The East Neuk of Fife: Ultimate Guide
The East Neuk of Fife is a picturesque area in the southeast corner of Fife.
This part of Fife is well known for its spectacular coastline. Also, there are small charming fishing villages. The Scot word ‘Neuk’ means a wee nook or corner.
There are so many reasons to explore this corner of Fife. You can explore the rich heritage, fishing traditions and farm shops. As well as brightly coloured houses with red roof tiles in the charming seaside villages.
The local fishing industry is thriving here. You can enjoy award-winning fish and chips. Also, you can walk along the beautiful bays and enjoy paddle boarding in the tidal pools. Or soak in the culture and heritage of the East Neuk of Fife.
Kingsbarns
Kingsbarns is a small village which is a ten-minute drive from St Andrews.
The charming town has all the usual amenities, including a shop, church and a family-run hotel.
Barley is grown here and kept at Kingsbarns and is used to make whisky.
Kingsbarns Distillery produces award-winning whisky and Darnley’s Gin. You can sample the whiskey or gin on a distillery tour at Kingsbarns Distillery and have a drink or three.
At Kingsbarns, you can play golf at one of the world’s best golf courses. Since 1793 golf has been played at Kingsbarns.
The courses co-host golfing championships including the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Also, Kingsbarns Golf Links are listed in the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses.
Cambo Sands
The Victorian house at Cambo Estate and Gardens was built in 1881 and is located on a 1200-acre estate.
The estate is run by the Erskine family and is the perfect venue for events such as weddings. Also, you can explore the stunning Victorian walled gardens at the Cambo Estate and Gardens.
To explore the gardens it costs £5 per person. For some Scottish comfort food make sure to stop at the quirky Nosebag Cafe which is located in an old stable block.
Additionally, you can go to Cambo Sands Beach (Kingsbarns Beach). Here, you enjoy the golden sands which look over the North Sea. Also, I enjoy the natural space and soaking up the beauty.
There are excellent facilities including toilets and picnic tables. Also, you can access Cambo Estate from a path on the beach which goes through the woodland.
Also, the last thing that you must do in Kingsbarns is to visit the famous Cheesy Toasty Shack. You can enjoy some fantastic gourmet toasties and ice cream sundaes at this cafe.
Kingsbarns Accommodation: Kingsbarns Village Green, Daisybank Kingsbarns,
Things to do in Kingsbarns
- Kingsbarns Distillery
- Kingsbarns Golf Links
- Cambo Estate and Gardens
- Cambo Sands Beach
- Cheesy Toasty Shack
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from St Andrews to Kingsbarns
Crail
Crail is a historic fishing town, and the harbour is one of the most photographed harbours in the UK. The High Street in Crail is flourishing with family-run businesses. There are butchers, bakeries and grocery stores.
Some buildings are very traditional. You will feel that you have been transformed back in time. I love walking through Crail it feels like a movie set.
It is well worth it to stroll down the charming cobbled streets lined up behind the miniature harbour. The homes here formerly belonged to fishermen and shipowners.
Also, it is great to soak in the atmosphere by walking around the small historic fishermen’s cottages. The large white Customs House is a 17th-century building.
Also, you can visit the Crail Museum and Heritage Centre. Or, Crail Pottery or Crail Harbour Gallery and Tea Room.
Moreover, in Crail, there are excellent eating places. You can order locally caught lobsters and Crail Crabbs from the Lobster Hut near the shorefront.
Also, in June, you can experience the culinary festival – Crail Food Festival.
Crail Accommodation: The Old Vinery, Seascape Cottage, 8 West Braes Crescent
Things to do in Crail
- Scottish Countryman – archery
- Tennis at Beechwalk Park
- Crail Pottery
- Lobster Hut
- Crail Balcomie Links
- Roome Bay Beach
- Barnsmuir Farm Shop
- Caiplie Caves
- Crail Museum and Heritage Centre
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from Kingsbarns to Crail
Cellardyke
Cellardyke is a hidden gem in the East Neuk of Fife, often overlooked by visitors. The harbour is only half a mile east of Anstruther.
