Guidebook for Crail

Susan
Guidebook for Crail

Food Scene

The Golf Hotel in the centre of Crail provides a great place for the family to eat, including an outdoor space in the beer garden if the weather is fine. You'll find local Crail Crab on the menu in season, hearty pub food and salads as well as lighter options for the kids. The Public Bar provides a welcome space for visitors to watch sporting events on TV. Sample local ales and whiskies too.
Golf Hotel
4 High Street
The Golf Hotel in the centre of Crail provides a great place for the family to eat, including an outdoor space in the beer garden if the weather is fine. You'll find local Crail Crab on the menu in season, hearty pub food and salads as well as lighter options for the kids. The Public Bar provides a welcome space for visitors to watch sporting events on TV. Sample local ales and whiskies too.
Light lunches, teas and coffees served at the Honeypot Tearoom. There's a hide-away suntrap garden to the rear with three or four tables where you can enjoy the sunshine. Local Crail Crab in season and freshly made soups daily as well as a selection of home baking. Edna's Cheese Scones are a famous local treat.
Honeypot Guest House & Tearoom
6 High St
Light lunches, teas and coffees served at the Honeypot Tearoom. There's a hide-away suntrap garden to the rear with three or four tables where you can enjoy the sunshine. Local Crail Crab in season and freshly made soups daily as well as a selection of home baking. Edna's Cheese Scones are a famous local treat.
Great views out towards the Isle of May from this little cafe and tearoom, along with some outdoor seating to take advantage of good weather.
Crail Harbour Gallery and Tearoom
Shoregate
Great views out towards the Isle of May from this little cafe and tearoom, along with some outdoor seating to take advantage of good weather.
Open all year round, the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese company produces it's own tasty cheeses. You can even see Anster Cheddar being made in the special gallery which has a video and boards explaining the process too.
6 locals recommend
St. Andrews Farmhouse Cheese
6 locals recommend
Open all year round, the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese company produces it's own tasty cheeses. You can even see Anster Cheddar being made in the special gallery which has a video and boards explaining the process too.
The 19th Hole is an ideal place for families or groups of friends to eat out after a day at the beach or on the golf course. Relaxed, informal dining with top notch bar style food.
22 locals recommend
The 19th Hole Earlsferry
5 Links Rd
22 locals recommend
The 19th Hole is an ideal place for families or groups of friends to eat out after a day at the beach or on the golf course. Relaxed, informal dining with top notch bar style food.
The Ship Inn has both a formal restaurant for fine dining and a barbecue area overlooking the beach for sunny days at the seaside. The Ship also organises beach cricket and rugby matches regularly over the summer months, and it's a very popular spot with locals and holidaymakers alike. Wide-ranging menu to suit all tastes.
93 locals recommend
The Ship Inn
7-9 Quality St
93 locals recommend
The Ship Inn has both a formal restaurant for fine dining and a barbecue area overlooking the beach for sunny days at the seaside. The Ship also organises beach cricket and rugby matches regularly over the summer months, and it's a very popular spot with locals and holidaymakers alike. Wide-ranging menu to suit all tastes.
The East Pier smokehouse is open 7 days a week over the summer months and at weekends from April - October for informal dining and superb seafood. An ideal stopping point for hungry walkers on the Fife Coastal Path. It can get very busy at weekends when the sun is shining as there is a deck type seating area outside overlooking the harbour.
31 locals recommend
East Pier
East Shore
31 locals recommend
The East Pier smokehouse is open 7 days a week over the summer months and at weekends from April - October for informal dining and superb seafood. An ideal stopping point for hungry walkers on the Fife Coastal Path. It can get very busy at weekends when the sun is shining as there is a deck type seating area outside overlooking the harbour.
This is THE iconic eatery for good fish and chips along the East Neuk coastline. You'll find a queue forming at various points during the day, but it's always worth the wait! If you sit in you will be served fish suppers including bread and butter and a hot drink. Very popular place to visit. There is an ice cream parlour too for ice cream to take out after your visit.
65 locals recommend
Anstruther Fish Bar
42 - 44 Shore Street
65 locals recommend
This is THE iconic eatery for good fish and chips along the East Neuk coastline. You'll find a queue forming at various points during the day, but it's always worth the wait! If you sit in you will be served fish suppers including bread and butter and a hot drink. Very popular place to visit. There is an ice cream parlour too for ice cream to take out after your visit.
If you want to walk from Sandcastle Cottage for fish and chips this is the place to go. There is a sit-in option with a few tables, and there is plenty on the menu as well as traditional Fish and Chips. Opt for breaded fish if you want a slightly lighter choice.
Crail Fish Bar & Cafe
35 High St
