Originally from the Dominican Republic, Enmanuel shares his Scottish adventures to Fife.
Living in Edinburgh, there are so many things to see and do, but there are many more adventures to discover just across the Firth of Forth between Edinburgh and Dundee. World famous for its golf, and its scenic attractions is the “Kingdom of Fife.”
Getting there
The places I am going to highlight as a must see in Fife are most easily reached by bus. I recommend hopping on a Stagecoach bus, grabbing a Fife Dayrider ticket (around £10) and spending a good amount of time discovering all Fife has to offer!
Anstruther
Most famous for its fish and chip shop, it is a must see place. Not only is it a lovely quaint fishing town, it has a list of unique attractions you don’t want to miss.
The famous Fish and Chip Shop
A trip to Anstruther isn’t complete without a stop at this fish and chip bar. It has been winning award after award since 2005, and you need to taste it to believe how fresh it is, the fish are caught fresh on the morning it is cooked. And what’s even better in this day and age is that they focus completely on being a sustainable business. They are well on their way to being a zero land waste company. Delicious food that is friendly to the environment as well, sounds perfect to me.
The Wee Couper of Fife
While you’re in Anstruther, drop into this little liquor shop (if you are of age). You’ll probably have tried a lot of whiskey since moving here but if you haven’t, drop in and say hi. The owners Thomas and Karen Couper are super friendly and know their stuff! They’ll let you sample some of the finest whiskeys they have to offer allowing you to experience a true taste of Scotland.
The Secret Bunker (don’t tell anyone)
For a throwback of some Scottish history, Scotland’s Secret Bunker is another go-to place while you’re in Fife. The bunker was built in 1953 by the RAF in response to threat of a nuclear war from the USSR. It was a secret for more than 50 years, which is seriously impressive. Now you can travel 100ft underground and see what it was like. At around £12 for entry it is definitely worth the visit. Buses run regularly from Anstruther and St. Andrews to this top location.
St Andrews
Making the short journey to St Andrews is well worth it, you’ll not be disappointed I promise! Another small town in the East of Fife. Known massively for being the home of golf, you can visit the Old Course while you’re there. It also boasts the famous university where The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met. You could easily spend a day here, it has so much to offer from its sandy beaches, aquarium and museums galore. But I’ll quickly drop a special mention to a few places that are a MUST visit.
Jannetta’s Gelateria
If you’re in St Andrews you need to visit here. A family run, artisan ice cream shop with every flavor imaginable. They’ve been around for over 100 years so these guys know their stuff. Though be warned, on a hot day you’ll be facing a queue, but don’t let that put you off. What is better than spending the day walking around an idyllic town with an ice cream in hand?
The Old Course
You cannot talk about St Andrews without mentioning The Old Course. Known widely as the home of golf, the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are recognised worldwide, but regardless of how much of a grand status this course obtains, it is still open publicly. There are 7 courses to choose from with varying prices depending on the course and time of season, I’m sure you’ll find one that suits you. On the golf theme, of course St Andrews has a golf museum that’ll teach you all the golfing history you need to know. It’s around £5-10 entry, well worth it in my opinion.
St Andrews Cathedral
Another look at some of St Andrews history lies within the Cathedral, or what’s left of it. In the heart of the town lies the ruins of what was once Scotland’s largest medieval church, and though it is now in a state of ruins it is still a vast landmark of St Andrews that you’ll marvel at! On site you’ll be able to find out how and when the Cathedral was destroyed, walk around the grounds of where it once stood and climb up St Rules tower to get a breathtaking view of the town.
So looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while? It takes a bit more planning and coordinating of buses, but Fife is definitely worth the effort. And there are still many more places to discover in this little county!
