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A mini guide to
East Neuk: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk one way, bus back
The Fife Coastal Path joins the villages; bus 95 runs along the same coast, so a one-way walk is easy to plan.
Book the Isle of May early
The May Princess gives about 2.5 to 3 hours ashore. The island is closed to visitors from 1 October until Easter for the seal pups.
Check the tide for the Chain Walk
The Elie Chain Walk, west of Earlsferry, uses chains fixed to the cliffs and should only be attempted at low tide.
Look for the fossil trees
On the beach beside Crail harbour there are fossilised trees from the Carboniferous period.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is East Neuk?
East Neuk is in St Andrews and Fife, Scotland. Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie: stone harbours on the Firth of Forth. Nearby stops and stations include Bus 95, Leuchars station, May Princess.
How long do I need in East Neuk?
One to two days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Scottish Fisheries Museum, Isle of May, Kellie Castle. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Bus 95 (Stagecoach East Scotland: Leven, Elie, St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Crail, Kingsbarns, St Andrews); Leuchars station (Trains on the Edinburgh to Dundee line); May Princess (Anstruther Pleasure Cruises to the Isle of May). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 20 places to eat and drink in and around East Neuk, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 8 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is East Neuk accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in East Neuk
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Cambo Estate
Country estate near Kingsbarns with a walled garden, woodland walks and a visitor centre with café.
Scottish Fisheries Museum
Museum of the Scottish fishing industry and its communities, on the harbour front at Anstruther.
Isle of May
National nature reserve island about 8 km offshore, with one of the largest puffin colonies in the UK; boats sail from Anstruther.
St Andrews and Fife
More areas to explore
Photo credits
- Elie Chain Walk: ronnie leask, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Cambo Estate: James Allan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Scottish Fisheries Museum: James Allan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Isle of May: No machine-readable author provided. JeremyA assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Dunfermline and the Forth: Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St Andrews: Bartolo Creations, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring St Andrews and Fife