The Best Things To Do In Anstruther, Scotland | Fife’s Biggest Harbour Town
Chances are, like me, you’ve come across Anstruther when planning a trip to the beautiful Fife coast.
The biggest and busiest harbour town in the wonderful East Neuk, perched on a busy marina and overlooking the ocean, Anstruther is a lively hub of cafes, restaurants, and boutique accommodation. And though perhaps less quaint than its pretty fishing village neighbours like Pittenweem and Crail, nonetheless it’s the type of place well worth stopping when visiting the best places in Fife.
And for good reason. Aside from the practical amenities available (something you won’t find in the nearby harbour hamlets), Anstruther also has several utterly incredible places to eat including one of my favourite restaurants in Scotland.
Situated in the middle of the East Neuk, it’s just over an hour from Edinburgh, convenient to access by car or bus, and just a short walk along the coast to several of the very best beaches and harbour villages in Fife.
After staying for a few nights when I walked the Fife Coastal Path, I’ve created this guide to help you plan and make the most from your visit. From the best things to do in Anstruther, to where to stay and personal recommendations on places to eat, there’s also some helpful travel tips.
The best things to do in Anstruther
1. Visit Anstruther beach
Small but perfectly formed sums up Anstruther’s Billow Ness beach, a narrow, secluded stretch of sand that’s easily missed, being tucked away just outside of town.
For a beach that’s so close to a busy marina it’s remarkably clean and though it’s unlikely you’ll want to sunbathe here (there are other bigger Fife beaches perfect for that), it is a popular spot for wild swimming or simply relaxing. Do be aware that Bllow Ness is at the mercy of the sea and best visited at low tide; don’t be surprised by the amount of seaweed often deposited after stormy weather.
You can find the beach here, easily accessed by following the blue Fife Coastal Path signposts (frequently stuck to lampposts) from the centre of town.
2. Explore Anstruther harbour
One of the best things to do in Anstruther, a wander along the busy harbour is a must.
Once home to Scotland’s main fishing fleet, these days Anstruther harbour is more pleasure crafts than fishing boats. Yet it’s still a perfect spot for a stroll, especially at sunset when the golden glow and soft pastel palette over the yachts is really rather pretty.
To the right and left sides of the old harbour walls are tiny pockets of soft sand, perfectly formed little beaches only visible to those who explore beyond the marina. Find the harbour here.
3. Visit the artisan stores
Mainstream shops are non-existent in Anstruther (not a bad thing), but there are a number of charming, independent stores to peruse around the town. Selling artisan gifts, handmade crafts, alongside interior bits & bobs, these little shops are usually these are found away from the high street and amongst the narrow, winding back streets.
Some of my favourite Anstruther shops are:
Seaweed n Stuff (here)
Oak Tree Pantry (here)
East Neuk Books (here)
Fifi At Home (here)
East Neuk Beach Crafts (here).
For a more practical food shop, you’ll find a well-stocked Co-Op (here)
4. Discover Cellardyke Harbour
Around a 20-minute walk from Anstruther is the quaint conservation village of Cellardyke and its 16th-century harbour.
Along the way, pass through a terrace of traditional cottages – these were once fisherman’s cottages, with their distinctive red pantile roofs and a myriad of wynds (narrow lanes) giving tantalising glimpses to the sea beyond.
The best place for sea views, however, is the harbour.
As with many of the East Neuk harbours, this was once the scene of a thriving fishing industry, though nowadays you’re more likely to find small pleasure crafts and SUPs sheltering amongst the stone walls. Nonetheless, Cellardyke harbour is incredibly photogenic; undoubtedly this is one of the most beautiful harbours along this coast.
You can find the harbour here, and the start of the village here. easily walkable from Anstruther harbour.
5. walk the Fife Coastal Path
Anstruther sits in the middle of Fife’s long-distance coastal trail, 187km of gorgeous sea views and stunning beaches. Fortunately you don’t need to walk the entire trail, and from Anstruther you can easily access some of the best parts of the Fife Coastal Path.
Once here, walk east to the pretty harbour village of Crail, with its stunning harbour and thriving foodie scene. Or head west to the traditional fishing ports of Pittenweem and St Monans, with their whitewashed cottages and clifftop views.
Either direction should take around an hour along the easy-to-follow coastal path, and you can return by bus.
6. Take a Fife coastal day trip
As I’ve mentioned, Anstruther is the biggest town in the East Neuk area and offers more options for accommodation and eating out in this stunning section of coast. Therefore, using it as a base for a few days, or combining it with a bigger Fife day trip, is an excellent option.
Once here, visit the lovely harbour villages, a few wonderful Fife beaches, or hit up historic St Andrews. And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out my Fife Coastal Itinerary.
