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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

• a whole page about Snowdrop Events at Cambo
• Snowdrops by Starlight
• Facebook Page about Cambo Estate for you to join
• Follow Cambo Estate on Twitter

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:

• Visit the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company website to 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 Cocoa Tree, Pittenweem website to find out more
• Join the Cocoa Tree, Pittenweem Facebook page for tips and special events

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:

• Visit The Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther website for more information
• Join The Scottish Fisheries Museum Facebook page to keep in touch
• Follow The Scottish Fisheries Museum on Twitter

It's bigger than you think!

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.

Saw this cheeky chap at Balgove Larder

We were on our way to buy a Christmas tree at Balgove Larder, and found all manner of other delights to tempt us.  The finest of Fife food is on offer and it’s a great place to find unusual ingredients to inspire your cooking.

Another couple of ideas of places to go and things to do when you’re on a short break at Sandcastle Cottage, in Crail.  We’re still offering a New Year break at Crail this year – a peaceful place to get away from it all for a few days.

Christmas Season begins

Our December photographs begin with one from Cellardyke, taken last Christmas while we were on a walk from Crail to Anstruther. The reward at the end of a chilly walk was a shared portion of chips from Anstruther Fish Bar (irresistible).

We’d love to welcome you on a short break to Crail before Christmas.  It’s a great time to have some relaxing time away from all the hustle and bustle of Festive preparations.

St Andrews Flag in Lights

Wishing you a very happy St Andrews Day, from the McNaughton family at Sandcastle Cottage in Crail.

Our neighbours just up the road in St Andrews would love you to join their St Andrews Festival celebrations, which this year include the St Andrews Food Festival for the first time, being organised by our friends at Food From Fife.

If you’d like to plan a short break in Crail with the opportunity to visit the St Andrews Day celebrations next year, then we’d be happy to welcome you to Sandcastle Cottage.

The boat 'Be in Time' at Crail

As November draws to a close, we have several of our ‘early bird’ guests who’ve already booked their summer 2013 holidays at Sandcastle Cottage in Crail.  If you’ve stayed with us before, you’ll know that you’re coming to a relaxing place to spend some time with the family.  There’s just enough space for everyone to spread out, and plenty of different activities nearby to satisfy a whole family full of different wants for a holiday.

If you haven’t visited our little cottage before, then find out more, and book for 2013 before someone else does.