Here at Birkhill we can offer a whole host of activities and can help arrange them from start to finish.

Our local contacts can provide anything from Highland Games hosted out on the front lawn to cosy whisky tastings in the library. If you would prefer something further afield, we can arrange tours into the Cairngorm National Park or golf days out to some of the world’s best courses.

Hire bikes and explore the nearby sights or simply hike straight from the castle along various trails leading onto the Fife Coastal Path Network. These will take you to Balmerino at the edge of the Tay or up Norman’s Law where you have panoramic views of the estuary and beyond.

There is truly something for everyone!

a range of Activites

both on and off the estate

List of activities
A man dressed in traditional Scottish clothing, including a kilt and bagpipes, standing in front of a portrait of a man in historical military uniform.

FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Birkhill offers the very best of Scotland. From meandering through our ancient wild forest to catching the sunset on the private beach, a day at Birkhill is like no other.

There is something for all the family no matter what your interests may be!

  • -Falconry

    -Whisky & gin tasting

    -Murder mystery nights

    -Traitor themed nights

    -Archery

    -Highland games

    -Wildlife and woodland tours of the estate

    -Scottish ceilidh and piper

  • -Fishing

    -Horse riding

    -St Andrews Castle

    -East Neuk fishing villages 

    -V&A Dundee

  • There are beautiful nature trails to explore all throughout the estate. These connect to the Fife Coastal Path.

    Ask the managers for more information and maps.

grounds map

“WE CELEBRATED TWO BIRTHDAYS AT THE CASTLE AND HAD A SUPER BBQ ON THE BEACH, THE SWIMMING POOL WAS A TRIUMPH!”

-DENISE&FAMILY

A butler pouring hot water from an ornate silver teapot into a floral-patterned teacup at a tea party.

TREAT YOURSELF

We can now offer a delicious afternoon tea served by our in-house butler.

On offer is a selection of beautifully presented scones and sweet cakes which have been expertly prepared by a local baker.

Everything is seasonal and we make sure each item is made with only locally sourced ingredients. Our tea is loose leaf and from The Wee Tea Company who are based in Dunfermline.

Any special requests or dietaries, just ask!

WHY NOT TRY OUR AFTERNOON TEA

Close-up of a scone topped with clotted cream and berry jam, on a floral china plate with a silver spoon.

We have a great new Billiards room for those who want to chill out with a game in the evening.

We also have a cosy cinema room with soundproofing and beanbags. The tv has Netflix, Sky Sports and Amazon Prime.

Rainy day? No Problem…

Living room with black acoustic wall panels, a fireplace, a large sectional sofa with colorful cushions, a white armchair with a green throw, a black side table with a green lamp, and a flat-screen TV displaying a scene from The Godfather.
A man stands in a field, aiming and firing a shotgun, with smoke and a projectile visible in the air during daytime.

SPORTING

  • Spend an afternoon stalking deer across the estate with our extremely knowledgable gamekeeper. He will find the best spots for you to watch these beautiful animals from a distance and if you are lucky, help take some incredible photos.

  • Enjoy a simulated game of bird shooting on our 1500 acre estate. Learn from professionals before taking on the challenge yourself!

  • Why not experience a day of guided salmon fishing on the famous River Tay via Jock Monteith's Salmon Fish Scotland service. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers, this service is led by expert guides ensuring you the best chance of catching salmon.

    (Season between January 15th and October 15th)

    We can also organise trout fishing which can be arranged via several other experienced guides with all equipment provided.

A man dressed in green and black golf attire taking a swing the old course, with a golf bag and dog nearby, overlooking a large building and other golfers in the distance.

GOLFING

  • Take in a round at the Home of Golf. Whether you’re lucky enough to have an Old Course tee time or you’re trying out some of the new courses, St Andrews is the Mecca for golf lovers.

  • Less than an hour away is Scotland’s other premier golf course. The PGA Centenary Course was once described as “the finest parcel of land in the world that I’ve been given to work with” by Jack Nicklaus. If it’s good enough for the golden bear then it’s good enough for us!

  • One of the premier links courses in the world and less than half an hour away…

  • Yet another top 100 golf course within an hours drive.

Learn more
Several glasses of whiskey and a decanter on a table at a tasting event

WHISKY TASTINGS

  • Only a short drive away, enjoy a private tour around the local distillery and learn about the history and the process of making whisky. Why not make your own flavour to take home too?

    We can also offer in-castle tastings where members from the distillery will give you a bespoke tasting within the castle.

  • Want to try some real Scottish whiskeys?

    Then look no further than Taste Talk who will give you a history of Scottish whisky where you can try several drams expertly paired with the world-famous, award-winning Iain Burnett truffles.

  • If Whisky isn’t your thing, tayport Distillery offers tastings of their gins, vodkas and liquers.

    These tastings can be arranged in the castle privately.

A young woman with curly red hair wearing a blue blazer, plaid skirt, and argyle socks, standing confidently with hands on her hips in front of a large portrait of a soldier in historical military uniform.

SCOTTISH EXPERIENCES IN-HOUSE

  • Why not enjoy a night of Scottish Ceilidh dancing and learn to dance like a true Scotsman, taught by professional dancers!

    If dancing is not your thing then sit back and enjoy the traditional music with a dram in hand.

    We have several bands to choose from including ceilidh, string, jazz and various singers.

  • Have your very own bagpiper pipe you into dinner or why not try your hand and take part in a workshop where you can give it a go yourself!

  • Host your very own set of Scotland’s ancient Highland Games. Toss the Caber, Hurl the Hammer, and Shy the Haggis in your private Tournament.

    We can even arrange Highland Games activities that can be easily adapted for inside the castle with foam Cabers and indoor curling for when the true Scottish weather strikes!

Boats docked in a harbor with a town and church in the background during sunset.

TOURS

  • Visit filming locations of the TV show Outlander. Our tour guide will talk you through some inside information about the show and keep you entertained as you follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire.

  • Travel around the Kingdom of Fife with your own personal tour guide. Stroll through the picturesque coastal villages of Anstruther and Crail or marvel at ancient history at Falkland Palace or St Andrews Castle. Fife is an incredibly diverse area with something for everyone.

Close-up of water ripples on a dark surface with orange reflections

SPA DAY

  • Driftwood Floatation Spa is an award winning, family run business that is now partnered with Birkhill Castle.

    The brilliant team will provide classic face and body treatments but also pride themselves on curating one-of-a-kind spa treatments exclusively for castle guests.

    Please ask the castle managers for our treatment menus.

TREATMENT MENU