Crail is a picturesque fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland which was granted Royal Burgh status in 1310 by King Robert the Bruce.

As you wander along the quaint winding streets and pends there are many historical buildings to see. Just some of the many points of interest are the Marketgate, once the largest marketplace in medieval europe. Crail Museum & Heritage Centre (free entry), The 16th Century Toolbooth, with its 1520 Dutch bell and the Crail Capon (smoked haddock) weathervane. The former Crail Castle which was built by King David I. The Blue Stane, a large boulder just outside the Church gates – legend has it that the devil flung it from the May Island, trying to demolish the church that was being built (the large imprint is said to be the devil’s thumbprint!). The 19th Century Mortuary, in the churchyeard, was were bodies were stored for several weeks before burial – this made them useless to the body snatchers who used to sell corpses to the University for research. The 12th Century Crail Parish Church (containing a 9th Century sculptured cross) has a rich history, including having John Knox preach there in 1559. The disued Crail Airfield, with its listed building (which once housed Swordfish planes with which Fleet Air Arm crews practiced torpedo attack techniques during the 1939/1945 war)

There are also a variety of shops for everyday needs, including a traditional butcher and baker.

There are a few beaches in Crail (Roome Bay, Sauchope, Balcomie, the Harbour Beach and West Braes). Explore the rock pools, build sandcastles, relax on the sand, spot the dolphins and seals, or take a dip in the sea! There are also excellent coastal walks in both directions.

Not forgetting the famous Crail Harbour, the most picturesque harbour in the East Neuk, with its rich history. Surrounded by pretty 17th Century houses with their whitewashed walls and red pantiled roofs, it’s no wonder it’s been photographed and sketched by thousands over the years. (The harbour has even been recreated in a detailed scale model at Lego Land!) Watch the fisherman at work as they land freshly caught crab and lobster – a delight you can sample at The Golf Hotel (or harbour-side at the little ‘crab shack’)

And of course, there’s a plethora of high quality Golf Courses - click here for more on golfing in the area

But lets not forget the Locals! There is a strong community spirit in Crail and the locals are a friendly sort, always happy to chat with our visitors and share a ‘wee dram’ if so desired!

Read about Crail in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crail

CLOSE TO CRAIL:

There are many things to do and places to visit in and around the East Neuk of Fife. Here is a small selection of what’s available close to Crail....

WALKING: Crail is a popular destination for walkers, with stunning coastal walks, a variety of flora and fauna, an array of birds and old caves by the sea.

SECRET BUNKER: Just two miles from Crail is a Secret Bunker, from which the Government of Scotland would have been conducted had a nuclear conflict occurred. Hidden 100 ft beneath an innocent Scottish Farmhouse, a tunnel leads to 24,000 square feet of accommodation.

THE MAY ISLAND: Lying 6 miles out to sea is the Isle of May. In 1636 the first lighthouse in Scotland was built here. Now a well-known nature reserve, the island has recorded over 200 different species of birds, and is a breeding ground for puffins and guillemots in particular. Take a boat trip to the island and see the dophins and seals as you cross the water.  The views on a clear day are breathtaking, and the noise of the birds can be quite astounding.

CRAIGTOUN PARK. Near St Andrews, a country park offering a great day out for the whole family with its boating pond, miniature train, putting, bowling, crazy golf, trampolines etc - and lots of green space to run around or relax in.

ST ANDREWS AQUARIUM is well-known for its underwater display of a variety of fish, sharks, rays etc, and at the SCOTTISH FISHERIES MUSEUM in Anstruther you can see live sea creatures and discover the history of the fishing industry in the East Neuk.

Gardeners can visit the BOTANIC GARDENS in St Andrews and the several CASTLES and STATELY HOMES in the area including the 14th Century Kellie Castle, Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse & Gardens, Falkland Palace, Cambo Estate, St Andrews Castle, Cathedral & St Rule’s Tower, St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum & Garden, British Golf Museum at St Andrews. There are many more gardens and historical buildings in the area to explore.

9 miles from Crail is ST ANDREWS, famous as "The Home of Golf" and for it's ancient University (where a very famous couple met and fell in love!).  Play the golf courses, visit the historical cathedral, or meander around the shops and quaint back streets.