Things to do in Anstruther, Fife | Where to eat, stay and play

Updated April 2023
​Anstruther is the largest in a string of pretty, colourful fishing villages which make up the East Neuk of Fife. It is most well known for its award winning fish and chip shop and the day trips to the nearby Isle of May to see the cute and comical puffins. There are some lovely things to do in Anstruther. Eating delicious ice cream while watching the array of boats bobbing in the harbour, or eating freshly caught haddock from a cardboard chippy box while sitting on a bench, have always been popular summer activities for locals and tourists alike. These little fishing villages are charming, the locals are proud of the East Neuk and love to make it even more special with their artistic touches, which you'll find as you meander the cobbled streets. We have another business lovingly creating subscription boxes filled with Scottish goodies and sending them worldwide, we featured Anstruther in our Spring 2023 box and spent many hours meandering the little lanes and gazing at the quirky and unique houses and cottages. We met some charming producers, artists and foodies and passionate locals. You can find out more about our 'Bonnie Wee Scotland Box' here. 

A wee bit of history

Anstruther was formed and given a royal charter in 1587 and throughout the following years it was known mostly for its fishing. Fishing and trade was how the people of Anstruther made a living and when the import duties rose in the 18th century there was little option left but to smuggle goods in and brandy and rum were smuggled in during the dark nights to the 'Smugglers Inn' which has only just closed in the last year. 
Herring fishing was a major part of life for Anstruther folk in the 19th century, men would sail the seas and return with their catch at the crack of dawn, the family would salt and pack up the fish, ready to ship off to countries in the Baltics. The village of Pittenweem, a little further along the coast, is the main working harbour now, the harbour in Anstruther is mostly used for pleasure craft. 

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