Cellardyke is not as easy to find from the main road as you can mistake it for an outskirt of Anstruther. The harbour town has been a designated conservation area since 1977.
You can enjoy outstanding views from the dock. There are chances to see dolphins, seals, puffins, and gannets. There is a platform next to the water so you can jump in.
At one point in history, the harbour at Cellardyke was the busiest fishing port in Scotland. In 1898 a storm ruined Cellardyke harbour. The storm forced fleets to move to the more protected harbour at Anstruther.
Since then, Anstruther has grown and has led to the disappearance of the border between Cellardyke and Anstruther.
In Cellardyke, there is a natural tidal pool just beside the play park on the outskirts of the village. The tidal pool is very well maintained and popular with wild swimmers.
Cellardyke Accommodation: Nautilus Cottage, The Lookout, Dragonfly
Things to do in Cellardyke
- Caves of Caiplie
- Tidal Pool
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from Crail to Anstruther
Anstruther
Next to Cellardyke is Anstruther. A bustling village with a harbour packed with fishing boats. The harbour’s shore contains independent businesses, including gift shops, butchers, pubs and fish and chips shops.
You can tuck into a quality fish supper from the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar. I have lost count of how many fish suppers I have had here.
The Cellar is a small fine dining restaurant tucked away just off the main street of Anstruther. Also, you can get a proper Scottish meal at the Dreel Tavern.
The Scottish Fisheries Museum is a beautiful museum. In the museum is exciting memorabilia of Scotland’s Fishing Industry. Learn about stories about the fisherman and their families.
One of the main attractions you will notice from the main street is Buckie’s House, also known as Shell House.
Shell House is a historic building which is covered in seashells. The quirky design came together in the 1840s by the house owner, Alex Batchelor.
Isle of May
In the summer, tourists can enjoy a boat trip from the harbour to the Isle of May. The Isle of May is a National Nature Reserve in the Firth of Forth.
The Isle of May is a small but mighty island is one of the highlights to visit. It is home to three lighthouses and plenty of wildlife.
The wildlife you can find on the island includes one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies. Over 200,000 nesting seabirds, its species of mouse and over 40,000 pairs of puffins.
The day trip to the Isle of May will take approximately 4-5 hours, where you get 2-3 hours to explore the island.
Anstruther Accommodation: Invermay, The Howff, Brackness House Luxury B&B
Things to do in Anstruther
- Anstruther Golf Club
- Scottish Fisheries Museum
- Isle of May
- Anstruther Fish Bar
- Scotland’s Secret Bunker
- Anstruther Golf Club
- Aeble Cider Shop
- Buckie House
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from Anstruther to Pittenweem
Pittenweem
In Pittenweem, there is a lively atmosphere and an enduring charm. The trade with the Netherlands influences the pantiled cottages.
There are remnants of the old working harbour. You can see a fleet of fishing boats, trawlers and small creel boats.
Also, there are plenty of places to eat in Pittenweem, including the Pittenweem Fish and Chip Bar.
A local group known as the West Braes Project are responsible for maintaining the 120-year-old outdoor pool.
The outdoor pool is on the beach and is filled twice a day by the tide. Also, the coastal pool is complete with a chute and diving board.
The pool was left ravaged for decades. Yet, in 2021, it was reopened, and now it is the place to go for a dip in Pittenweem.
Nearby, you can visit the tiny dark cave – St Fillans Cave. According to legend, in the 7th century, the cave was home to St Fillan. St Fillan was a local Irish missionary who tried to convert local Picts to Christianity.
Moreover, the cave was used as a prison during witch hunts int he 17th and 18th centuries.
