Winter Activity for Silverdyke Park

Although we are now closed for tourers this season, and the winter weather means that there are fewer of our Holiday Home owners around just now, there is still a lot of activity taking place at Silverdyke Park.

 

We have just finished planting thousands of mixed daffodil bulbs around the park grounds which we hope will make a beautiful display to welcome you all back in the spring. This involved many hours of cheerfully trudging around in Wellies and waterproofs, digging holes, for Gwen, Andy, and friend and local businessman, Tony Chater. Thank you Tony!

Hedge plants have been ordered and will be put in during the winter to thicken existing hedges and provide additional privacy and shelter.

 

Sixteen new Holiday Home pitches are being developed  on the north side of Silverdyke Park . These pitches all have a view of the sea, with some having expansive views over the Forth.  One pitch has already been sold, and four new Holiday Homes will be arriving during the next few months, to be sold on site.

 

Andy has his usual list of jobs to do when we can get him away from the farm! This includes putting down concrete slabs for new Holiday Homes, lagging pipes, erecting new fencing, tidying up Silverdyke Park’s grounds, and working on the Park Manager’s house which is due to be completed in the next couple of weeks. Andy will also be arranging for all services (gas, electric, water and drainage) to be put in place for the new pitches.

 

We are preparing for the annual Scottish Caravan Show at the SECC in Glasgow from 4-7 February 2016. This is Scotland’s largest caravan, motorhome and holiday home show, and will be a great opportunity to look at what is available, compare different models, and see some of the latest accessories. The Caravan Club will be offering  free expert tuition in towing and manouvering. We will have a stand at the show with information about what Silverdyke Park offers for tourer and Holiday Home owners, and the new Holiday Homes that are available for purchase.  We hope to see you there!

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What’s On in the East Neuk of Fife

Anstruther

Our Touring Season has now come to a close for 2015. We will open for Tourers again on 11 March 2016 and will be looking forward to welcoming back those of you who have stayed with us before, and to meeting new visitors to our beautiful Park in this lovely corner of the East Neuk of Fife.

For our Holiday Home owners who are planning to be with us between now and Christmas, there are a number of pre-Christmas events taking place locally that you might enjoy:

  • On Saturday 14 November the Pittenweem Community Trust is holding a Craft & Collectables Market from 10am to 2pm at the New Town Hall, Session Street, Pittenweem. There you will find cards, jewellery, paper crafts, flowers, fused glass, woodcraft, traditional knot scarfs, knitting, photography, upcycled gifts, and many more locally made products that may help you with your Christmas shopping.
  • There is an Antiques and Collectors’ Fair in St Andrews Town Hall (Queen’s Gardens) from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 14 November.
  • If you feel like going a little further afield, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra is holding a concert on 21 November at 7.30pm in the Caird Hall.
  • ‘St Andrews Night’ (an evening of traditional Scottish entertainment) is being held at the Cellardyke Church Hall on Thursday 26 November at 7pm. Tickets are £16 including a meal. Phone Trevor on 01333 311884.
  • An Artisan and Collectors Fair will take place in St Andrews at Madras College Quad, South Street, on Saturday 28 November (11am to 4pm), with free entry and refreshments.
  • Ardross Farm Shop are hosting ‘Christmas in the Loft’ where local artists and crafter will be exhibiting on 28th and 29th November from 9am until 4pm each day.  See Ardross Farm for more information.
  • Local school Waid Academy is holding a Christmas Craft Fayre and Coffee Morning at the school on Thursday 3 December from 10am to 12 Noon – £2 (all welcome) with proceeds going to RNLI, East Neuk First Response, National Eczema Society, and school funds.
  • The Crail Folk Club is holding its Christmas Party night on Thursday 10 December at 8pm, Crail Town Hall, Marketgate South.
  • The Byre Theatre in St Andrews is hosting a Special Christmas Evening Market on Monday 14 December from 3pm to 8pm; and the Cinderella Pantomime is being held at the Byre Theatre during December if you are looking for something to entertain the little ones.
  • Check out what else is happening in St Andrews in November and December.

We hope you have some fun in the East Neuk of Fife over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas and get time to relax and enjoy some of the many events that are taking place in our communities.

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Coast-To-Coast: Things To Do In Fife In 2016

Coastal town in Fife

When it comes to things to do in Fife, we’ve got just the ticket. Our beautiful caravan park is nestled along some of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal towns. Just a stone’s throw away from Anstruther, East Neuk, Crail and Cellardyke, we’re perfectly pitched for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Fife.

