Fife Coast & St Andrews
Historic university town, world-famous golf, charming fishing villages and a stunning coastal path — around 25 miles from the hotel
Scotland's Most Storied Coastline
Just across the Tay Bridge from The Inchture Hotel lies the Kingdom of Fife — a peninsula rich in history, natural beauty and charm. From the world-famous university town of St Andrews to the picture-postcard fishing villages of the East Neuk, the Fife coast offers some of the finest day trips in Scotland.
St Andrews is around 25 miles from the hotel, easily reached in 30–40 minutes via the A90 and the Tay Road Bridge. Whether you're a golfer making a pilgrimage to the Home of Golf, a history lover drawn to the medieval ruins, or a couple seeking a romantic stroll along West Sands, St Andrews delivers an unforgettable day out.
Beyond St Andrews, the Fife Coastal Path winds south through a string of enchanting fishing villages — Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem and beyond — where whitewashed cottages, working harbours and outstanding seafood await. It's a side of Scotland that captures the heart of every visitor.
The Home of Golf & So Much More
A small town with an enormous reputation — St Andrews rewards every visitor, golfer or not.
25 miles · 35 minutes
The Old Course
The most famous golf course in the world. Even if you're not playing, walk along the iconic 18th fairway, cross the Swilcan Bridge and visit the R&A clubhouse. The British Golf Museum nearby tells the 500-year story of the game. For golfers, our golf accommodation page has more details on arranging tee times.
Medieval History
Castle & Cathedral
The atmospheric ruins of St Andrews Castle perch on a cliff above the sea, with underground mine and counter-mine tunnels to explore. Nearby, St Andrews Cathedral was once the largest church in Scotland — its surviving walls and tower still dominate the skyline. Climb St Rule's Tower for panoramic views across the town and coast.
Iconic Beach
West Sands
Made famous by the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire, West Sands is a magnificent sweep of golden beach stretching nearly two miles north of the town. Perfect for a bracing walk, a family beach day or simply watching the golfers tee off on the Old Course from the dunes above.
Charming Fishing Villages
South of St Andrews, the East Neuk (meaning "east corner") of Fife is a string of picturesque fishing villages that have changed remarkably little over the centuries. Crow-stepped gables, tiny harbours, colourful boats and narrow wynds create a scene that could be from a postcard — yet these are real, working communities with a proud fishing heritage.
The East Neuk is around 35–45 miles from the hotel depending on which village you visit, but the drive along the Fife coast is part of the pleasure. Pack a camera — you'll need it.
Anstruther
40 miles · 55 minutes
The unofficial capital of the East Neuk and home to the famous Anstruther Fish Bar — regularly voted among the best fish and chip shops in Britain. The Scottish Fisheries Museum on the harbourfront tells the remarkable story of Scotland's fishing heritage through beautifully curated exhibitions and historic boats.
Crail
38 miles · 50 minutes
Arguably the prettiest village in Fife. The tiny harbour at Crail, with its lobster pots, colourful boats and the distinctive red-roofed Tolbooth, is one of the most photographed spots in Scotland. The Sunday morning Crail Pottery Market is a local institution. Don't leave without browsing the galleries and craft shops.
Pittenweem
42 miles · 55 minutes
A working fishing village with a thriving arts scene. Pittenweem hosts an annual Arts Festival each August that transforms the entire village into a gallery, with exhibitions in houses, studios and even garden sheds. The harbour is one of the most active on the Fife coast, landing fresh catches daily.
Beyond the Coast
Fife has plenty to offer inland too. Falkland Palace, the beautifully preserved Renaissance palace of the Stuart monarchs, sits at the foot of the Lomond Hills and is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. The village of Falkland itself — which served as the fictional Inverness in the TV series Outlander — is a delight to explore.
The Fife Coastal Path stretches 117 miles from the Forth Bridge to the Tay Bridge, and you can walk individual sections as day walks. The stretch from St Andrews to Crail is particularly rewarding — around 10 miles of clifftop walking with stunning sea views and wildlife spotting along the way.
For something different, visit the St Andrews Aquarium on the seafront, or take a boat trip from Anstruther to the Isle of May — a nature reserve teeming with puffins, seals and seabirds during the summer months.
Who Will Love the Fife Coast?
Golfers
St Andrews is the birthplace of golf, and playing the Old Course is a bucket-list experience. With the Castle Course, New Course and dozens more links nearby, a golf-focused day trip to Fife is unforgettable. See our golf breaks page for more.
History Lovers
From medieval castle ruins and Scotland's oldest university to Renaissance palaces and centuries-old fishing villages, the Kingdom of Fife is a treasure trove of Scottish history. You could spend a week exploring and still discover something new.
Couples
A romantic stroll along West Sands, fresh seafood by a harbour, browsing craft galleries in Crail — the Fife coast is wonderfully romantic. Pair it with a night at The Inchture Hotel for the perfect couples' getaway.
Stay With Us
Base yourself at The Inchture Hotel and explore the Fife coast and St Andrews at your leisure. Comfortable rooms, fine dining and genuine Scottish hospitality — all just 25 miles from the Home of Golf.