Set on the dramatic shores of the East Neuk of Fife, Anstruther is a scenic harbour town renowned for its maritime past and stunning coastal scenery. And if you are a seafood lover? You are in for an absolute treat.
Located just over ten miles south of the lively university town of St Andrews, Anstruther is an excellent stop for travellers trying to embrace the authentic charm of a traditional coastal town in Scotland.
Over the years, we have taken a few day trips from Edinburgh to explore Anstruther and its neighbouring fishing villages and every time, we discovered something new. Also, this pretty town is easily reachable by public transport, making it a great escape from the city.
In this travel guide, I will share some of the best things you can do during your visit, places to eat, and a few lovely hikes you won’t want to miss.
9 Best Things to Do in Anstruther, Fife
1. Stroll around the Harbour
At the heart of the town lies its lively harbour. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Anstruther was an important herring port in Fife. So, you can imagine how busy the harbour must be. Today, there are more pleasure boats than fishing boats and trade vessels.
Meander around the old stone walls of the harbour. You will get incredible views of Shore Street, lined with colourful houses and various shops.
Watch local sailors tending to their boats or birds flying overhead. Grab a bench and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
2. Take a Boat Tour to the Isle of May
Truth be told, we were expecting to spot puffins in remote islands and distant coastal areas of Scotland, but we didn’t think we would be able to catch a glimpse of them somewhere so close to Edinburgh.
From Anstruther, hop on a boat tour to the beautiful Isle of May. Located just five miles offshore in the Firth of Forth, this small island is a haven for an array of wildlife and seabirds.
Boats depart regularly from Anstruther Harbour between April and October. We took the May Princess, and the crossing took about 45 minutes. If you are lucky, porpoises and dolphins might tag along for the ride.
If you have never seen a puffin up close, this is your chance to catch these clowns of the sea in their natural habitats. Between April and July, the Isle of May buzzes with tens of thousands of puffins. But they are not alone. Keep an eye out for Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes.
Not only Anstruther. Tour boats for the Isle of May also depart from North Berwick harbour.
3. Walk Fife Coastal Path: Anstruther to St Monans
We highly recommend doing this short hike from Anstruther. It is our favourite section of the Fife Coastal Path and offers incredible views of the famous white-washed and red-roofed fishing villages of East Neuk, Pittenweem and St Monans.
The trail is well signposted and easy to follow. Also, it takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete and covers a distance of 3.5 miles.
Leaving Anstruther behind, walking along the coast, you will soon reach Pittenweem. Meander around the harbour area and search for St Fillan’s Cave.
The next stop in your hike is St Monans, one of the most charming villages in Scotland. After admiring the picturesque, neatly rowed cottages, visit the dramatic St Monans Parish Church.
At the end of your hike, you can either catch a Stagecoach bus to return to Anstruther or you can continue the trail to the stunning beach town of Elie.
4. Taste Some Delicious Seafood at Anstruther Fish Bar
Located on Shore Street, Anstruther Fish Bar is one of the most famous chippy shops in Scotland. Over the years, they have picked up a shelf full of awards for their legendary fish suppers, and honestly, the hype is real.
Whenever we visit them, there is always a long queue outside. They have an indoor seating arrangement if you fancy a sit-down meal, but we went for a classic takeaway.
Enjoy your meal on the benches overlooking the harbour. Stay on alert for the chip-loving seagulls, though. The fish was fresh, flaky, and the batter was perfectly light and crispy. Portion size is generous.
While they are more renowned for their traditional haddock, there is plenty more on offer. You can try lemon sole, hake, squid, or even prawns if you are feeling fancy.
5. Plan a Day Trip to St Andrews
If you are visiting Anstruther, it is well worth planning a short trip to the nearby town of St Andrews. It takes only 20 minutes by car and slightly longer by local Stagecoach bus.
This seaside town is known worldwide for its golf legacy. You will find plenty of things to do in St Andrews.
Stroll around the town centre, bustling with cosy cafes, bookshops, and old historic buildings. Visit the magnificent ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. It was once the largest church in Scotland. Also, take a tour of the nearby St Andrews Castle.
The Old Course, known as the home of golf, sits right on the edge of West Sands Beach. Look out for the iconic Swilcan Bridge.
