2025 Anstruther Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience in Scotland, watching puffins on the Isle of May should be at the top of your list. Just a short boat ride from the Fife coast, this small island in the Firth of Forth transforms into a bustling seabird metropolis during the spring and summer months — and puffins are the undisputed stars of the show! 🐧 Why Visit the Isle of May? From April to early August, thousands of Atlantic puffins return to the Isle of May to breed, making it one of the best puffin-watching destinations in the UK. These charismatic birds, with their colorful beaks and comical waddles, nest in underground burrows on the island’s grassy slopes. Watching them pop in and out of their burrows or take off in clumsy flight is equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. 🚤 How to Get There: The Boat Trip Boats to the Isle of May run from Anstruther Harbour in Fife, typically operated by Isle of May Boat Trips and Sea Safari Tours. The journey takes about 45 minutes each way, and you usually get 2.5 to 3 hours on the island itself — perfect for exploring and wildlife photography. Booking Tip: Boats can fill up fast during puffin season (May–July), so book online in advance via trip.com or directly with the tour providers. Departure Point: Anstruther Harbour, KY10 3AB Cost: £35–£50 per adult (price may vary depending on the operator and boat type) Facilities: There are no shops or cafes on the island, so bring snacks and water. 📸 Amazing Photo Opportunity With puffins nesting just feet away from the walking paths, the Isle of May offers incredible close-up photo opportunities. Whether you're using a DSLR or just your phone, the lighting, backdrop, and sheer abundance of puffins make for postcard-perfect shots. You’ll also spot razorbills, guillemots, shags, and possibly seals lounging near the shoreline. Tip for photographers: Early morning and late afternoon trips often have the best lighting. Bring a zoom lens for action shots of puffins in flight, and a wide-angle to capture the dramatic coastal scenery. 🌿 Important Notes Respect the wildlife: Stick to marked paths to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Wear sturdy shoes: The island terrain is rugged and uneven in places. Bring layers: Even on sunny days, the sea breeze can be chilly. Visiting the Isle of May is like stepping into a David Attenborough documentary. The sheer number of seabirds, the natural beauty of the island, and the joy of seeing puffins up close make this a must-do day trip from Edinburgh or Fife. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a unique Scottish adventure, the puffins of the Isle of May will leave a lasting impression. #postandearn

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Pittenweem, Scotland, is a charming fishing village tucked away in the Fife region. As peaceful as a sanctuary, its history is richer than you might imagine, preserving many traditional buildings and historical sites. 🚌 Getting there: From Edinburgh, take the 🚞 train to Kirkcaldy, then transfer to the X60A 🚎 bus. The entire journey takes about two hours. ✅ Tip: Be sure to use various discounts when buying train tickets, such as the 20% off Railcard. You can use the money you save to enjoy more Scottish lobster. ⚓️ Arriving in Pittenweem, you'll find it "low-key," "tranquil," and "beautiful yet understated." The well-preserved fishing port, with its 🛶 colorful fishing boats, resembles a vibrant oil painting. Every photo you take is postcard-perfect. 🌅 Take a stroll to the harbor in the early morning or evening. Watch the fishermen at work, breathe in the sea air, and feel yourself relax. 🌇 Especially at sunrise and sunset, the scenery is so breathtakingly beautiful that you'll want to freeze time. ⛱ The village boasts many beautiful sights and preserves numerous traditional buildings and historical sites. The Holy Church: Pittenweem's church is a significant landmark, rich in historical and cultural value. Colorful Houses: The village is known for its colorful coastal houses, painted in various bright colors, making them a popular backdrop for tourist photos. Vibrant Art Community: As a fishing village, Pittenweem's coastal scenery is a major feature. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil coastline and fresh seafood. Pittenweem Arts Festival: Every summer, Pittenweem hosts an arts festival. The diverse artworks and rich artistic atmosphere will immerse you completely, making you forget time and worries. If you have time, visit the nearby Kellie Castle, with its beautiful gardens and rich history. You'll definitely want to linger. ㊙️ Of course, Pittenweem offers more than just beautiful scenery; it also has mysterious legends. For example, the Pittenweem Priory Caves are said to have been the hermitage of St. Fillan. Imagine the saint's life here. The caves still contain religious relics and murals, adding to their mystique. Pittenweem is like a shining pearl hidden on the Scottish coastline. If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and seeking tranquility, you absolutely cannot miss Pittenweem.

