Let’s start with what is probably the most well-known of the East Neuk fishing villages. The first thing I noticed when we arrived in Anstruther was the buzz. It was a gorgeous day and there were people everywhere; perched on benches at the harbour, wandering along the cute shops on the main high street, and sprawled on the golden sands of the beach. After driving through so many sleepy villages on the way this was a welcome relief! Also, you can visit the Crail Museum and Heritage Centre, Crail Pottery or Crail Harbour Gallery and Tea Room. Cellardyke basically joins Anstruther to the east but there isn’t much there to be honest. It does have a tidal pool though, as well as a couple of sand beaches. Things to do in Anstruther & Cellardyke Pittenweem’s picturesque harbour is stuffed full of working fishing boats and is lined with pantiled cottages – influenced by trade with the Netherlands. Visit the fishmarket to see what the boats have caught that day – there might be herring or langoustines on offer. Of Baern, Gaby writes: "The Baern menu focuses on bakes, which showcase Scotland the Bread’s Flour and veggies from East Neuk Market Garden, and are created by Hazel Powell and her business partner, Giacomo Pesce.

Happily, the East Neuk is easy to visit. Made up of only six picturesque villages, it’s entirely possible to visit each over a few days. Conveniently linked by both a coastal road and a trail, the East Neuk is utterly perfect for a weekend road trip or staycation. Despite being one the smallest of the coastal villages, Pittenweem is one of the loveliest along the East Neuk coast.

Just beyond the East Neuk is the cathedral town of St Andrews, famed for its golf courses and prestigious university. While it is definitely more busy and touristy than the fishing villages of the East Neuk, it is well worth travelling that wee bit further to visit. If you’re planning a day trip or holiday in the area, read on for my five top ways to experience the East Neuk of Fife and the surrounding area. Beautiful Crail Crail Museum & Heritage Centre: learn of the story of the Crail Capon and the past life of this fishing village at this museum Find Out More

Fife is easy to get to from the rest of Scotland as Edinburgh lies just to the south, Dundee and Perth to the north and Glasgow to the west. Once here, follow your feet around the village and harbour. However, to help you plan, these are the best things to do in Pittenweem. Including the harbour, small beach, and the historic streets. 1. Explore the old village streets

The write: "for those seeking the battered crunch of a more traditional seaside treatment, Anstruther’s Wee Chippie arguably trumps the queues and awards of its more famous, vocal neighbour along the harbour." Giddy Gannet Picture: Giddy Gannet

Accessible via Sea Tangle Road to the west of Elie, it’s a fantastic option if you’re keen to escape the crowds – even on a summer’s day Earlsferry Beach can be quiet. When the tide is low, this beach links to Elie beach and creates almost a mile of uninterrupted sand. There are no facilities here, so be sure to bring everything you need. The ‘Neuk’ (a Scots word for ‘corner’) is situated north of Edinburgh across the choppy waters of the Firth of Forth, around 20 miles northeast of the city centre and 10 miles south of St. Andrews. Car: Fife is Connected to the rest of Scotland by A-roads and the M90. The A92 runs through Fife from east to west connecting the Tay Bridge, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline. St Andrews can be reached by the A91, which runs through Cupar and Auchtermuchty and the A915, which travels south to Leven and joins the A92 at Kirkcaldy. The M90 runs south from Perth, through Fife for access to Edinburgh via the Queensferry Crossing. From here the motorway network opens up to join Stirling to the north, Glasgow and beyond to the west, and England to the south. If you’re travelling by plane or rail and would like to hire a car, Europcar is a great option. From St Andrews catch the no 95 bus which will take you to Crail, Cellardyke, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and on to Leven.

East Neuk

It is well worth it to stroll down the charming cobbled streets lined up behind the miniature harbour, with homes that formerly belonged to fishermen and shipowners. One thing you definitely want to do is get fish and chips in Anstruther. The Anstruther Fish Bar is world famous and has been rated the best fish and chips in the whole of Scotland. It’s just as good as I remembered with deliciously crispy batter and lovely chunky chips! They wrote: "The eponymous Craig Millar @ 16 West End has a claim to the best views of any restaurant in Fife, thanks to a terrace that spills out over the Firth of Forth and the seas beyond.