6. Enjoy a Picnic at Anstruther Billowness Beach
There are two small sandy strips on both sides of the harbour. But to find the Billowness Beach, you have to head west from the town centre. It takes roughly a 10-minute walk to get to this secluded sandy bay.
Billowness Beach sits on the Fife Coastal Path. At low tide, the sand expands significantly, making it a perfect spot for a beach stroll or a picnic, perhaps. Kids can also go rock pooling here.
Located so close to Anstruther, it is barely crowded, even during summer days. Climb the nearby war memorial for a photo opportunity to capture this beach and the town.
7. Hike Fife Coastal Path: Anstruther to Crail
This walking route to Crail is another popular section of the Fife Coastal Path. It is around 4.25 miles long and usually takes about two hours to complete.
Start by following the coastal path signs heading east from Anstruther. Soon you will reach the sleepy neighbourhood of Cellardyke.
After that, the path quickly becomes more rural and open. As you walk, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the North Sea, the Isle of May and the Bass Rock. The path takes you past rocky tidal pools and interesting rock formations along the shore.
As you near Crail, the path levels out and the rooftops of the village begin to appear. Crail is one of the most picturesque places in Fife.
8. Discover Cellardyke
When you are done exploring Anstruther, take a short stroll to the peaceful suburb of Cellardyke. Less popular than its neighbouring town, Cellardyke is a hidden gem. It only takes about 10 minutes to walk here.
Cellardyke was once a busy fishing village. Back in the day, it was known for its boatbuilding and herring industry. Today, it is a peaceful spot with narrow streets and stone cottages. Walk around the charming little harbour. If the day is sunny and warm, you can try wild swimming at the nearby Cellardyke Tidal Pool. Walk past the harbour to find it.
9. Visit the Scottish Fisheries Museum
Situated near the Anstruther harbour, this museum offers an in-depth look into Scotland’s maritime heritage. It particularly focuses on its fishing industry.
Inside, you will find a carefully curated collection of objects, photographs, archival films, and first-hand accounts detailing how fishing has changed over the years. It may look small from the outside. But the rooms are packed with various exhibits. There is an array of boats on display. One of the museum’s centrepieces is the Reaper, a restored 1903 herring drifter.
Best Places to Eat in Anstruther
For a small coastal town, Anstruther offers an impressive variety of places to eat and drink. While the famous Fish Bar often gets the spotlight, there are several other excellent spots worth trying.
The Dreel Tavern: Set in a historic 17th-century building, it is one of the oldest pubs in this town. You can order their seafood platter or taste the delicious Cullen Skink. In warmer months, the beer garden is a lovely spot to relax with a pint.
The Wee Chippy: Just steps from the harbour, this family-run fish and chip shop has earned a loyal following over the years. With fresh fish, crispy chips, and a dedicated gluten-free menu, it is a strong contender to its more famous neighbour.
Coast Cafe: For some delicious cakes and coffee, pop inside this cosy cafe. During lunch, you can have toasties, soups, and fresh pastries here.
How to Reach Anstruther from Edinburgh
By Train
There is no direct train line to Anstruther, but you can easily combine rail and bus travel.
Hop on a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Leuchars, the nearest railway station to Anstruther. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Leuchars, hop on a local Stagecoach bus to St Andrews, then switch to bus X60 or 95.
By Bus
From Edinburgh Bus Station, take the Stagecoach X60 bus to Anstruther. The bus runs hourly and takes around two and a half hours.
We will highly recommend buying the East Scotland DayRider ticket from the driver. It will save you money, and you can make unlimited trips on all Stagecoach buses across the whole of East Scotland.
By Car
Depending on traffic, the drive from Edinburgh to Anstruther should take about an hour and a half. If you’re coming from Glasgow, the drive takes around one hour and 50 minutes.
You could make a mini road trip out of it. There are plenty of lovely places to stop along the way. You could visit South Queensferry, Aberdour, Culross, or Elie.
Parking
There are various car parks and on-street parking available. Keep in mind that Anstruther gets busy during weekends and summer holidays. So, try to arrive early.
If you don’t mind a short walk, the St Andrews Road Car Park has 60 spaces and is free to use. Alternatively, you can park at East Basin Car Park near the harbour for a small fee.
