Located in the idyllic East Neuk, Crail is one of the prettiest villages in Fife. On a car-free day trip to Crail, you can explore the historic fishing village, have tea by the sea, and enjoy some fresh seafood. Read on to find out about the best things to do in Crail.
Crail, Fife
The East Neuk of Fife is famed for its beauty and travellers from all over the country have been flocking to its charming fishing villages forever. Crail, along with Ellie, St. Monans, Anstruther, and Pittenweem, is one of the region’s prettiest villages and perhaps the most photographed. Crail was well settled by the 800s and was a thriving town by the 1100s. In 1178, it was made a Royal Burgh by King William and continued trading with the Low Counties, presently the Netherlands. Today, its scenic harbour, fishing boats jangling in the breeze, red-tiled cottages, and winding alleyways make it a charming destination for visitors. Crail offers a variety of activities: you can explore the picturesque harbour while digging into fresh seafood, wander the old alleys, indulge in shopping, walk the Fife Coastal Path, or simply relax. Whatever it is that you enjoy, Crail has something for everyone.
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How to Reach Crail By Public Transport
Crail is easily accessible by public transport and thus makes for a lovely car-free day trip from Edinburgh and other cities.
BY TRAIN / The nearest railway station is at Kirkcaldy. Stagecoach bus X60 connects Kirkcaldy with Crail. If you are travelling by train via Leuchars, take the bus to St. Andrews first. Bus 95 connects St. Andrews to Crail.
BY BUS / Two buses serve Crail: X60 connects Edinburgh and St. Andrews along the scenic coast, and 95 connects Leven and St. Andrews. If you are travelling from Edinburgh, take the X60. If you are travelling from Glasgow, get the X24/X27 to Kirkcaldy, then the X60 to Crail.
BY FOOT OR CYCLE / Crail lies on the Fife Coastal Path that runs from Kincardine to Tayport.
Things to do in Crail
Don’t be fooled by its size! There are lots of things to do in Crail.
Explore Crail Harbour
Crail Harbour is one of the prettiest in the East Neuk. At high tide, the quaint red-tiled cottages and moored boots reflect on the still, jade-green water. Gulls play their usual games. Crab pots are stacked perilously in stacks. Thick fishing ropes lie coiled in piles. It is a postcard-perfect fishing village scene. You can climb up the harbour wall and enjoy the views of the firth, and the little village with its terracotta roofs perched sleepily on the slope.
The original harbour has just one pier and was built with help from the Dutch to protect vessels from high winds. A second pier was built by Robert Stevenson at the beginning of the 19th century. On the harbour stands the 17th-century Customs Building with its whitewashed walls and crowstep gables. Next to it is Lobster Cottage, an 18th-century coach house.
Also read: St. Monans, another fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife, is known for its charming harbours and spectacular sunsets, and also the monthly Bowhouse Market where you can try the best of Fife. Check out our guide, Things to Do in St. Monans, to plan your trip to St. Monans.
Wander the Old Alleys
Beyond the harbour is a maze of winding and twisting alleys. There are lots of historical buildings from the 17th to early 19th centuries. The influence of trading with the Dutch is also evident in the local architecture. The bells in the Church and Town Hall were also cast in Holland.
The Golf Hotel is a prominent building on the High Street. It is a former coaching inn and one of the oldest hostelries in Scotland dating back to the 14th century. The present building dates from the 1720s. In 1786, the Crail Golfing Society was founded here. Another interesting building in Crail is McKinnon’s School. Constructed in 1824 by Robert Balfour, the building has Gothic-style windows and a gabled porch. It was removed to this site from the entrance to St Mary’s Church when the new school opened on St. Andrews Road in 1889. The building became the public library and is now the British Legion Hall. Behind it, is Rumford which was once Crail’s Poor House and was later restored by the National Trust. To the right of Rumford, overlooking the waters of the Forth, is the site of the Kings Mill. You can walk along the Castle Walls, behind which stands Crail Castle.
