Anstruther Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Anstruther Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Anstruther sits at the heart of the East Neuk, making it perfect for exploring Fife's coastal gems. The Scottish Fisheries Museum (KY10 3AB, open 10am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-4:30pm Sun) tells the fascinating story of Scottish fishing through the ages and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Take a boat trip to the Isle of May (April-September) from Anstruther harbour to see puffins, seals and incredible seabird colonies. Anstruther Pleasure Cruises runs these trips and they're rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor - book ahead as they sell out fast in summer.

The Anstruther to Crail section of the Fife Coastal Path offers stunning views and takes about 2 hours to walk. We recommend doing this early morning before returning to your cottage for breakfast and a hot tub session!

Kellie Castle (KY10 2RF, open April-October) is just 3 miles away and features beautiful gardens and a 14th century tower house. National Trust members get in free, otherwise it's £13 for adults.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Anstruther! The Fife Coastal Path is perfect for walks and Billow Ness beach at the east end of town allows dogs year-round. There's a handy outdoor tap near the harbour for washing sandy paws before heading back to your cottage.

The Dreel Tavern (KY10 3DT) welcomes dogs inside and has water bowls and treats available. They serve good pub food too. Coast Coffee (KY10 3AB) has a dog-friendly section and outdoor seating.

For supplies, Anstruther's Co-op stocks dog food and basics. The nearest vet is St Clair Veterinary Group in Pittenweem (KY10 2LE), just 2 miles away - save their number (01333 312506) in case of emergencies.

I'd recommend booking a cottage with an enclosed garden if bringing a dog, as many properties in Anstruther are terraced with direct street access. Also, check if your hot tub has a secure cover when not in use to prevent curious pups from jumping in!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Anstruther

Anstruther Fish Bar (KY10 3AB) is world-famous and has won numerous awards including UK Fish and Chip Shop of the Year. The queue often stretches down the street in summer, but moves quickly. Their haddock is caught daily and the chips are perfectly crisp. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "Worth the wait! Best fish supper I've had in years." They're open 11:30am-9pm daily.

The Secret Bunker (KY16 9JH) is 5 miles from Anstruther and was Scotland's command centre in the event of nuclear war. Hidden beneath an innocent-looking farmhouse, this massive underground complex is now a fascinating museum. Kids love the interactive displays and the slightly spooky atmosphere. Open March-October, 10am-5pm, tickets cost £12.50 for adults.

Anstruther Harbour is the heart of the town and perfect for watching fishing boats come and go. The harbour wall makes a great spot for crabbing (equipment available from the local hardware store). In summer, the harbour hosts small festivals and music events. One visitor told us: "We spent hours just sitting watching the boats while eating ice cream from Novellis - perfect holiday memory!"

Is Anstruther good for families with young children?

Yes! The small beaches, harbour wall for crabbing and flat coastal walks are ideal for kids. Many cottages with hot tubs have family-friendly features like games and enclosed gardens. The Wee Chippy offers smaller portions for children and there's a good playground near the harbour.

When is the best time to visit Anstruther?

May to September offers the best weather, but accommodation prices peak in July/August. We think June is the sweet spot - good weather, slightly lower prices and the Isle of May has puffins. Winter visits have their charm too, with storm-watching from your hot tub being quite spectacular!

Can I get to Anstruther without a car?

Yes, but it's trickier. Trains run to Leuchars (near St Andrews), then connect via the X60 bus to Anstruther. The 95 bus connects Anstruther to other East Neuk villages. Once in Anstruther, everything in town is walkable, but a car helps for exploring further afield.

Are there any good walks from Anstruther?

The Fife Coastal Path runs through Anstruther in both directions. East to Crail (3 miles) is particularly scenic, while west to Pittenweem (1.5 miles) and on to St Monans offers lovely harbour views. Inland, there are farm tracks leading to Kellie Law hill with panoramic views.

Where can I buy groceries in Anstruther?

There's a Co-op supermarket on Shore Street for essentials. For fresh seafood, visit G&J Wilson on the harbour. The Anstruther Fish Bar also sells fresh fish to cook at home. For more extensive shopping, Sainsbury's in St Andrews (10 miles) is your best bet.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage stay?

Bring extra towels for hot tub use (most cottages provide separate ones but it's worth checking). Swimming costumes obviously and flip-flops for walking between the cottage and tub. Binoculars are useful for boat/bird watching and waterproofs are essential year-round in Scotland!

Some helpful links:

1. East Neuk Tourism Guide
2. Isle of May Ferry Bookings
3. Fife Coastal Path Information
4. Scottish Fisheries Museum
5. Kellie Castle Information