Things to Do in the East Neuk of Fife – This picturesque collection of villages, from Kingsbarns to Elie is undoubtedly attractive, but what once you’ve admired the views here’s a list of the best places to play, explore, eat, drink and sleep. I’ve grouped the attractions geographically (starting at Kingsbarns and running along to Elie) because sorting out the order of villages in your head does take a little time!

Hit the Beach – Kingsbarns Beach, East Neuk Fife

To be fair, there are fantastic beaches right along the East Neuk of Fife. The larger ones include Kingsbarns and Elie with its colourful beach huts. Children love a beach, and our boys were perfectly happy playing on the small but perfectly formed harbour beach of Anstruther so you’re spoiled for choice. FREE

Say Cheese at the Cheesy Toast Shack – East Neuk of Fife

This shack with picnic tables, offers al fresco takeaway at Kingsbarns Beach. We enjoyed a ‘special’ of three-cheese toastie, but look out for their signature dish — the macaroni cheese toastie. Bring it on!

Visit Cambo Gardens, near Kingsbarns

Kids go free at this elegant country estate. Explore the extensive walled garden, glasshouses and edible garden, before letting the kids run riot in the nature playground called Elf Village. Cambo’s café is well stocked with fruit and veg from the gardens and has garnered a strong reputation for vegan and vegetarian food, but we made a beeline for the cakes. Unusually, Cambo also has its own private beach, Cambo Sands, so explore the estate looking out for the former dairy, farm and mausoleum, before heading to the seaside. cambogardens.org.uk – Entry to the gardens is £6.50 for adults and free for under 16’s.

Click here for Accommodation Ideas for the East Neuk of Fife…

Explore Scotland’s Secret Bunker, inland from Kingsbarns, Crail and Anstruther

When we drove up to the bunker, soldiers appeared out of the Fife haar like gorillas in the mist. It was mildly disconcerting – the kids loved it. It really set the tone for the visit, which has taken on a whole new meaning since nuclear war moved from a Cold War memory to something much more real in 2022.

This underground warren was the former Scottish HQ in the event of nuclear war. It was built in 1953, and only closed in 1993.  Guests descend underground – it’s really spacious and not claustrophobic at all but the temperature drops (pack coats and/or jumpers). We saw the dorms where the staff slept, radar that spotted Soviet incursions into UK air space, maps of Scotland highlighting the wind direction, while recordings and sirens played in background. Powerful stuff. Also look out for two friendly bunker cats, plus there’s an informal café. secretbunker.co.uk – Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children), £37.95.

Discover Scotland’s Fisheries Museum, Anstruther

Children go free at Scotland’s Fisheries Museum, which charts the area’s rich fishing history and heritage. The museum is WAY bigger than it looks from the outside, and full of life-size boats and fishing equipment. It covers the many professions associated with the industry, from sail makers to the fishing lassies who followed the herring fleet down the east coast. In the quest to secure your herring with the prestigious mark of the Crown it had to be caught and packed within 24 hours, leading to innovative ship design and pressure on the crew and fishing girls to work their fingers to the bone. My kids were fascinated by the clooties the lassies wore in an attempt to protect their hands. A gift shop and café are available on site. scotfishmuseum.org – Adult: £9.00, Child: Free.

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See the Puffins on the Isle of May

Set sail from Anstruther to see the puffins. We’ve yet to experience this but would love to visit.

Visit Pittenweem’s Tidal Pool

Fife’s tidal pools have a real community feel to them, as swimmers young and old take the plunge. A delightful diversion on a summer’s day. Our boy took a bracing dip at Pittenweem’s tidal pool, and we checked the tide times here. FREE

Visit a Cave, Pittenweem

Pittenweem hides a cave that was home to a 7th century missionary called St Fillan. It’s said he lived here for a few years in AD 640! It’s a small cave and takes moments to explore. If it’s locked up simply request a key from Pittenweem’s Cocoa Tree café. FREE

The Dory, Pittenweem

If you appreciate quality, fresh seafood then head to The Dory in Pittenweem. The kids menu is strong, and my children tucked into battered hake and chips, while Mr Husband and I enjoyed Cumbrae crispy oysters, Wye Valley asparagus and a main of Pittenweem half lobster. It’s absolutely delicious, and in an area renowned for tasty and clever takeaway it was really nice to sit down in a relaxed restaurant and savour an excellent meal. thedory.co.uk

Pittenweem’s Cocoa Tree

I can see why the Cocoa Tree is so popular. My boys ordered vanilla ice cream that was served with a chocolate spoon and real chocolate sauce, all washed down with hot chocolate – what’s not to love? I opted for an intense hot chocolate accompanied by a quinoa and harrisa chocolate bite. Mr Husband went full glutton with a portion of waffles, ice cream and chocolate sauce, accompanied by a hot chocolate. And don’t forget the takeaway – we left with a slice of frankly excellent chocolate cake, and an assortment of individual chocolates to enjoy later in the day. Bliss. pittenweemchocolate.co.uk

Kellie Castle and Gardens, near Pittenweem

This NTS property near Pittenweem wasn’t open when we visited, but perhaps one to consider.

Eat Out at Bowhouse, nr St Monans

This food emporium has brought together a host of local food producers and suppliers. Bowhouse is best known for its bustling Market Weekends, held on the second weekend of each month (except January and February). Each market has a theme so look out for ‘heritage’, ‘colour’, ‘field to fork’ and ‘orchard’ over the next few months. bowhousefife.com

St Monans

St Monan’s Windmill and quirky Welly Garden are also popular stops, but we haven’t seen them in person – yet!

The Ship Inn, Elie

This seaside restaurant offers pub favourites as well as local shellfish and Scottish seafood. Alternatively, head outdoors to the seasonal BBQ, open every day throughout the summer. shipinn.scot

Watch the Beach Cricket

Elie’s cricket team are known for playing on Elie beach. A novel spectator sport for a summer’s day.

Spend a Day in Crail

Highlights include a tearoom and gallery with jaw-dropping views, a free museum, a free doocot, sandy beaches, pottery and amazing food at The Shoregate. The buildings are so beautiful in Crail. Read all about it here.

Walk the Fife Coastal Path

The path runs from Kincardine to Newburgh in manageable chunks. Discover more here.

Admire the Villages

It sounds obvious, but take time to enjoy the eye-catching villages in the East Neuk of Fife. Perhaps give the kids access to a camera to photograph their favourite buildings. It’s a very bonny part of the world, so slow down (if you can!) 🙂

This was a press visit with Welcome to Fife. If you found this guide helped you plan a break then please consider subscribing here or buy us a coffee to support our work that’s provided absolutely free. Please join the conversation on Facebook, or check out the bonny photos on Instagram. For any queries or opportunities please email scots2travel@hotmail.com. Content and images copyright of Scots2Travel. This text contains affiliate links that we may make a small income from.