If you want to walk from Sandcastle Cottage for fish and chips this is the place to go. There is a sit-in option with a few tables, and there is plenty on the menu as well as traditional Fish and Chips. Opt for breaded fish if you want a slightly lighter choice.
An excellent option for high tea at The Bakehouse Cafe behind The Wee Chippy. You'll get traditional fish and chip teas, but there are lots of other options too for all the family. And for afters, a selection of traybakes and scones so be sure to leave some room!
7 locals recommend
The Wee Chippy
4 Shore St
7 locals recommend
An excellent option for high tea at The Bakehouse Cafe behind The Wee Chippy. You'll get traditional fish and chip teas, but there are lots of other options too for all the family. And for afters, a selection of traybakes and scones so be sure to leave some room!
The Dreel Tavern in Anstruther is a traditional bar serving a chef-cooked bar meal menu with plenty of locally sourced options.
19 locals recommend
Dreel Tavern
16 High St W
19 locals recommend
The Dreel Tavern in Anstruther is a traditional bar serving a chef-cooked bar meal menu with plenty of locally sourced options.
There is a branch of G H Barnett in Crail where you can buy fresh bread, cakes, pies and other baked goods. The award winning cheese and leek loaf is worth ordering the day before to ensure your supply, but there will be plenty of other options provided that you visit early enough. This is the place for daily bread and rolls to accompany your Penman's bacon and sausages!
G.H. Barnett
There is a branch of G H Barnett in Crail where you can buy fresh bread, cakes, pies and other baked goods. The award winning cheese and leek loaf is worth ordering the day before to ensure your supply, but there will be plenty of other options provided that you visit early enough. This is the place for daily bread and rolls to accompany your Penman's bacon and sausages!
Visit Penman's Butcher's in High Street Crail for excellent quality meats and deli items. If there is something you would like, and you don't see it on display, remember to ask as Keith Hutcheon would be happy to order it for you. You can also phone ahead if you are planning a big family meal or celebration such as at Christmas or New Year. Caroline will be delighted to take your order and have everything ready for your arrival. Open early in the morning, closed over lunchtime between 1 and 2 pm and on Sundays.
Penman J B
38 High St
Visit Penman's Butcher's in High Street Crail for excellent quality meats and deli items. If there is something you would like, and you don't see it on display, remember to ask as Keith Hutcheon would be happy to order it for you. You can also phone ahead if you are planning a big family meal or celebration such as at Christmas or New Year. Caroline will be delighted to take your order and have everything ready for your arrival. Open early in the morning, closed over lunchtime between 1 and 2 pm and on Sundays.
Family run award-winning farm shop. Worth stopping in if you are in the area for steak pies, wide range of frozen food items and speciality food and drink from the local area. The freshest fruit and veg will be picked in season from the farm. Frequent craft fairs run in the upstairs loft of the shop too.
36 locals recommend
Ardross Farm Shop
36 locals recommend
Family run award-winning farm shop. Worth stopping in if you are in the area for steak pies, wide range of frozen food items and speciality food and drink from the local area. The freshest fruit and veg will be picked in season from the farm. Frequent craft fairs run in the upstairs loft of the shop too.
This restaurant currently holds 2 AA Rosettes and a rating of 5 in The Good Food Guide. Situated on St Monans Harbour with great views over the Firth of Forth. Small friendly excellent service. All food locally sourced. Fine dining experience. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12.30 - 2.00 pm and dinner Wednesday to Sunday 6.30 - 9.00 pm. Reservations are advisable and can be made online or by telephone.
19 locals recommend
Craig Millar @ 16 West End
16 W End
19 locals recommend
This restaurant currently holds 2 AA Rosettes and a rating of 5 in The Good Food Guide. Situated on St Monans Harbour with great views over the Firth of Forth. Small friendly excellent service. All food locally sourced. Fine dining experience. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12.30 - 2.00 pm and dinner Wednesday to Sunday 6.30 - 9.00 pm. Reservations are advisable and can be made online or by telephone.
This restaurant has one Michelin Star. Chef owned fine dining situated in the heart of Anstruther. All food locally sourced, varied menu with an impressive selection of locally produced beers, gins, whisky and selected wines from across the world to compliment the food. Booking is advisable. Open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday 6.30 - 9.00 pm, lunch Thursday - Sunday 12.30- 1.45 and Friday only October to March
30 locals recommend
The Cellar
24 E Green
30 locals recommend
This restaurant has one Michelin Star. Chef owned fine dining situated in the heart of Anstruther. All food locally sourced, varied menu with an impressive selection of locally produced beers, gins, whisky and selected wines from across the world to compliment the food. Booking is advisable. Open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday 6.30 - 9.00 pm, lunch Thursday - Sunday 12.30- 1.45 and Friday only October to March