The Tollbooth (current building dates to 1598) is another historic building in Crail. The ground floor was used as a prison and saw those accused of witchcraft awaiting trial. Next to it is the Crail Museum. Nearby is the 17th-century Merkat Cross.
TIP: Enjoy a good walk? Use Sandy and Susan’s Crail Heritage Walk blog post to plan your walk in Crail.
BEST EAST NEUK TOUR FROM EDINBURGH / Short on time and wondering how to include the pretty coastal villages of Fife on your itinerary? Join this wonderful tour that takes you on a journey through the East Neuk, including a stop at Anstruther’s famous chippy, before heading to St. Andrews where Prince William met Kate Middleton. On the way, see the iconic Forth Bridges and stop at the historic Dunfermline Abbey.
Visit Crail Museum
Located next to the Tollbooth, the Crail Museum has a wonderful collection of memorabilia about old Crail. There is also some information about Crail Airfield. Located to the east of Crail, this piece of land was used during both the World Wars as airfield bases.
Huff and Puff up the Hen’s Ladder
The Hen’s Ladder is a sweeping staircase that connects Crail Harbour to the high street. Climb up (or down) the steps and treat yourself to some lovely views of the harbour and the picture-postcard houses that crowd the slope.
Shop at Crail Pottery
Not to miss is this house devoted to pottery. You enter through a courtyard decorated with colourful ceramic pieces. Upstairs, there is a shop selling more pottery pieces. Crail pottery holds regular classes and all of the pieces sold here are made in the workshop. No doubt it is one of the best things to do in Crail!
Eat Fresh Seafood at Reilly’s Shellfish
Only open for a few months during the summer, this place on Crail harbour is an absolute must-visit. Try their fresh crab rolls or splurge on a lobster and you will know why! Go early because they sell out fast. They do not accept cards (summer, 2023), so keep some cash handy.
Also read: The East Neuk of Fife is a great destination for foodies. From organic produce, sustainably-caught seafood, and traditionally reared meat, you can taste the best of Scottish food at the best places to eat in the East Neuk of Fife.
Walk the Fife Coastal Path
The Fife Coastal Path runs from Kincardine to Newburgh along the scenic Fife coast. Crail, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Scotland, is located on the Fife Coastal Path. If you don’t have the time to walk all 187 km, the 12 km Crail to St. Monans stretch is spectacular and goes through some of Fife’s idyllic villages. On the way, you can spot seals and sea birds and sometimes even whales!
Also read: The Scottish islands have some of the best seafood in the nation. On a visit to the Isle of Gigha, we tasted some of the best of the Scottish larder such as Gigha halibut, Gigha oysters, and Loch Fyne queenies at the best places to eat on Gigha.
Where to Eat in Crail
There are some lovely places to eat in Crail! Some of the best places to eat in Crail are the Nook, Reilly’s Shellfish, and Shoregate. For tea with a view, head to Crail Harbour Tearoom and Gallery.
Where to Shop in Crail
Crail has some wonderful shops selling works of local artists.
CRAIL POTTERY / An absolute must-visit if you like all things ceramic.
CRAIL HARBOUR GALLERY / They have a lovely selection of artwork and crafts made by local artists.
THE BEEHIVE / A cute giftshop selling locally-made arts and crafts.
Where to Sleep in Crail
There is no dearth of holiday homes and B&Bs in Crail.
Sea and Sand Cottage / Lovely holiday home near the harbour.
Seascape Cottage / Quaint cottage with 4 bedrooms near the harbour.
Crail House Apartments / Located in a historic building, this place offers lovely views of the water.
Sauchope Links Holiday Lodge and Glamping Park / Located near the eastern edge of the village, on the Fife Coastal Path, is the holiday park where you can rent a lodge or park your caravan.
Harbour Lights / Located right on the harbour, this luxury accommodation is located in a historic building and offers 4 bedrooms and spectacular sea views.
Of the Track / A sustainable option in Crail is this luxury villa with an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub.
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Have you been to Crail? What are your favourite things to do in Crail?
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