 

Scottish Snowdrop Festival

 

The secret’s finally out … snowdrops are the flora of 2016 with the Scottish Snowdrop Festival running for six weeks across sixty venues at the start of the year. Budding gardeners and green-fingered fanatics – forget Glastonbury, this is the festival for you. The highlight of the programme is the Snowdrops by Starlight event at the stunning Cambo Estate, which is now synonymous with the delicate flower. Without a doubt one of the most magical things to do in Fife in 2016, the seventy acre estate is transformed by lighting and sound, becoming an enchanting world for ramblers young and old, as you don a head torch and are led through the glen.

 

 

Ceres Highland Games

 

Do you know your sheaf pitch from your caber toss? Well if not, get yourself along to the Ceres Highland Games this summer. Scotland’s oldest free Highland Games, it was gifted to the people of the village by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in thanks for their support in the battle of Bannockburn. Witness feats of brute strength and speed as competitors perform the Scottish heavyweight events in traditional dress. Ladies, gentlemen and children be warned – kilts will be swinging. With the traditional mix of games, highland dancing and pipe music, this is a great day out for the family. So make sure it’s on your list of things to do in Fife in 2016!

 

 

St Andrew’s Golf Week

 

If you fancy yourself as the next Rory McIlroy then this is right up your putting green. Is there any golfer who would turn down the chance to play on the world famous St Andrews Old Course? Players from as far and Argentina to Australia are making the journey with their nine irons and drivers to take part in what can only be described as golfers heaven at St Andrew Golf Week. The week-long programme includes competitions, PGA Professional tuition, and Scotland’s finest hospitality from nearby restaurants and hotels. So if you know your hole-in-one from your handicaps and you’re looking for things to do in Fife in 2016, then save the date now!

 

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Christmas Gift Vouchers

Christmas Gift Voucher
silverdyke-caravan-park

With the Christmas season fast approaching, some of you will be looking for inspiration on what would make a great gift for your family members and friends.  If you are looking for that something different, a Christmas Gift Voucher towards the cost of bringing a tourer for a holiday at our beautiful caravan park could be just perfect.

Our gift vouchers start from £10 and can be obtained by emailing, phoning, or calling in to see us if you are in the area and want to see what Silverdyke Park offers. Payment can be made by debit card. Check out our Facebook page for further information about us.

Silverdyke Park is a quiet, family run park, overlooking the Forth Estuary and the Isle of May, and situated in Cellardyke, a picturesque fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. An easy stroll down the hill will take you to the Fife Coastal Path which follows the shore-line and takes you through pretty countryside and on to other villages where you can stop for a coffee or something stronger!

From our park it is only a short walk down to the centre of Anstruther, with its colourful harbour and collection of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. There is so much happening throughout the year in the East Neuk including festivals, markets, and the arts, as well as our stunning rural surroundings to explore, that our visitors will always find something to interest them.

We have enjoyed some stunning weather this October and it is hard to believe that it is time to start getting out the winter woollies and to farewell our touring customers for another winter. Our park closes on 25 October for tourers this year, re-opening on 11 March 2016, and we can take bookings for 2016 any time from now. We hope we can help make your Christmas shopping decisions that little bit easier with our Christmas Gift Voucher.

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Making History With Things To Do In Fife This Winter

The winter is upon us but don’t let that stop you from exploring the beautiful Kingdom of Fife.  With so much history at our fingertips you are spoilt for choice for historical places to visit. In a historic tour of Fife, you will uncover the stories and lives of royalty and where many of them came to rest all whilst indulging in the beautiful architecture there is to see.

Uncovering Dunfermline Abbey

No journey through Scotland’s historic milestones would be complete without a visit to Dunfermline Abbey. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Fife, Dunfermline Abbey is a must. The beautiful Abbey was founded in the 11th century by the beloved Queen Margret. As the final resting place of many Scottish Kings and Queens, the Abbey is an important part of Scottish history and is open throughout the year. Not only is it a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, but today, the great nave still stands – largely complete. If you have time to spare once you’ve explored the Abbey, take a turn around the site of the Battle of Bannockburn and experience Robert the Bruce and Scotland’s greatest victory first hand.

