Fife
Fife packs Scotland's coastal character into a single peninsula between the Firths of Forth and Tay. The East Neuk strings together photogenic fishing villages such as Anstruther, Crail and Pittenweem, their harbours still busy with lobster creels, while St Andrews draws golfers and students to its ancient university and windswept links. Inland lie royal Falkland and rolling farmland crossed by the long-distance Fife Coastal Path. Our pick of the best places to visit maps out the harbours, castles and cliff walks worth seeking out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fife
What are the prettiest villages in Fife?
The East Neuk holds Fife's most photogenic villages, notably Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem and St Monans, each with a working harbour and pantiled cottages. Linked by the Fife Coastal Path, they make an easy day of village-hopping along the Firth of Forth.
Is St Andrews worth visiting beyond golf?
Absolutely. Alongside the Old Course, St Andrews offers a ruined cathedral and castle, the sandy West Sands beach, Scotland's oldest university and a compact centre of shops and cafés. Non-golfers find plenty to enjoy in its history, coastline and lively student atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Fife?
Summer, from June to August, brings the warmest weather and busiest harbours, ideal for coastal walks and beaches. Spring and early autumn are quieter and often bright, though the North Sea coast can be breezy year-round, so pack a windproof layer.
