Sandcastle Cottage - Words from the Shore

Visit to the Isle of May aboard the May Princess
Posted on April 29, 2013

When staying at Sandcastle Cottage during the spring and summer months, it’s well worth saving a fair weather day for a trip to The Isle of May aboard the May Princess.  The pleasure craft sails from Anstruther Harbour, and a trip there will give you several hours on the island to explore the lighthouses and see the abundant bird and wildlife there.

The Isle of May is a National Nature Reserve, and staff from Scottish Natural Heritage are based on the island.  There are remains of an ancient 12th Century monastery to explore, as well as three lighthouses, the oldest of which dates to 1636 and was the first lighthouse in Scotland.

 

Visiting the Isle of May from Sandcastle Cottage, Crail

A visit to the Isle of May aboard the May Princess

Find out more about Isle of May and Anstruther Pleasure Cruises Ltd at: http://www.isleofmayferry.com/

Join the Anstruther Pleasure Cruises Ltd Facebook page

See more of our photographs on our Sandcastle Cottage Google+ Page or join Sandcastle Cottage on Facebook to find out more.

 



6 ideas for things to do around Crail in March
Posted on March 2, 2013

Six ideas for you to include in a March holiday in Crail – time to get out in the spring sunshine

  1. Visit Cambo Estate – the Snowdrop Festival runs till 17 March 2013
  2. Walk on the Fife Coastal Path
  3. Wax lyrical, at the St Andrews Poetry Festival - StAnza Poetry 6 – 10 March
  4. Pay a visit to a Cheese Farm - St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese
  5. Visit the Kilminning Coast and see wonderful sea birds
  6. Visit a walled garden and historic house - Kellie Castle re-opens on 23 March
Enjoy the spring with a short break at Crail


Self-catering in Crail
Posted on January 26, 2013

A quick visit to Sandcastle Cottage this weekend, and some reflections on how lucky we are to have such a good selection of local shops, serving both the village and visitors alike.

We try as hard as we can to bring very few groceries with us when we visit Crail as we know that there will be a good range on offer in the village. We have our tried and tested favourite recipes which we love to prepare when we’re here.

On a Saturday morning there is usually at least one fish van selling wet fish to be found, either parked up just by the Honeypot Guest House and Tearoom, or touring the village with a friendly “toot”. We like to have a chat with Colin Montador when he arrives, and it’s a chance to catch up with the neighbours who flock round to see what he has to sell. A large piece of smoked haddock for Cullen Skink was bought. We use Andrew Fairlie’s recipe, it’s easy to prepare.

Making Cullen Skink at Sandcastle Cottage, Crail

One of Murray Barnett’s prize-winning cheese and leek loaves from Barnett’s Bakery in Crail was enough to complete our simple but delicious repast in time for lunch at Sandcastle Cottage.



Around Crail – Things to do in February
Posted on December 31, 2012

As we say goodbye to 2012 and start planning our holidays for 2013, we thought we’d take a look at what you could do in and around Crail if you’re thinking of taking a short break in February.

Snowdrops at Cambo

Top of our list has to be the Snowdrops at Cambo! This is more than just a walk in the woods.  It’s a chance to get out and about with purpose – filling your lungs with fresh air, and seeing some of the first signs that spring is on its way as the famous Cambo Snowdrops come into bloom.

During the 2 February – 15 March 2013 you can visit Cambo Estate, and during 13 – 17 February 2013 it’s the special and spectacular Snowdrops by Starlight.

Find out more:

Visit a Cheese Farm

If the weather outside has enticed you to take a bracing walk, you’ll have worked up an appetite.  One of our local favourites tips is a visit to the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company which is signposted from the centre of Pittenweem.  From the cafe there are great views towards the sea, and you can also see cheese being made, as we were lucky enough to do on one visit.  There’s a gift shop and deli there too.

Find out more:

 Experience a whole new Chocolate Sensation

The Cocoa Tree at Pittenweem is a favourite stop of ours after a stroll around the fishing port, or a longer walk along the Fife Coastal path.  Try the caliente hot chocolate for a whole new sensation in chocolate drinking!

Find out more:

Visit The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther

A bus ride, or short drive from Crail will take you along the coast to Anstruther, where a visit to the Scottish Fisheries Museum will provide something for all the family to discover. The Museum is open all year round, with slightly shorter hours in winter, so check times for February on the website if you’re planning a visit.

Find out more:

Things to do when staying at Sandcastle Cottage, Crail

It's bigger than you think!




La Petite Epicerie in Anstruther, #Crail365
Posted on December 8, 2012
Anstruther - delights to find at La Petite Epicerie

A great find in Anstruther

A great find in Anstruther! We met Julien Poix of La Petite Epicerie when helping out with the Crail Food Festival. One of our local food heroes in Fife. Pay a visit to his shop in Anstruther to find all manner of tasty delights – both local and with a French flair.

Julien also offers a food ordering service and will prepare an order for your arrival, so you can collect from him on the way to stay at Sandcastle Cottage.





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