Sightseeing

The 117 mile long Fife Coastal Path is one of Scotland's great long distance paths. The central section between Leven and St Andrews follows the East Neuk coastline and can be walked in short sections of between 3 and 10 miles, making it good for younger or less experienced walkers. The hourly coastal bus service means that you can easily find a way to your start point. Walking from village to village from Elie to St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke and Crail provides plenty of choice to combine walking with stops for picnics or at the local cafes and restaurants en route.
51 locals recommend
Fife Coastal Path
Fife Coastal Path
51 locals recommend
The 117 mile long Fife Coastal Path is one of Scotland's great long distance paths. The central section between Leven and St Andrews follows the East Neuk coastline and can be walked in short sections of between 3 and 10 miles, making it good for younger or less experienced walkers. The hourly coastal bus service means that you can easily find a way to your start point. Walking from village to village from Elie to St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke and Crail provides plenty of choice to combine walking with stops for picnics or at the local cafes and restaurants en route.
The Isle of May is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage and is accessible by boat from Anstruther. The island is home to approximately 250,000 seabirds including Puffins,Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags. There are also 150 seals living on the island all the year round. If you are lucky you may see the odd Porpoise, Dolphins or a Minky Whale. You can also explore the old lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson and the new visitor centre. This is a really enjoyable day out for all the family and not to be missed.
12 locals recommend
Isle of May
12 locals recommend
The Isle of May is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage and is accessible by boat from Anstruther. The island is home to approximately 250,000 seabirds including Puffins,Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags. There are also 150 seals living on the island all the year round. If you are lucky you may see the odd Porpoise, Dolphins or a Minky Whale. You can also explore the old lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson and the new visitor centre. This is a really enjoyable day out for all the family and not to be missed.
Kellie Castle is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and was the former home of the sculptor Robert Lorimer. The castle dates from the 14th Century and has some magnificent plaster ceilings, painted paneling and fine furniture. The garden is packed with beautiful borders,old fashioned roses and herbaceous plants as well as fruit and vegetables. The castle also hosts seasonable events throughout the year.
32 locals recommend
Kellie Castle
32 locals recommend
Kellie Castle is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and was the former home of the sculptor Robert Lorimer. The castle dates from the 14th Century and has some magnificent plaster ceilings, painted paneling and fine furniture. The garden is packed with beautiful borders,old fashioned roses and herbaceous plants as well as fruit and vegetables. The castle also hosts seasonable events throughout the year.