Dunfermline Abbey

Image title Dunfermline Abbey by spentrails is licnesed underCC BY-SA 2.0

Exploring Falkland Palace

Falkland Palace, in the Fife village of Falkland, is run by the National Trust and was the frequently visited by Mary Queen of Scots who came to hunt, hawk and play tennis! The Stuart kings and queens used this a country residence and would hunt in the surrounding Fife forests for deer and wild boar. Between 1501 and 1541 the palace was built, replacing an earlier castle from the 12th century, the ruins of which are still there to be seen . Set within 9 acres of well maintained grounds and formal gardens you can come along and glide through the same rooms as royalty once did and learn all about the history of this captivating place. Open all year round from from 11am to 5pm add this to your winter list of things to do in Fife.

Falkland Palace and it gardens

Image title Falkland Palace South Range by neiljmh is licnesed under CC BY-ND 2.0

St Andrews Cathedral

The remains of St Andrews cathedral are well worth a visit for those budding historians. Built in 1158 in St Andrews it was Scotland’s largest cathedral and became the centre of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland. During the Scottish Reformation in 1559 the cathedral was left for ruin with the tower collapsing in the late 16th centuary.

St Rules tower is situated in the grounds of the cathedral and predates the cathedral itself being the church to the priory pre  the building of the cathedral and whats more this is where the relics of the St Andrews were once housed.

You can visit the ruins all year round in the summer from 9.30am to 5.30pm and the winter fro 10am to 4pm.

The ruins of St Andrews cathedral

Image title St. Andrews cathedral ruins by Rex Hammock is licnesed under CC BY-SA 2.0

So whatever time of year it is you can entertain the the historian in you and if you are staying here with us at Silverdyke Park we would love to hear all about what you learned. If you want to know more then get in touch.

 

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Wrapping Up Another Year With Christmas In Fife

 

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities this festive season with a fun, relaxing, enchanting family Christmas in Fife.

 

Shed Some Light On Christmas In Fife

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Elie Bonfire and Fireworks Display at the Rugby Bay Car Park on the 7th of November. Or make your way to the Mercat Shopping Centre and bring the festive season to light with free Christmas Lantern-making workshops every Saturday in November. On the 28th of November, let the Lantern Parade light the way to a happy holiday for the whole family.

 

 

’Tis the Season To Be In Perth

If you’re spending Christmas in Fife, make sure you don’t miss out on all the festive festivities in Perth. On the 21st of November, catch Scotland’s biggest outdoor Festival of Chocolate in a decadent, chocolate-coated weekend of fun. Or get into the Christmas spirit with igloos, ice sculpting, festivals and shows during the Christmas Lights Switch On. Join in all the St Andrews Day Scottish Festival celebrations on the 29th of November, and enjoy the very best in Scottish Food and Drink as you make your way along Perth’s famous Scotland Street.

 

Christmas road sign in the snow

 

Dashing Through Dunfermline

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Christmas in Fife, Santa and his little helpers will be making their way to Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline on the 22nd of November. With a magical Christmas parade, festive activities for the kids and the unveiling of Santa’s best-kept secret (his 10th reindeer, Dobbie), it’s the perfect day out for the wee (and not so wee) ones. And from the 28th of November, you can visit Santa in his enchanting grotto and find out whether you’ve been naught or nice this festive season.

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10 Great Things To Do In Anstruther

Anstruther from the coastline

Image title anstruther by Jeremy Atkinson is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from the original

Planning on touring the Kingdom of Fife? Pitch your camper in the charming town of Anstruther. With so many things to do in Anstruther, you’ll soon see why we’ve given it a ten out of ten.

 

1. Pleasure Cruises To The Isle of May

All aboard the May Princess. The May Princess sails from Anstruther to the beautiful Isle of May almost every day from April to September. As a National Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary, the cruise allows passengers to enjoy the spectacular scenery and oceanic wildlife that abounds on this beautiful island. Christened the jewel of the Forth, the Isle of May is home to the largest puffin colony in the UK, as well as some historic buildings along its breath-taking shores.

2. The Scottish Fisheries Museum

Get hooked on fishing history. The Scottish Fisheries Museum is an award-winning attraction in the heart of the Fife fishing community. Telling Scottish fishermen’s tales from as far back as we can remember, the museum first opened its doors in 1969. With buildings from the 16th century, 15 historic boats and a number of objects from Scotland’s fishing past, it has since grown in size and stature. Which is why a visit to this charming museum is one of the best things to do in Anstruther.

3. Anstruther Fish Bar

Like all great fishing towns, no trip would be complete without sampling the local fare. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Anstruther, the Anstruther Fish Bar is a must. It’s an award-winning fish and chip shop situated on Shore Street. With its nautical theme and stunning views of the Firth of Forth, it’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

4. Dreel Tavern

Slightly outside of the town is a historic Inn that has been operating for half a millennium. The three-storey stone building is one of the oldest buildings in all of Anstruther. Throughout its dreary history, the Dreel has hosted a number of good, great and disreputable fisher folk, farmers, scholars and notable visitors from all over the world.

