the garden that truly stole my heart. It boasted rows of herbs, vegetables, and wildflowers, but the rose garden was the real star of the show – possibly the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
While Culross is technically a coastal town, it’s not your typical seaside destination. The waterfront provides a pleasant walk, although the view across the Forth includes the industrial silhouette of Grangemouth’s power station.
There’s a pebbled beach nearby – we didn’t venture down to it, but I’ve heard it’s ideal for a low tide stroll. Regardless, the charm of the village itself made up for missing out on the beach.
There’s more to do than we had time for. You can explore Culross Abbey, established in the 13th century, or take the Fife Coastal Path for stunning views over the water.
The village boasts several cosy cafés and tearooms. The Mercat is a newly-opened café and homeware shop, while The Biscuit Café is renowned for its cakes and traybakes.
If you fancy something more substantial, The Red Lion Inn offers traditional pub grub.
If shopping is on your agenda, The Biscuit Tin gift shop and The Biscuit Factory art gallery are delightful places to peruse. For accommodation, the elegantly stylish The Dundonald guesthouse and cottages have been listed among The Times’ top British hotels.