Pittenweem Accommodation: Mangle Cottage, The Old Chandlery, Sam’s in Pittenweem
Things to do in Pittenweem
- Kellie Castle Gardens
- St Fillan’s Cave
- The Cocoa Tree Shop
- St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company
- Pittenweem Tidal Pool
- Bowhouse Market
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from Pittenweem to St Monans
St Monans
St Monans is another gem in the East Neuk of Fife. Traditional fisherman cottages with painted walls and red roofs overlook the three-piered harbour.
A zig-zag breakwater known as The Block is a popular shot for photographers. Also, near the harbour slipway you can admire The Welly Boat Garden. The garden includes 200 old wellies are beautiful flower pots.
Newark Castle is a 13th century ruined castle which sits on the west of St Monans on a clifftop. Also, near the edge of the beach, you can find the Old Kirk of St Monans. Here, an ancient wall protects the medieval church from the sea.
St Monans Lighthouse is a reminder of the salt industry booming in this area of Fife in the 18th century. The lighthouse is the last remaining windmill in Fife.
St Monans Lighthouse is sitting above the remnants of the salt pans. Also, it is located near the Fife Coastal Path.
The harbour area has several great places to eat, including East Pier Smokehouse.
Also, Craig Miller @ 16 West Ends is a renowned restaurant with fantastic sea views. Moreover, you can enjoy a coffee and cake at the Diving Gannet.
St Monans Accommodation: Seaforth View, Daisy Cottage, Number Fifty Six
Things to do in St Monans
- St Monans Windmill
- The Welly Boot Garden
- East Pier Smokehouse
- Newark Castle
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from St Monans to Elie
Elie
Elie is one of the most popular holiday spots in Scotland. The small village is located on the sheltered Ruby Bay.
I love walking along Ruby Bay. The beach is an amazing destination for picnics, swimming and water sports. Believe it or not, Ruby Bay is named after the garnets that were once mined there.
Ruby Bay and Elie Bay are my two favourite beaches on the east coast of Scotland.
Elie Ness Lighthouse is a short walk away from Elie Beach and sits on the rocky promontory. The lighthouse was completed in 1908 by David A Stevenson.
At Sauchar Point, Ladies Tower was built for Lady Anstruther in the 1700s so she could bathe in the Forth. Also, from here, you can enjoy spectacular views across the River of Forth.
There are plenty of great places to eat in Elie. You can enjoy great freshly prepared seafood in Elie at the stylish Harbour Cafe.
Also, at Elie Deli, you can enjoy brilliant snacks and treats. At the Ship Inn, you can enjoy brilliant seafood on beachside benches.
Ardross Farm Shop is an award-winning farm shop which is just outside Elie. There is a wide range of local produce, including vegetables picked straight from the farm. Also, there is freshly baked pieces of bread, free range eggs and traditionally reared beef.
If you feel a little more adventurous, you can attempt the Elie Chain Walk. The Elie Chain Walk is a series of chains fixed along the coast between Shell Bay and West Bay.
Elie Accommodation: Elmbank, 15 South Street, The Ship Inn
Things to do in Elie and Earlsferry
- Elie Watersports
- Ardross Farm Shop
- Elie Ness Lighthouse
- Ruby Bay
- Walk the Fife Coastal Path from St Monans to Elie
Final note
The East Neuk of Fife is one of my favourite parts of Scotland. This area is perfect for those who love the Scottish outdoors.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Fife Coastal Path is a famous walking route that takes you through small villages. You can view each town at your own pace, and there are plenty of places to stay.
Is Fife Worth Visiting?
The Kingdom of Fife is worth visiting as it is home to the spectacular East Neuk of Fife. There are many nice towns and villages in Fife to visit.
Here, you can explore the old fishing traditions and hidden beauty spots. Going to the East Neuk of Fife is like being transformed back in time.
Where does the East Neuk of Fife start?
The East Neuk of Fife is a peninsula on the eastern side of the Kingdom of Fife. The area covers the coastal towns from Kingsbarns to Elie.
From Kingsbarns to Elie, it is only a 25-minute drive in the car, or you can walk the coastal route in 6 hours. The East Neuk of Fife is approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Edinburgh by car.