5. Scotland’s Secret Bunker

One of the best things to do in Anstruther is uncover Scotland’s best-kept secret. Hidden beneath an innocent-looking farmhouse for over 40 years lies Scotland’s Secret Bunker. Journey down a 450-foot tunnel, through the blast doors to a secret bunker designed to protect the Scottish government in the event of a Nuclear War.

6. Anstruther War Memorial

Declaring war on traditional war memorials. If you travel a little further inland you will find the Anstruther cemetery and oddly shaped War Memorial. Totally flat to the ground in the centre of a landscaped roundel, it broadly resembles the shape of a Celtic cross.

7. The Caves of Caiplie

Unearthing Scotland’s history. Anstruther is only a stone’s throw away from the Caves of Caiplie on the coastal path to Crail. The Coves, as the locals call it, were the site of early Christian worship, and later used by farmers to house their livestock.

8. Anstruther Golf Club

Welcome to the home of The Rockies and the hardest par 3 in the UK. Founded in 1890, the course has undergone many changes. The original seven-hole course was scattered with trenches and poles overtook the greens, stopping gliders from landing during the war. Today, the course has evolved into a magnificent nine-hole course that is both a pleasure and challenge to play for anyone looking for things to do in Anstruther.

Close up of golf club about to tee off

9. St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company

Meet the big cheese of St Andrews. The St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company is a family-run business that is always worth a visit. From a viewing gallery, you can watch Jane get to work on the farm’s signature, hand-made ‘Anster’ cheese. Using the unpasteurised milk from her husband’s home-bred Holstein cows, she creates a fresh, dry, crumbly cheese full of flavour.

Shelves of cheese

10. Kellie Castle And Garden

Looking for things to do in Anstruther? Hold the fort with a tour of Kellie Castle and Garden. If you’re a fan of Scotland’s turbulent history, a trip to Kellie Castle is a must. With the oldest part of the castle dating back to 1360, it’s a historic site that’s well worth a visit. The epitome of Victorian style and class, it’s the perfect stop for lovers of fine interiors, beautiful paintings, plush furniture and scenic gardens.

Kellie Castle and Gardens

Image title Kellie Castle and Garden, Pittenweem, Fife, Scotland by Glen Bowman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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The 5 W’s Of Buying A Holiday Home

Holiday homes at Silverdyke Caravan Park

Looking at buying a holiday home is not a decision to be entered into lightly. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into with our 5 W’s to holiday-homeowner bliss.

 

The Why?

First things first, why are you buying a holiday home? It seems a simple enough question… but it’s one you’ll want to have nailed down before you even start looking for your new home away from home. It will determine what you buy, where you buy, who will maintain it and how much of your own time you’ll be willing to put in.

 

Are you looking for a weekend getaway or is this somewhere to spend more time in, maybe to escape the city? Is it for your own enjoyment, in which case a holiday home in the middle of nowhere is perfect with the added bonus of being close to loads of  local attractions.

Glenmohr Reiver Lodge (1)

The What?

If you’re looking at buying a holiday home for yourself, make a list of all the things that are important for your comfort. It’ll help point you in the right direction. How many rooms do you need? How important is a garden? Do you need a sea view, a swimming pool or easy access to a spa?

The Where?

Whatever your reason for buying a holiday home, you want to be able to enjoy it as much as you and a 4-hour trip can eat into your precious time away. Before considering anything further than 2 hours away, ask yourself how far you’ll be willing to travel at the end of a busy week.

A picture of a Tuscany lounge

Pathfinder Tuscany

The Who?

Another important thing to consider when buying a holiday home, is who will look after your property when you’re not there? After all you want to be able to enjoy well maintained surroundings when you are there and not have to worry about cutting the lawn. It also nice to know that there is someone overseeing your second home and having the peace of mind that it is safe and secure.

A spacious caravan living room

Sheraton Living

The When?

Once you’ve found a place that ticks all the right boxes, when is the right time to buy a holiday home? This comes down to individual circumstances. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you can afford and if you are going to have the time to use it to make the investment worthwhile.

Here at Silverdyke Park we can offer you a prime location with stunning sea views and a huge array of things to do in the Fife area. We would love to hear from anyone who may have ticked all the 5 W’s that would like to know more. So get in touch and we will be happy to help you on your way to starting something special!

