Local Area
Location and Local Area
Crail is a historic fishing village, complete with a charming harbour, cobbled streets and wynds, and hidden-gem coffee shops. The sandy beach is ideal for families of all ages, and there are rugged cliffs that have inspired many a painting and photograph. During the summer months you can enjoy fresh crab and lobster cooked for you at the harbour, while the local butcher, baker, greengrocer and whole foods shop make it a self-catering holiday dream.
Just 20 minutes north of Crail lies St Andrews with its boutique shops and world-famous golf, while a further 20 minute drive will transport you to the acclaimed V&A design museum in Dundee. Closer to home and just a stone's throw south of Crail is a series of lovely coastal villages, all connected by a meandering country road that makes the journey even more enjoyable - and there’s no need to fuel up the car, as you can reach all of these places on public transport.
Things to do
Beaches and walks
With miles of stunning coastline, you won’t be short of places to explore. The Fife Coastal Path connect the villages along the East Neuk, so you can pack a picnic and make a day of it. In Elie, there’s an uninterrupted stretch of hot golden sand, while at Cambo Estate just minutes from the apartment, there are lovely forest walks, a rocky shore and sandy beach.
A 40-minute drive from Crail, but well worth the journey, is the magnificent Tentsmuir Beach and Forest for stunning walks.
Golf
The surrounding area is well known for its excellent golf and within Crail itself there are two 18-hole courses, Balcomie and Craighead. Among the 40+ courses in the region are many fine ones, including championship courses and world-famous Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews - the ‘home of golf’.
Activities
For days out and activities, the immediate area has plenty to offer, from the simplicity of the great local playpark and Instagram-worthy harbour, to horseriding, adventure sports, gin and wine tastings, and boat trips from Anstruther to spot puffins on the Isle of May.
For action and adventure, there’s archery, fishing and quadbiking all on the doorstep, or head to St Andrews for boutique shops, botanical gardens, great food and historic architecture. Book in for a tasting or tour at one of the local distilleries, or take the car over the Queensferry Crossing, the longest bridge of its kind in the world, for a culture-drenched day in the capital city. Rainy day activities are aplenty if the weather turns, with galleries, shops and museums throughout the East Neuk, including the famous Crail Pottery which is a joy to visit.
Food and Drink
This area of Fife is home to some excellent food and drink, with great cafes, takeaways and restaurants all within easy reach, including Crail’s own chip shop which is perfect for a hassle-free, delicious dinner. With miles of rich coastline, you’d be right to expect excellent seafood, and you won’t be disappointed. Local ingredients are a focus wherever you go, and there are dozens of fantastic culinary experiences right on the doorstep.
For dining out, the East Neuk has you covered, for everything from casual lunches to Michelin star dinners. Some of our favourites are the Reilly Shellfish shack at Crail harbour, where in the summer months you can enjoy fresh lobster and crab, cooked to order right on the seafront. Carved into the cliffside is Crail Harbour Gallery and Tea Room for lunch with a view, and you can enjoy ice cream overlooking the old piers.
In Elie, just a short drive along the coast, there’s the excellent Ship Inn, and in Anstruther, the Dreel Tavern is the perfect spot for a pint and great pub food. The East Pier Smokehouse at St Monans is another favourite, open from Easter all through the summer months. For something a bit special, we can also recommend Michelin-star restaurant The Cellar, in Anstruther.
If you’re cooking for yourself, stock the fridge first with a visit to Green’s Grocery for veg and shellfish fresh off the boats, J.B Penman for meat and preserves, and The Smoke Fired Whole Foods Shop for artisan goodies. All 3 shops are just a short stroll from your front door, as is the local baker.
On certain weekends, the Bowhouse Market in St Monans opens to the public, offering culinary delights direct from local suppliers. At Barnsmuir Farm, you can pick your own fruit and veg in the summer, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even forage your own wild seaweed and learn how to cook with it, thanks to East Neuk Seaweed.