The Kingdom of Fife is a fine place.
It occupies a peninsula formed by the Firth of Forth to the South and the Firth of Tay to the North. This small region has a unique variety of landscapes, an extensive rocky coastline and golden sands – the only region in Scotland to boast three award winning Blue Flag beaches. Inland lies the peaceful Howe of abundant grassland, rich woodland and rolling hills of fertile farm land. East and West Lomond Hills are prominent landmarks and the centre of Scotland’s first Regional Park . This is the Kingdom of Fife whose existence as a separate entity can be traced back to the Pictish Kingdom of Fib in the centuries after the departure of the Romans.
In our latest blog, we explore the best of Fife attractions to help you plan your escape to our Kingdom.
East Neuk of Fife
The East Neak (Neuk is the old Scots word for corner) is the name given to the wedge of land around the eastern peninsula and is famous for its picturesque fishing villages and harbours such Crail, Anstruther , Pittenweem St Monans , Anstruther and Cellardyke – a quaint village and old fishing settlement – site of the Silverdyke Caravan park.
Activities in Fife
The East Neuk is home to some of the finest beaches and water-sport facilities. In the sandy cove of Elie Bay a range of sports are offered by Elie water-sports – sailing, windsurfing, sea kayaking,water skiing in the sheltered waters or heading out to sea if more experienced.
Elie has one of Scotland’s most highly regarded golf courses. It is an 18 hole course with sensational views and combines undulating fairways with large, fast and firm greens.
The Fife Coastal Path (117 miles) is clearly way-marked and runs along the East Neuk and offers a range of walking experiences from easy and level to more demanding (Official Guide Book available 01592 656080, £9.99) Search for fossils and explore the Arthropleura (Giant Centipedes) Trackways on Crail bays west of the Harbour. This is considered one of the most beautiful Fife attractions by tourists far and wide.
For those with bikes, the Costal East Neuk Railway Path Circular Route passes through the region offering a low level route from Crail to Kinsbarns.
Gillingshill Nature Reserve with abundant grassland near Anstruther, provides a diversity of habitats that supports a wide range of breeding birds and is known for it’s bluebells in early summer. Boat trips can be taken from Anstuther to the Isle of May ,a National Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary with the largest puffin colony in the UK (Anstruther Pleasure Trips)
History of Fife
Kellie Castle (National Trust) is 2 miles north of Pittenweem, dating back to 1150. The library Ceiling is one of the oldest ornamental plaster ceilings in Scotland and the Dining room has painted panelling painted by 17th century Dutch artists. The castle garden are beautiful and relaxing with roses and herbaceous plants. An excellent tearoom is available offering lunches, dinners coffee, tea and cakes.
Anstruther is home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum detailing fishing history from its inception to the present day. Inland between Crail and Anstruther is Scotland’s Secret Bunker, for 40years one of Scotland’s best kept secrets, where under a farmhouse a tunnel leads to 24,000ft of secret accommodation intended for use in a nuclear war.
East of the beautiful village of St Monans, and situated on a raised beach is St Monans Windmill a reminder of the industrial past – the production of salt. The windmill provided the power to pump seawater into the saltpans which were then heated by coal mined nearby. It is still possible to see where the saltpans stood
Shopping in Fife
The shops in the villages offer many treasures from fashion and jewellery , fine art and ceramics and artisan food and drink. Crail Pottery arranged around a lovely courtyard offers a creative and unique range of pottery hand made on the premises. Browse in Old House Interiors to find something that little bit different. The Kinloch Gallery exhibits beautifully crafted hand-made furniture. A visit can also be made to Old Tom Morris Shop – the world’s oldest golf shop.
The East Neuk of Fife is a key holiday destination for young and old alike. A compact region of exceptional beauty, variety and interest.
Visiting Fife Attractions with Silverdyke Park
Here at Silverdyke Park you can hire a holiday home with stunning sea views to sit down and relax after a day of exploration visiting all the best Fife attractions! We look forward to welcoming you.