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Staying On Par With the Best Golf Courses In Scotland

Image title St. Andrews Golf Club Balcony 18th Green RAGC by Gregory Stewart is licensed under (CC BY-SA 2.0)

For over six centuries, Scotland has been known the world over as the home of golf. With legendary courses and legendary players, golfing greats have been teeing off throughout Scotland for centuries. On the 1st of October, the 2015 Alfred Dunhill Cup (one of the big four golfing championships in the world) will be in full swing, which is why we’ve put together a list of some of the best golf courses in Scotland to put you in the golfing spirit.

 

Old Course, St Andrews

Without a doubt the Old Course at St Andrews is one of the best golf courses in Scotland. Home of the Alfred Dunhill Cup, it is where the tournament is set to kick off every year. Whether you’re a complete novice or seasoned pro, the St Andrews Links host a number of public courses to suit every handicap.

Carnoustie Golf Links

Next on our list of best golf courses in Scotland has to be the Carnoustie Golf Links. As the second leg of the Dunhill cup, it’s one of the world’s toughest golf courses and is ideal for more experienced golfing veterans. With its tough terrain and adverse weather conditions testing the skills of many pros, its nickname of “Car-Nasty” is well earned.

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Golf at Kingsbarns dates back to 1793. The original “nine-holer” course was commandeered by the military during the Second World War for farming. Today, the pristine man-made course is situated just six miles from the legendary St Andrews course – making it the perfect choice as the last leg of the Dunhill Cup.

Anstruther Golf Club, Marsfield

If playing the Dunhill circuit isn’t your cup of tee, Anstruther is our local course with 9 challenging holes and a welcoming club house. Founded in 1890, it’s better known as the home of The Rockies and was voted the toughest par 3 in the UK. With the perfect mix of history and challenging holes, Anstruther is not only one of the best golf courses in Scotland, it’s also one of our favourites.

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Mastering The Art of Things to Do in Fife

Looking for fun things to do in Fife? In light of the Pittenweem Arts Festival in August, why not visit some of Fife’s best known art galleries?

 

The Wade Gallery

Overlooking the harbour in the East Neuk town of Elie, the Wade Gallery is home to new, established and up and coming contemporary artists from all around Scotland. As Fife is widely known as one of Scotland’s top holiday destinations, exhibitions are usually held in the summer months of July and August.

 

Fisher Studio & Gallery

For over a decade, Fisher Studio & Gallery has been showcasing some of Scotland’s best known contemporary artists. Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Pittenweem, their many exhibitions and prints have become a place for young up-and-comers and talented graduates to show their work.

 

Cupar Arts

Cupar Arts is more than just an art gallery. It’s a creative space with contributing members from all over the Fife market town of Cupar. Successfully showing the work of over 200 artists, Cupar has turned traditional contemporary visual art on its head, by presenting art in a rural context. If you’re lucky enough to be in Cupar during their biannual art festivals or looking for things to do in Fife, you’re in for a treat.

Abstract painting in bright colours

Art Room 59

Art Room 59 is a wonderful artsy shop specialising in unique items at affordable prices. With a variety of arts and crafts from across the UK, you’ll find strange but cool items which are perfect for quirky gifts and home décor. With on-street parking, friendly assistance and gift wrapping to boot, it’s well worth a visit.

 

Maisie & Mac

Hosting work from over 70 artists, this gallery and shop combo sells a range of carefully selected quirky gifts, from paintings and sculptures to jewellery and ceramics. On exhibition until the 15th of August is the beautiful atmospheric work of Tracey Kinniburgh, dramatic flowers by Victoria Scrivener-Anderson and the quirky stylings of Linda Thomson.

Painting of a rocky landscape

Artery Gallery

If you’re in the mood for some unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces and designs, Artery Gallery is the perfect place for you. Their wide range of contemporary art, handmade crafts and designer jewellery is sourced from around the world. Catering for crafty novices and art connoisseurs alike, Artery Gallery’s creative blend of quirky and quimsical is well worth a visit.

 

If visiting art galleries isn’t exactly your cup of tea, see what TripAdvisor and Visit Scotland suggests you do to make the most out of your time in Fife. With distilleries, galleries, museums, historical tours and more, Fife is on the fast track to the top of every traveller’s bucket list. Alternatively, take the road less travelled, get off the beaten track and hire a Tourer Pitch from Silverdyke Holiday Park. Because when it comes to things to do in Fife, is the sky’s the limit.

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