The East Neuk of Fife: An Area Guide

  • 6th Apr 2015

The East Neuk is tucked away at the very tip of the Kingdom of Fife. It may sound like something from Game of Thrones or some other fantasy adventure but no, this is a lovely area just north of Edinburgh on the East Coast of Scotland, on the north side of the Firth of the River Forth. It is the perfect place for a family camping holiday, with breathtakingly beautiful sandy beaches, the historic town of St. Andrews, rolling farmland, coastal walks and a string of picturesque fishing villages.

There are a number of lovely campsites to choose from that will allow you to walk the gorgeous Fife Coastal Path and visit all the natural and historical attractions in the area. Just over an hour's drive from Edinburgh, this area could be perfect for a spring holiday as the weather warms up. Yes, this is Scotland, but you may be surprised to hear that the East Neuk has a lovely micro-climate and enjoys as many sunny days (if not more than) the south coast of England!

Highlights of the East Neuk of Fife:

  • The lovely, historic town of St. Andrews lies just to the north. Take your time and wander around the beautiful historic town centre, visit the Castle and Cathedral, look at ancient University buildings or simply relax on one of the three beaches.
  • Elie and Earlsferry: Here you can walk the scary chain walk along the cliffs, try out some watersports in the windy bay, search for Elie 'rubies, red garnets that wash up on the beach at Ruby Bay and look at the romantic ruins of the Lady's Tower.
  • St. Monans: Look at the beautiful harbour, the old church and a couple of ruined castles on the coastal path between here and Elie. On the east side of St. Monans, see the Windmill and the Old Salt Pans. Look out Pittenweem Harbouralso, all along this coast, for the old sea-swimming pools.
  • Pittenweem: There is a large and well-known art festival here every August which swells the numbers in the village considerably. See the high street with its clock tower and tollbooth and the picturesque harbour. This village, unlike others along the coast, retains its fishing industry. Eat fish and chips here, not at the more famous Anstruther fish shop. The queue of locals and tourists will give you a clue as to their popularity.
  • Anstruther: The largest of the East Neuk villages, Anstruther was once three villages and has now merged into one larger one. Again there is a picturesque harbour. Visit the Fisheries Museum and if you come between April and September and weather permits, take a boat to the Isle of May.
  • Crail: Yet another delightfully picturesque village, and yet with a slightly more gentrified appeal, Crail has another historic harbour and many attractive houses.

Walking the coastal path will allow you to look out over the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May, the Bass Rock and the sudden sharp peak of Berwick Law above North Berwick in East Lothian. Look out for seals – they can often be seen in the early morning or evening. Sea birds are found in abundance here.

So, why not consider a camping holiday in the lovely East Neuk? The above are just some of this area's myriad attractions.