Although you can visit this coast by car or bus, if you don’t fancy driving, then a very popular thing to do is this small group tour which takes in a selection of the best Fife harbour villages, and also includes time for lunch, walks, and exploring around St Andrews. Or, for a hint of luxury then this private tour has excellent reviews and the opportunity to customise your itinerary. Both leave from Edinburgh and are the perfect addition to your Scotland trip.
7. Fish & chips at the Anstruther Fish Bar
Given you’re in the East Neuk, eating fish & chips is a must, and the best place to do that in Anstruther is its most famous chip shop, the Anstruther Fish Bar. My advice is to skip the frequently enormous queue and order takeaway fish & chips; weather permitting, enjoy on one of the benches, or beaches, overlooking the harbour. Just watch out for chip-stealing seagulls.
If you are lucky enough to nab a table inside, then order a ‘traditional fish tea’ – flaky battered fish, crisp fluffy chips, bread & butter, mushy peas, all served with a pot of tea.
The Anstruther Fish Bar is open every day and you should expect to queue at the weekend – no reservations mean tables are first-come-first-served. Find it here.
Of course, there’s so much more to the dining scene in Anstruther than fish & chips. You’ll find a wide range of delicious food in this harbour town, plus heaps of dining options. You can discover some of the best Anstruther restaurants in this foodie guide, including The Cellar and The Dreel Tavern.
Where to stay in Anstruther
Most people who stay in the East Neuk are understandably looking for boutique accommodation, a stay in-keeping with the area’s heritage and harbour charm. Indeed, there are very few ‘standard’ hotels in the area, and much of the accommodation available provides beautiful but small stays.
Anstruther is no exception and there are plenty of cottages, rooms, & small hotels each with a design-led aesthetic and modern touches. So, based on my extensive research, here is a selection of Anstruther’s best accommodation:
Ainster House | One of my favourite stays in Fife mostly due to the aesthetic, this luxury self-catering cottage is stunning. Thoughtfully designed, inside is stylish, boutique, and contemporary. There are 4 bedrooms and a range of spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchen, plus views out over the river. Find out more here.
The Dreel Loft | This loft in the centre of Anstruther is actually very modern, though there is a definite seaside charm in its airy and comfortable rooms. This loft has 2 bedrooms, a good kitchen, and lovely views. Reviews are excellent. Find out more here.
The Old Net Store | This studio flat on the edge of town is a gorgeous option for anyone who wants their own extra space and an equipped kitchen. Inside is contemporary with a neutral palette and tons of light, plus an incredibly spacious bedroom/living space. Find out more here.
The Old Smithy | A traditional stone built cottage with heaps of history, inside is surprisingly contemporary and open plan airy. There are two double bedrooms, perfect for a family or friends self-catering break, right in the heart of town. Find out more here.
The Coastal Inn | If you’re looking for an affordable small hotel by the sea, this inn in Cellardyke is an excellent option with cosy and comfortable rooms. Reviews are excellent and a hearty breakfast is included. Find out more here.
The Waterfront | This small hotel in the centre of Anstruther is another excellent option, with some rooms overlooking the harbour. The rooms are modern, spacious, and contemporary, with touches of luxury. Plus an excellent breakfast is included and reviews are excellent. Find out more here.
How to get to Anstruther + parking
By bus
The easiest way to get to Anstruther by public transport is from Edinburgh, where a direct bus service links the capital with the East Neuk. The journey from Edinburgh to Anstruther takes around 2-hours, and you can plan it here.
By car
From Edinburgh, the drive time to Anstruther is around 1 hour 20 minutes, and from Glasgow 1 hour 45 minutes.
However, I don’t recommend you drive directly to Anstruther – there are so many lovely places to visit on the way, and, if you have time, then plan to stop and explore. Therefore, places like Culross (1-hour), Aberdour (50-minutes), Elie (15-minutes) and St Monans (10-minutes) are all options.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out my Fife Coastal Itinerary for suggestions.
Parking in Anstruther
Parking in Anstruther is generally reasonably easy and so long as you arrive early, there are plenty of spaces. That being said, spaces are usually in demand at weekends and also during summer months when Anstruther sees an influx of visitors. Whilst there are spaces on Shore Street and nearby residential streets, generally, these are very tight parallel spaces and limited in number.
So, anyone staying in Anstruther and arriving with a car should ask their accommodation provider if they have dedicated car parking, or where they would recommend for free street parking. If this is essential for you, I would recommend booking accommodation with onsite parking.
For day trippers, the best parking option I’ve seen is in one of the town’s dedicated car parks. These tend to be free for the first two hours and then payable for the rest of the day. The best options are:
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