Parks & Nature

The Walled Garden at Cambo Estate provides a sheltered spot to enjoy the glorious garden all year round. In early spring the Snowdrops Festival gives you a reason to get out for a woodland walk through Cambo woods and towards the beach at Kingsbarns. There's a cafe and shop selling plants from the gardens. Lots of activities and events are organised throughout the year too, and Cambolicious Beer Festival is a special family-friendly event.
23 locals recommend
Cambo Gardens
23 locals recommend
The Walled Garden at Cambo Estate provides a sheltered spot to enjoy the glorious garden all year round. In early spring the Snowdrops Festival gives you a reason to get out for a woodland walk through Cambo woods and towards the beach at Kingsbarns. There's a cafe and shop selling plants from the gardens. Lots of activities and events are organised throughout the year too, and Cambolicious Beer Festival is a special family-friendly event.
Great fun for a day out with all the family. Craigtoun Country Park has mini-railway, crazy golf, trampolines, putting, Puffing Billy tractor rides, greenhouses, bowling green, cafe, boating - both rowing and pedal boats. Also regular events held throughout the summer season. Large areas for play and picnicking too.
12 locals recommend
Craigtoun Park
12 locals recommend
Great fun for a day out with all the family. Craigtoun Country Park has mini-railway, crazy golf, trampolines, putting, Puffing Billy tractor rides, greenhouses, bowling green, cafe, boating - both rowing and pedal boats. Also regular events held throughout the summer season. Large areas for play and picnicking too.

Arts & Culture

The Scottish Fisheries Museum likes to say "it's bigger than it looks" and indeed it is! There are galleries devoted to all sorts of different aspects of coastal life, crafts and boatbuilding. It's certainly easy to spend a few hours here on a rainy day. Children go free with accompanying adults. There is a cafe too which provides good value food and drink for visitors. A programme of talks and craft activities throughout the year too.
17 locals recommend
Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust Ltd
Harbourhead
17 locals recommend
The Scottish Fisheries Museum likes to say "it's bigger than it looks" and indeed it is! There are galleries devoted to all sorts of different aspects of coastal life, crafts and boatbuilding. It's certainly easy to spend a few hours here on a rainy day. Children go free with accompanying adults. There is a cafe too which provides good value food and drink for visitors. A programme of talks and craft activities throughout the year too.
Crail Museum and Heritage centre is the place to go to find out about the history of the local area. There is a special collection relating to HMS Jackdaw which was the Naval Air Station at Crail Airfield during World War II and a language school for the military during the Cold War in the 1950s and early 1960s. Also of note is the information held there about the local fishing industry and the heritage of the village.
Crail Museum and Heritage Centre
62-64 Marketgate S
Crail Museum and Heritage centre is the place to go to find out about the history of the local area. There is a special collection relating to HMS Jackdaw which was the Naval Air Station at Crail Airfield during World War II and a language school for the military during the Cold War in the 1950s and early 1960s. Also of note is the information held there about the local fishing industry and the heritage of the village.
Kingsbarns Distillery is an opportunity to explore a working whisky distillery and find out about the process of making whisky. The distillery runs tours throughout the day, or you can simply visit the information centre, stop and the coffee shop for light meals or browse in the well-stocked shop for gift items and memorabilia.
31 locals recommend
Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
31 locals recommend
Kingsbarns Distillery is an opportunity to explore a working whisky distillery and find out about the process of making whisky. The distillery runs tours throughout the day, or you can simply visit the information centre, stop and the coffee shop for light meals or browse in the well-stocked shop for gift items and memorabilia.
This underground shelter was constructed to safeguard key members of the UK Government in the event of a nuclear war. Fascinating insight into the period following the Second World War. The Museum includes a command centre, sleeping quarters for staff and an insight into how the site was operated during the Cold War.
41 locals recommend
Scotland's Secret Bunker
41 locals recommend
This underground shelter was constructed to safeguard key members of the UK Government in the event of a nuclear war. Fascinating insight into the period following the Second World War. The Museum includes a command centre, sleeping quarters for staff and an insight into how the site was operated during the Cold War.
Crail Gallery is where you will find local artists and printmakers Davie Sim and Susie Lacome. Their bright and original works are an ideal gift or present to yourself. There are cards and framed artworks for sale, as well as illustrated children's books.
The Crail Gallery
22 High St
Crail Gallery is where you will find local artists and printmakers Davie Sim and Susie Lacome. Their bright and original works are an ideal gift or present to yourself. There are cards and framed artworks for sale, as well as illustrated children's books.

