Published 26/04/2023, 19:05
Our coastal park Sauchope Links is the ideal spot for a seaside break. Perfectly placed on the Fife coast, guests here enjoy panoramic views across the water with access to the beach whenever they choose. Children can rockpool, dogs can roam, walkers can explore the coast path and families can beachcomb the tideline and swim or wave jump to their heart’s content. With the beautiful fishing town of Crail a short stroll away, an array of attractions in the local area and excellent onsite facilities, including a swimming pool, it’s easy to see why guests here return year after year. As there is so much on offer we have pulled together our top things to do in Crail for you to work through during your holiday at Sauchope Links!
Fife Coastal Path (on the doorstep)
Stretching for 117 miles from the Forth Estuary to the Tay Estuary, the Fife Coastal Path is a walkers paradise. Clearly waymarked, it offers a range of walking from the easy and level, to the wild and adventurous. Whether tackled in bite sized chunks or as a long-distance route there is definitely something for everyone with incredible views to spur you on.
Fife Coastal Path - Fife Coast & Countryside Trust (fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk)
Fife Coastal Path – Crail
Kingsbarns Distillery (8-minute drive)
When staying at Sauchope Links we always recommend this as one of the top things to do in Crail! No trip to Scotland would be complete without sampling a ‘wee dram, and this tour is the perfect introduction to Scotch whisky. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery before sampling this famous spirit in their tasting rooms where you will also have the chance to try and make it. Conclude your visit with souvenir shopping before refuelling at their cafe.
Scotland’s Secret Bunker (10-minute drive)
An innocent looking farmhouse conceals the entrance to our country’s best kept secret, Scotland’s Underground Nuclear Command Centre. Head underground to discover this twilight world of the Cold War era, from its top-secret Command Centre to dormitories, broadcasting studio and CND Room. Full of fascinating history, rich with anecdotes, this attraction will teach you how the elite survived the Cold War thanks to this eerie relic.
Scotland's Secret Bunker – Visitor attraction of Scotland's best kept secret
Anstruther Pleasure Cruises (11-minute drive)
Climb aboard ‘The May Princess’ as she sails daily during the high season from nearby Anstruther to the beautiful Isle of May. Lying just five miles off the Fife coast, this island is a National Nature Reserve and a tour guide will greet you on arrival to provide an overview of the importance of wildlife. They will patrol the island during the day however guests are free to wander at will, marvelling at the outstanding array of seabird colonies including guillemots, puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes. The Isle of May is also home to a large seal population with dolphins and occasionally whales sighted during the trip across. For wildlife lovers, this is a must thing to do in Crail.
Anstruther Pleasure Cruises to the May Isle (isleofmayferry.com)
Scottish Fisheries Museum (11-minute drive)
Situated in a wonderful collection of historic buildings on Anstruther harbour, this free to enter museum is a charitable trust that has become a national institution with an international reputation. The Museum displays cover virtually every aspect of the industry and community, both at sea and on shore. A variety of old fishing boats can be seen including the Reaper and White Wing that still go to sea whilst social history is explored via personal possessions, textiles, domestic equipment and artworks.
St Andrew’s Cathedral (19-minute drive)
Arguably Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church remains, this ruinous site still looms as a prominent landmark, highly visible even from the sea. Built in 1158, it became the centre for the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland and dominated the religion until 1560. Venture up St Rule’s Tower for the finest views in the area then explore the museum once back on terra firma.
St Andrews Cathedral | Historic Environment Scotland | History
St Andrew’s Cathedral
St Andrews Aquarium (22-minute drive)
The perfect thing to do in Crail on a rainy day, St Andrews Aquarium offers a magical underwater world to all who enter. There is a huge variety of species swimming here from poisonous frogs to sharks, piranhas and even crocodiles! Say hi to Nemo and Dory, hang out with the Humboldt penguins, and watch Scotland’s newest seal pup grow up. With over 30 exhibition tanks, this independent and family owned aquarium is a great family day out.
British Golf Museum (23-minute drive)
Mere moments from the prestigious St Andrew’s golf course lies the British Golf Museum. With a reputation as the world’s premier golf heritage centre, the museum displays over 500 years of golfing history. Beginning its life as a collection of curiosities, it now houses one of the most substantial golf collections in the world.
Craigtoun Country Park (25-minute drive)
Two miles outside St Andrew’s, Craigtoun is a 47-acre country park popular with families seeking a fun-filled day out. During the season you can enjoy rides on the Rio Grande miniature railway and the Puffin' Billy road train or try your hand at boating, putting and crazy golf. Little ones can burn off steam on the bouncy castles and pedal cars whilst bigger kids can take the wheel at the Go-Kart track. With the onsite cafe serving a selection of food as well as refreshments and home baked treats, there’s plenty to do come rain or shine.
Our top things to do in Crail list is by no means exhaustive with endless activities including golf to experience. If you feel there is something we should add, do get in touch and let us know, we hope to see you soon!