Crail is popular with both Scottish holiday makers and foreign visitors. It is easy to see why, there is something for everyone.

The harbour must be one of the most painted and photographed in Scotland and is still a working harbour with crab and lobster landed. You can buy both at ‘The Shack’ in season.  Caiplie House is just a few minutes walk from the harbour and is situated in the middle of Crail’s High street.  The High street is a rare traditional village high street with a butchers, bakers and green grocers. It also has a number of cafes, a book shop and the Crail Gallery.

Elsewhere in Crail you will find Crail Pottery, Crail Harbour Gallery and many pretty streets.  Crail has 2 good sandy beaches, with rock pools for the kids too explore.  There are also a number of large grassy park areas, kids play parks, free tennis courts and multi use sports pitch.  In the summer there is a putting green.

There are several walks in and around the village including the fantastic Fife Coastal Path which can be taken in either direction.  The bus in stops within yards of the house so you can easily base yourself at Caiplie House and cover a large proportion of the route.

Crail hosts a number of festivals and galas throughout the year.  Crail Food Festival is in mid June and the Harbour Gala in early August. Crail Festival with something for everything runs in Mid July. For classical music try East Neuk Festival.

Why Caiplie?

Caiplie House is named after Caiplie Caves situated a short distance along the coast to the west of Crail. They are well worth a visit. The red sandstone was cut out by waves in post-glacial times when the lower raised beach was being formed. Monks and pilgrims en route to St Andrews carved crosses in the caves and today local children (and adults!) still try to throw stones through the hole in the south-westerly cliff in an attempt to make a wish come true. Why not give it a go?

You could easily spend days on end enjoying Crail but there is also lots to explore further afield.  The East Neuk has several other pretty fishing villages with further galleries, tea rooms, beaches and harbours to explore.  Elie also has a watersports centre where you can hire equipment or get tuition.  You can also take part in other outdoor activities slightly closer to home with East Neuk Outdoors based at Cellerdyke.

St Andrews, 11 miles away, is a wonderful small town with many historical sites, museums, shops, cafes, restaurants and some more amazing beaches. There is also an Aquarium, Botanical gardens, spas and the Himalayas putting course.  You will of course also find the famous Old Course as well. 

If Golf is your game, you are in the right part of the world!  Fife has 50 courses with two in Crail and fourteen in total strung out along the coast just from Anstruther to St Andrews!

Fife is also great cycling country with its gentle undulating countryside. A network of country roads is perfect for getting off the beaten track. You can follow a network of paths around Fife on touring routes or short circular cycles. Bring your own or hire bikes from SPOKES of St Andrews. If you would like a guide or some tuition contact Tom at Collective Training.

There is lots more to do nearby including visits to National Trust properties Kellie Castle, Hill of Tarvit and Falkland Palace or days out with the kids could include Fife Animal park, the Scottish Deer centre or the Aquarium in St Andrews.