I love visiting quiet Scottish village that's regularly named one of UK's prettiest

Daily Record

27-07-2025

The Scottish village is often dubbed one of the UK's prettiest thanks to its cobbled streets, ochre-hued houses, and stunning views of the Firth of Forth - and yet remains under the radar for tourists.
Nestled along the northern coastline of the Firth of Forth, the charming village of Culross (pronounced "Coo-riss") is frequently hailed as amongst Britain's most beautiful - and rightly so.
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Boasting cobblestone streets, golden-coloured cottages, and terracotta rooftops, this immaculately maintained Scottish settlement transports visitors straight into a 17th-century masterpiece.
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Whilst destinations such as the Cotswolds or Cornwall capture most headlines for picturesque domestic breaks, Culross flies beneath the tourist radar.
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During a bright June afternoon, my mother, sister, and I embarked on a day trip to this tiny seaside community after hearing that Culross was worth a visit. That proved to be quite the understatement.
The destination became amongst the most delightful locations we'd ever discovered - a genuine treasure that warrants significantly greater recognition.
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The village maintained a peaceful atmosphere, though not in any dull or abandoned manner.
Given its remarkable photogenic qualities, you'd anticipate crowds of sightseers overwhelming the area. Yet that wasn't the case.
Perhaps visitors gravitate towards more renowned locations like Cornwall, Devon, the Cotswolds or the Lake District for their summer escapes.
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Even Edinburgh, located less than an hour away, draws the majority of Scotland's holidaymakers. 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 had travelled back in time, particularly when we arrived at the Mercat Cross and ambled uphill towards Culross Abbey. It's hardly surprising that Culross is a popular filming location for Outlander – parts of the village double as Cranesmuir in the series.
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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.
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The National Trust for Scotland maintains the palace, and I must admit, I wasn't prepared for its stunning beauty. The ochre-coloured 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 breath away. 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 may be a coastal town, it's not your typical seaside destination. The waterfront is ideal for a leisurely walk, although the view across the Forth includes the industrial silhouette of Grangemouth's power station.
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There's a pebbled beach nearby - we didn't get to it, but I've heard it's perfect for a stroll at low tide. However, the charm of the village itself made up for missing out on it.
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There were more activities than we had time for. You can visit Culross Abbey, established in the 13th century, or follow the Fife Coastal Path, which offers stunning views over the water.
The village also boasts a selection of inviting 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're after something more substantial, The Red Lion Inn serves traditional pub grub.
If you fancy a bit of shopping, 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 were listed among The Times' best British hotels.