The East Neuk
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-> The East NeukTHE EAST NEUK
The East Neuk of Fife refers to the south-east coast of Fife from Crail to Largo Bay, characterised by lots of picturesque fishing villages and flat landscape, ideal for walking (particularly the scenic Fife Coastal Path) and golfing. Crail is one of the prettiest villages and its harbour is a magnet for visitors, artists and photographers. Places to visit are the Crail Museum, Crail Art Gallery and Crail Pottery.
Anstruther, however, is perhaps an even more popular venue for visitors with its narrow streets, old houses, craft shops and wynds leading down to the harbour. The Scottish Fisheries Museum displays include models of ships and an old boat-builder's yard. There are boat trips to the nature reserve and bird sanctuary on the Isle of May, where you can view kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, shags and puffins. Scotland's Secret Bunker, hidden 30 metres underground, lies 3 miles north of Anstruther and is an amazing place to visit. It was built during the Cold War as a military command centre and a political/military administrative centre in the event of a nuclear war. Visitors can view the operations room, the communications centre, dormitories for the 300 staff and a film about nuclear war. Kellie Castle (3 miles west of Anstruther on the B9171) has an interesting interior with examples of 14th to 16th century architectural features and fine works of art, and beautifully landscaped natural gardens.
West of Anstruther, there are many quaint fishing villages with charming old houses, such as Pittenweem with its many art galleries, St. Monans (named after a cave-dwelling saint) and Elie, a popular resort for families, walkers and golfers.
Information
There are tourist offices in most of the East Neuk villages. There is a bus which travels from Leven on Fife's south coast through the East Neuk villages and St. Andrews, to Dundee. Hotels include the Marine Hotel and East Neuk Hotel in Crail. There are a lot of old pubs which serve good food but the best restaurants are the Cellar, a good fish restaurant in Anstruther, and Itches, a smart seafood restaurant in St. Monans with views overlooking the sea.
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