Holiday Cottages in Cellardyke

Enjoy a cosy coastal retreat near Anstruther

Explore Cellardyke from your charming holiday let

Positioned right next to Anstruther in the East Neuk of Fife in Scotland, Cellardyke flies under the radar of busy tourist spots and offers a quiet, calm and charming stay.

The harbour was once one of the most important ports in Scotland, but now it sits as a monument to traditional fishing ports and offers beautiful views out to the Isle Of May. The beauty of Cellardyke lies in its realism as a home, a traditional Scottish fishing village and a snapshot of the past.

With a couple of coastal pubs and restaurants, a takeaway or two and a few shops, fishmongers and bakeries, it’s low-key living at its finest.

cellardyke cottage
cellardyke harbour

Choose a Cellardyke holiday cottage for calm nights after your busy days

Located next door to Anstruther and all its activities and possibilities, Cellardyke can provide the calm in your holiday from home. Plus, with St. Andrews and all its historic and creative activities just a 20-minute drive away, as well as Caiplie Caves and Scotland’s Secret Bunker, all close by, it’s a good base for your stay.

If you want to revel in the charm and calm of the village, then why not try a bit of sea swimming by the harbour or walk into Anstruther for a boating trip?

Several boats take passengers to the Isle Of May to explore the nature reserve every day between May and October, and it’s only a 15-minute walk along the coast to catch one.

Alternatively, head in the other direction to visit Cellardyke’s Tidal pool for a dip, some paddleboarding, remote-control boating, wildlife watching and more.

All about your holidays in Fife

We recommend you the best plans and thing to do in Fife area

Walk the Fife Coastal Path: Trek along dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and past charming fishing villages on this iconic long-distance trail.

Explore St Andrews: Immerse yourself in history at the Home of Golf, wander the ruins of its majestic cathedral, and feel the buzz of its ancient university.

Discover the East Neuk Villages: Get lost in the winding lanes and colourful harbours of picturesque seaside towns like Anstruther, Crail, and Pittenweem.

Tour Falkland Palace: Step back in time at this stunning Renaissance royal palace, a favourite retreat of the Stuart monarchs, and explore its gardens.

Eat Fresh Fish in Anstruther: Indulge in world-famous fish and chips, made with the day’s catch, right by the working harbour.

Visit Dunfermline Abbey: Discover the impressive royal necropolis, the final resting place of legendary Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce.

Admire Bass Rock: Gaze out at this iconic volcanic island, a towering seabird sanctuary turned completely white by its huge gannet population.

Tour Kingsbarns Distillery: Experience a modern, award-winning Lowland single malt whisky distillery, born from the coastal landscape.

Weather in Fife: A Seasonal Guide

Spring (Mar-May): Crisp, bright days perfect for coastal walks as nature awakens. Pack layers.

Summer (Jun-Aug): The mildest, sunniest season with long evenings. Ideal for beach visits and exploring.

Autumn (Sep-Nov): Dramatic skies, golden landscapes, and a quieter atmosphere. A waterproof jacket is essential.

Winter (Dec-Feb): Short, cold days often brightened by clear, crisp sunshine. Perfect for cozy fireside retreats.

The 8 Best Villages to Visit in Fife

  1. Crail: A postcard-perfect fishing harbour with historic cottages, famed for its photogenic charm and lobster creels.

  2. Anstruther: A bustling harbour town and the undisputed home of Scotland’s best fish and chips, rich in maritime history.

  3. Pittenweem: A working fishing port with an authentic, unpolished character and a fascinating network of hidden courtyards.

  4. St Monans: Dramatically positioned on the sea, famous for its ancient salt pans and a church that appears to rise from the waves.

  5. Elie (& Earlsferry): A charming seaside resort with a beautiful, sandy beach perfect for swimming and watersports.

  6. Falkland: A beautiful inland village dominated by its majestic Royal Palace and set against the Lomond Hills.

  7. Culross (pronounced ‘Coo-riss’): A stunningly preserved 17th-century time capsule, often used as a film set for historical dramas.

  8. Lower Largo: The picturesque birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the real-life inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.

8 best hiking routes in the Fife area

  1. Fife Coastal Path (Elie to Crail): The classic section. Experience stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and the iconic chain-walk near Elie.

