October Half Term in Crail

October half term will soon be upon us. The challenge is finding something to do with the kids that keeps then amused during half term and doesn’t cost a fortune. Well here are a few ideas that might be of interest. A break in a self catering cottage in the East Neuk of Fife is a great low cost alternative to staying in expensive hotels and having to eat out. At Sandcastle Cottage you can park the car at the front door (or near the front door). You are within walking distance of a number of great local shops in the High Street.  (See our blog) You can buy everything you need to feed the family for the week during October half term.

October Half Term
Open Plan Kitchen Dining Room in Sandcastle Cottage
beach roome bay crail
Our local beach Roome Bay

There are lots of things to see and do during October Half Term

You will not be short of things to do during half term week. Here are our top picks of things we have enjoyed over the years going to Crail in October half term.

  1. Walks along the seashore on the Fife Coastal Path. For more details see our blog at https://www.2crail.com/walking-fife-coastal-path-guide/ The guide is split into sections so look for the local sections Elie to Anstruther or Anstruther to Kingsbarns
  2. Short Walks around Crail can involve a visit to the local coffee shop. We have 2 in Crail, The Beehive and the Harbour Gallery. Why not take our free guided tour and learn about some of Crail’s history or take a short walk to West Braes. See our blog post West Braes
  3. Only a short drive out to Fife Ness takes you to Crail Golfing Society and two excellent 18 hole golf courses. See our blog for more details at Golfing Holiday in Crail
  4. Crail Pottery is situated at the West End of Nethergate and is a family owned business. It’s an ideal place to browse and find that gift to take home or why not do some early Christmas shopping.
  5. Cambo Heritage Centre and Garden is only a few minutes drive from Crail and Sandcastle Cottage. Cambo is probably best known for the Snowdrop Festival in late January / February but there are now events going on throughout the year. There is an excellent children’s play area for young children and workshops for older kids and adults. The garden has always been a favourite of ours and autumn is a good time to visit. See our blog https://www.2crail.com/visit-cambo-heritage-centre-garden/ Cambo can also be reached by bus. The Stagecoach 95 is an hourly service from Crail.
  6. Kingsbarns Distillery is only a few minutes drive from Crail or by 95 bus. The distillery opened in November 2014. As well as whisky it is now the home of Darnley’s Gin. Distillery tours are available and run 4 times daily at 12.30, 1.00, 3.00. and 4.30. Children aged 8 and over are welcome when supervised by a parent /guardian. Full details are available on the website at  https://www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com/visit-us/ 
  7. Scottish Fisheries Museum is based in Anstruther and only a short drive by car or 95 bus from Crail. The museum shows the history of the fishing industry in Scotland and has a number of interesting exhibits. There are events and exhibitions going on throughout the year. Details are available from the website https://www.scotfishmuseum.org/index.php
  8. The Secret Bunker depicts the history of the Cold War and is on the B940 just outside Crail. Steps take you down into the bunker from the main reception which is the only building visible at ground level.  More information can be obtained from the website at https://www.secretbunker.co.uk/
  9. Kellie Castle is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and was the home of the Sculptor Huw Lorimer. The garden is open all year round and is well worth a visit even if you don’t go to the castle. For opening times and admission prices click the link to the website.
  10. A Day Trip to St Andrews is always high on our bucket list of things to do. Whether it is just browsing round the many shops in the town centre, visiting the Castle or Cathedral or a trip to the cinema on a wet day. Our blog A Day Trip to St Andrews would be a good starting point. There is also a free walking tour which you can download. Hot tip, parking in St Andrews can be challenging. My advice would be to get there early. There is a free car park at Jacobs Ladder. Enter from the round about off the A91 just before you leave the town. Look out for the Gateway Building.
  11. Crail has 2 Children’s Play Parks at Roome Bay (only and few minutes walk from Sandcastle Cottage) or next to Crail Primary School. There is also an outdoor gym and tennis courts at Beech Walk Park on St Andrews Road.
  12. There are number of beaches within walking distance or a short drive away. Our local beach is Roome Bay and is ideal for a morning stroll or rock pooling. Crail’s other beach at the harbour is a lovely sandy beach which is very sheltered. There are also long stretches of beach at Elie and Kingsbarns. If you are visiting Kingsbarns beach I would recommend you stop off at the Cheesy Toast Shack for one of their excellent toasted sandwiches.

Places to Eat

If you are out for the day, the last thing you feel like is cooking a meal. We have often felt like this so here is a list of places we go to during half term when we are staying at Sandcastle Cottage.

  1. Cambo Gardens Cafe Great for a light lunch and child friendly.
  2. The Golf Hotel Crail. Extensive menu serving meals all day.
  3. Anstruther Fish Bar. Sit in fish bar, good for fish and chip teas. You may have to queue but it is worth the wait.
  4. Balcomie Links Hotel Recently extensively refurbished and under new management
  5. Crail Fish Bar is very good for carry out fish and chips. We are regular customers
Half Term
Sandcastle Cottage Garden

Fine Dining

  1. The Cellar Restaurant in Anstruther has one Michelin Star
  2. Craig Millar The Shore St Monans offers fine dining with an excellent view over the harbour. Also a reasonably priced lunch menu
  3. Bistro Dorey at Pittenweem harbour, well worth a visit. We ate there recently and would highly recommend. However please book beforehand.
  4. The Shoregate Crail. Restaurant with rooms. Recently opened summer 2022.

If you are planning to visit any of the four restaurants above it would be advisable to book in advance. There are several local taxi firms or the 95 bus may be a cheaper travel alternative if you don’t want to drive.

Hot Tip if you book your meal for 7.00pm take the 6.15pm bus from Crail. This gets you to Anstruther for 6.30pm, Pittenweem for 6.40pm and St Monans for 6.50pm. The last bus back is 11.00. You don’t need to spend money on taxis. We found the taxis to be expensive.

We would be delighted to welcome you to Sandcastle Cottage. If you would like more details then please go to our website at www.2crail.com. or simply click on the link below.

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Anything to add?