The Great Lodging - Anstruther - Details of Accommodation

The East Neuk is the name given to the picturesque south east corner of Fife, on the shores of the Firth of Forth, and includes the fishing villages of Anstruther, Crail, Pittenweem, St Monans, Largo, and Elie. The East Neuk, and the surrounding areas of Fife, have many visitor attractions ranging from the Home of Golf (St Andrews) to coastal walks and many fascinating heritage sites.

Anstruther, or Anster as the locals call it, is the largest of the East Neuk villages. Today, it is best known as the home of the Scottish Fisheries Museum but it was once one of Scotland's main fishing ports in the 19th century. Anstruther, like many of the Firth of Forth villages traded with the Low Countries and Scandinavia, before becoming an important centre for herring fishing and has a long and fascinating history. Take a tour of Anstruther, visit the shops and restaurants, walk along the cobbled streets and through the little alleyways and wynds, and note the traditional architecture often with dates on the buildings.

The Great Lodging makes an ideal base for holidays or tours of this part of Scotland. Whether you are playing golf, visiting the many heritage sites, enjoying walking and wildlife, or just relaxing in the quaint and charming atmosphere of this ancient fishing village, you will never run out of things to do or places to go.

For more detailed information or specific inquiries about local attractions, contact the Anstruther Tourist Information Centre (Seasonal opening). This is situated close by in the Scottish Fisheries Museum:
Tourist Information Centre
Harbourhead,
Anstruther,
Fife,
Tel: 01333 311073,
Email: anstruther@visitfife.com

GOLF

HERITAGE

Scotland's Secret Bunker, Troy Wood (3 miles north of Anstruther)
Opened to the public in 1994, this was to have been the government HQ for Scotland in the event of nuclear war.. Apart from the café and gift shop, the bunker has been left as it was in the 1950s. One of Fife's most interesting attractions

Kellie Castle, Pittenweem
A National Trust for Scotland property dating back to the 12th century and steeped in history. Kellie Castle is well worth a visit for all the family. Many interesting exhibits including toys and a rocking horse in the nursery, a period kitchen and grand apartments as well. The castle has beautiful gardens and a children's play park.

Genealogy
If you wish to research your family roots in Anstruther, Genuk websites for Anstruther Easter and Anstruther Wester may help you or try the national genealogy website for Scotland, Scotland's People.

RESTAURANTS

There are several good restaurants in Anstruther including some serving local seafood specialities. Try out the Cellar Restaurant, the Dreel Tavern and the Craw's Nest Hotel and, of course the Anstruther Fish Bar, once voted as serving Scotland's best fish and chips.

SAILING & SEALIFE

The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther
A fascinating insight into the life and work of a fishing community. There's also a fine collection of fishing boats and model boats, equipment, maps and compasses, as well as an aquarium. You can also visit the North Carr Lightship moored in the harbour opposite the museum.

Isle of May, Firth of Forth
This island is home to a large population of puffins, shags, guillemots, razorbills kittiwakes and seals. It became a national Nature Reserve in 1956. The first first lighthouse in Scotland was built here in 1636 and you can also see the remains of the Chapel of St Adrian who was murdered on the island in 875. During the summer months there is a daily sailing to this spectacular island.

St Andrew Aquarium
This has many displays and is a great favourite with children. There are touch pools, talks and demonstrations. The aquarium is also a centre for rehabilitating and releasing back to the wild marine animals such as seals.

Harbour
Boat trips are available for sea angling or sightseeing to visit local areas of interest such as the Isle of May. Another marine attraction is the Anstruther Lifeboat Station.

WALKING AND WILDLIFE

Fife Coastal Path
The Fife Coastal Path (more details here) runs for approximately 81 miles (135 km) along most of Fife's coastline from the Forth Bridge to the Tay Bridge. Anstruther is approximately half way along the route and a good base for walking. The path passes through both historical and natural landscapes catering for varying degrees of of walking abilities. The path is well marked and you can see seals, basking sharks and even dolphins. Historical tastes are catered for as well. There are prehistoric caves, a windmill, castles and the homes of at least three famous tea clipper captains. You can even visit the cliffs at Kinghorn where Scotland's King Alexander III fell to his death in 1268.

There are many other places places for walking and wildlife in Fife. Tentsmuir Point National Nature Reserve which has a dynamic coastline and is important site for seaduck, waders and wildfowl, as well as grey seals and common seals. There are many other locations where you can bird watch in Fife. Enjoy a walk in the attractive surroundings of St Andrews Botanic Gardens, or visit the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar which also has birds of prey and wolves.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Craigtoun Park
Craigtoun Country Park near St Andrews is, an adventure playground suitable for families. For younger visitors there is an adventure playground, miniature railway, trampolines and bouncy castle. For older visitors there are formal gardens, glasshouses and bowling green as well as boating, crazy golf, and a pets' corner.

Fyfeoffroad.com has a quad bike track for both novices and more experienced riders from 6 years of age upwards. There is also an off road Land Rover course. Fife has one of the most extensive cycle networks in the UK with over 300 miles of of country lanes, disused railway lines and forrest tracks. Find out more at Millennium Cycle Ways. If you like horse riding, find out more here.

THEATRE AND ARTS

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SHOPPING

As well as the many local shops in Anstruther and the surrounding East Neuk villages, there are major shopping centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth.

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Things To Do In Anstruther and Fife