#familytravel I embarked on a captivating journey along Fife's stunning coastline, exploring quaint fishing villages that stole my heart. Pittenweem, Crail, and Anstruther enchanted me with their vibrant colors, charming doorways, and rich history. My advice? Venture beyond the city limits and immerse yourself in Scotland's authentic culture. Indulge in the phenomenal local cuisine, engage with the warm and witty locals, and be prepared for lively banter! The people, the food, and the scenery will leave you spellbound.

#Get a discount without relying on luck. My favorite fish and chips shop. I give this shop a thumbs up as the shop that makes the most delicious fish and chips I've ever eaten. The price is not expensive, around £14 (Eat in), if take away -£3. For those who are chill and on a budget, you can buy and eat in front of the shop. If you can't stand the cold, come inside the shop. This meal, 4 people ate and it cost around £60. Easy. The signature menu is Traditional Haddock batter + chips. It's delicious, I give it 4 thumbs up. 5555

Pittenweem is a historic medieval fishing village located in Fife, on the east coast of Scotland, 2.5 km from Anstruther. I considered staying here when booking accommodation, as the B&Bs here are cheaper than in Anstruther. The weather was great that day, and the scenery by the sea was pleasant. The beaches are all rocky, with no sand. The sea water is very clear. At around 9 am, the seaside was very quiet, with few tourists. The coastal landform here is very special, with the beach rocks almost perpendicular to the coastline, and several rectangular rocks arranged almost equidistantly, extending into the sea. I stayed in Pittenweem for half an hour, saw the beach and fishing port, and didn't plan to see the old houses and churches in the village, as there were many stops along the way. Although Pittenweem is just a fishing village, its seaside houses, fishing ports, fishing boats, beaches, and sea water are all picturesque, with local characteristics and a lively atmosphere. Although it is not a tourist attraction, it is better than a tourist attraction, and is deeply loved by deep travel enthusiasts like me. The port is basically full of fishing boats, and there are many seabirds, flying up and down in groups, with loud calls, which is spectacular. I also saw two seals. June 27, 2024, Pittenweem, Anstruther

Anstruther is an ancient fishing port on the east coast of Fife, located 15 kilometers southeast of St. Andrews and 80 kilometers south of Edinburgh on the Firth of Forth. The name Anstruther is of Scottish Gaelic origin. The history of the town can be traced back to the early 12th century. In 1583, King James VI of Scotland approved the town as a royal borough, granting it trading rights and recognizing the important status of its port. On June 26, I took the "May Princess" cruise ship to May Island. After returning, I spent 3 hours walking around the streets of the town and the port area. After walking around the whole town, I felt that the west breakwater is the best place to view Anstruther Town. , the best viewing and photographing spots for harbor boats and the sea. The light at 6 or 7 o'clock in the afternoon is ideal. Under the setting sun, Anstruther has a charming view. There is a famous fish and chip shop in the town called Anstruther Fish Bar, which has been awarded the title of best fish and chip shop. Their cod is very fresh, fried to a delicious and tender taste, and the English stubby French fries are better than the French fries in fast food restaurants. Takeaway fish and chips is £10.50 per portion, which is affordable. Anstruther Favre

May Island's landscape is very different from the mainland. There are no trees on the island, only grass and moss. The sky and ground are full of seabirds, and the sound of birds is everywhere, making you feel like you are in another world. Pilgrim's Bay has a piece of rock with four colors on the surface: yellow is probably moss, white is bird droppings, black is above the high tide line, and below is probably the original color of the rock. The rocks have been eroded and weathered by the sea into stone bricks, and you can see the wonders of nature everywhere, building towers and platforms. From the sea, May Island's coal-black cliffs and bottomless rock caves make you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie. Anstruther, Fife