Entertainment & Activities

At Elie Watersports everyone has the opportunity to try different water sports - there's sea kayaking, windsurfing, pedal boats, yachting, mountain bikes and more. The large shallow bay around Elie Harbour is an ideal place to have fun and learn new sports.
23 locals recommend
Elie Watersports
23 locals recommend
At Elie Watersports everyone has the opportunity to try different water sports - there's sea kayaking, windsurfing, pedal boats, yachting, mountain bikes and more. The large shallow bay around Elie Harbour is an ideal place to have fun and learn new sports.
At Crail Golfing Society you will be welcomed to the world's 7th oldest Golf Club with one of the oldest links courses at Balcomie, designed by Tom Morris. Both this and the Craighead Course, designed by Gil Hanse, are championship courses where day visitors are very welcome. Fantastic views out over the bay from both courses.
11 locals recommend
Crail Golfing Society
11 locals recommend
At Crail Golfing Society you will be welcomed to the world's 7th oldest Golf Club with one of the oldest links courses at Balcomie, designed by Tom Morris. Both this and the Craighead Course, designed by Gil Hanse, are championship courses where day visitors are very welcome. Fantastic views out over the bay from both courses.
Only 3 miles from Crail, Kingsbarns Golf Links is one of the venues for the Dunhill Cup each October. Day visitors are also welcome, but booking is advisable.
21 locals recommend
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Back Stile
21 locals recommend
Only 3 miles from Crail, Kingsbarns Golf Links is one of the venues for the Dunhill Cup each October. Day visitors are also welcome, but booking is advisable.

Getting Around

For those wishing to travel to the East Neuk of Fife by train, there is the possibility of renting a car at Cupar, one of the railway stations on the main line between Edinburgh and Dundee.
7 locals recommend
Enterprise Car & Van Hire - Cupar
West Port
7 locals recommend
For those wishing to travel to the East Neuk of Fife by train, there is the possibility of renting a car at Cupar, one of the railway stations on the main line between Edinburgh and Dundee.

Essentials

Speciality coffees and teas, fabulous selection of whole foods and ingredients for cooking. Treats and ices too. The Smoke Fired element of the name refers to the fine pottery business which you can also find in the store. Definitely worth a visit.
The Smoke Fired Whole Foods Shop Food
11 High St W
Speciality coffees and teas, fabulous selection of whole foods and ingredients for cooking. Treats and ices too. The Smoke Fired element of the name refers to the fine pottery business which you can also find in the store. Definitely worth a visit.
Open long hours 7-days a week for essential items and off-licence. Baked goods arrive daily and there is a small selection of fresh fruit and veg. Daily newspapers and magazines too.
25 locals recommend
The Co-operative Food
7 High St
25 locals recommend
Open long hours 7-days a week for essential items and off-licence. Baked goods arrive daily and there is a small selection of fresh fruit and veg. Daily newspapers and magazines too.
Clem Green stocks fresh fruit and veg as well as having a fish counter where you can buy Crail crab in season. You'll also find eggs, jams and chutneys and some deli items. The local stockist for Barnsmuir strawberries, raspberries and other soft fruits in season too.
Green`s
14 High St
Clem Green stocks fresh fruit and veg as well as having a fish counter where you can buy Crail crab in season. You'll also find eggs, jams and chutneys and some deli items. The local stockist for Barnsmuir strawberries, raspberries and other soft fruits in season too.
Finlay and his team provide an advice service at Crail Pharmacy as well as gift items and the usual goods you would expect.
Crail Pharmacy
18 High St
Finlay and his team provide an advice service at Crail Pharmacy as well as gift items and the usual goods you would expect.
Confectionery and ice cream, gifts and haberdashery as well as the local Post Office can be found at The Beehive in the centre of Crail's High Street.
The Beehive
28 High St
Confectionery and ice cream, gifts and haberdashery as well as the local Post Office can be found at The Beehive in the centre of Crail's High Street.
For a larger Co-operative store, the one in Anstruther is where locals from the East Neuk of Fife will go for shopping. The usual range of groceries, with a bakery counter, deli and fresh meats as well as some seasonal items. Off licence, newspapers and magazines etc.
15 locals recommend
Co-op Food
Saint Andrews Road
15 locals recommend
For a larger Co-operative store, the one in Anstruther is where locals from the East Neuk of Fife will go for shopping. The usual range of groceries, with a bakery counter, deli and fresh meats as well as some seasonal items. Off licence, newspapers and magazines etc.