  2. The Lomond Hills Circular: Conquer the gentle peaks of East and West Lomond for breathtaking panoramic views over all of Fife.

  3. St Andrews to Guardbridge: A peaceful, flat riverside walk along the River Eden, rich in birdlife and ending at a historic bridge.

  4. Tentsmuir Forest & Beach: Wander through atmospheric pine forest to emerge onto a vast, wild beach with views across the Tay to the Highlands.

  5. Dunfermline to the Firth of Forth: Follow the old railway line through the historic town and down to the dramatic coast and naval memorial.

  6. The Pilgrim’s Way to St Andrews: Walk a section of the ancient path through rolling farmland towards the spires of the historic city.

  7. Balmerino to Wormit (Fife Coastal Path): A beautiful woodland and coastal stretch along the Tay Estuary, offering spectacular sunsets and bridge views.

  8. Ravenscraig Park to Dysart: A short but dramatic clifftop walk linking a 15th-century castle with a historic fishing harbour.

The 8 Best Beaches in Fife

 1. Kingsbarns Beach: A pristine, expansive sweep of golden sand backed by dunes. Its sheer size and natural beauty make it perfect for long walks and escaping the crowds.

2. Elie Ruby Bay: Famous for its garnet-flecked sand, this sheltered, scenic beach is ideal for families, swimming, and exploring rock pools at low tide.

3. St Andrews West Sands: An iconic two-mile stretch of dramatic dune-backed shoreline, immortalised in film and offering classic views of the historic town skyline.

4. Tentsmuir Beach: A vast, wild frontier of sand, forest, and sea. Experience unique solitude, dramatic driftwood sculptures, and views across the Tay to the Highlands.

5. Crail’s Roome Bay: A charming, sheltered cove right below the picturesque village. Its rock formations and clear pools are perfect for a peaceful, scenic paddle.

6. Aberdour Silver Sands: Consistently award-winning, this family-friendly beach boasts soft, pale sand, safe swimming waters, and excellent facilities.

7. Pittenweem Harbour Beaches: A series of small, rocky and sandy coves around the working harbour, offering authentic charm and great spots for a coastal picnic.

8. Leven Beach: A long, broad expanse of sand perfect for traditional seaside fun, walking, cycling the promenade, and enjoying classic views of the Firth of Forth.

Frequently ask questions about Cellardyke

Where is there to eat in Cellardyke?

Cellardyke is a small village, and there are a select few bars and restaurants to choose from. Most are on the coastal roads, John Street and George Street, and offer familiar pub favourites, seafood specials, delicious sandwiches, all-day breakfasts and more.

For those who want to grab and go, there’s a Chinese takeaway and local bakery all within 5 minutes of the coast. Or if you fancy something fancier, The Dory Bistro and Gallery in Pittenweem is Michelin-reviewed and just a 7-minute drive away. And don’t forget, you can always find more pubs, restaurants and takeaways next door in Anstruther.

A tidal pool is a seawater pool that forms with the tide. They’re typically free from harsh currents and are safe to swim in. It’s recommended you wear protective clothing and hand or footwear to prevent injury from the rocks in the basin.

Cellardyke Tidal Pool or ‘The Bathie’ as locals call it, has a long history as a bathing pool open to the public for wild swimming. Recent renovation work by the dedicated local community group means it’s becoming a much more popular destination for wild swimming in the local community and with visitors, as the fresh sea waters bring refreshment, opportunity, and fun!

Remember to check the local social media pages for any closures due to renovation work before travelling.

No, Cellardyke is not a part of Anstruther – they sit side-by-side on the East Neuk of Fife but are not one and the same.

Cellardyke is part of the Parish of Kilrenny and is said to be named after ‘Sillardykes’ – the name given to the sun glinting off of fishing nets and scales drying in the harbour. Anstruther is part of the Anstruther Easter Parish.

Cellardyke is known as a snapshot of old Scotland and its historic fishing traditions. It’s a traditional village with charming buildings and quiet living.

 

It’s easiest to drive to Cellardyke but buses run from St. Andrews and Lundin Links and take around 30 minutes. Check Stagecoach East Scotland for times.