Elie and Earlsferry

Unique for its beautiful sandy beach and its rich maritime history, making it a perfect spot for water sports along Fife’s scenic coastline.

Visiting Ellie in Scotland is the perfect way to experience a quieter, more relaxed side of the country. Tucked away in the heart of Fife, this charming coastal village offers stunning views, a rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, explore, and truly soak in the beauty of Scotland.

One of the biggest draws of Ellie is its incredible coastal beauty. With dramatic sea views, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs, it’s a nature lover’s dream. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shore, enjoy the fresh sea air, or just sit and watch the waves. If you’re into outdoor activities, there are plenty of options here—whether it’s birdwatching, kayaking, or just soaking in the scenery. The whole coastline has a peaceful vibe, making it the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The village itself has a lot of character and history to discover. Ellie may be small, but it’s packed with charm. You’ll find traditional Scottish cottages, quaint streets to wander, and plenty of local stories to uncover. The area around Ellie, known as the East Neuk of Fife, is full of other picturesque villages like Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail, each offering fresh seafood, beautiful harbors, and a glimpse into the area’s past. If you’re a fan of history, you’ll definitely appreciate the heritage here—there are old castles, monuments, and landmarks scattered throughout the region.

For those who love the outdoors, Ellie is the ideal base. It sits right along the Fife Coastal Path, which is a fantastic walking and cycling route that offers some seriously stunning views of the North Sea. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing walk or a more challenging hike, there’s something for everyone. Plus, if you’re into golf, Fife is home to the legendary St. Andrews, just a short drive away. And if you’re into nature, you can check out Tentsmuir Forest for peaceful walks through the trees.

Ellie also has a cool cultural scene. There are lots of local art galleries, craft shops, and music events that highlight the area’s creative side. Whether you’re into local art, enjoying a live band at a pub, or taking part in a traditional ceilidh (Scottish dance), there’s always something happening. The village may be small, but it’s full of life, and you’ll always find something fun or interesting to check out.

Another great thing about Ellie is how easy it is to take day trips to other famous spots in Scotland. It’s just an hour’s drive to Edinburgh, where you can explore iconic places like Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Mile. And if you’re into golf or just want to see a historic town, St. Andrews is only a short drive away. The best part is that you can enjoy all these bigger cities and sights, but still return to the peace and quiet of Ellie at the end of the day.

The community in Ellie is super friendly, and the village has a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a local café or chatting with the people who live here, you’ll quickly feel like part of the community. It’s one of those places where you can really unwind and enjoy some true Scottish hospitality.

How do you get to Elie and Earlsferry?

Getting to Elie in Fife is fairly straightforward, whether you’re traveling by car, train, or bus. Here’s a guide on how to make your way to this charming coastal village:

By Car

Elie is easily accessible by car, especially if you’re coming from Edinburgh or other nearby towns in Fife.

  • From Edinburgh: Elie is about a 1-hour drive from Edinburgh, making it a great option for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Head north on the M90 motorway, and then take the A92 towards Kirkcaldy. Follow the signs for Leven and then continue on the A917, which will take you directly to Elie.
  • From St. Andrews: If you’re coming from St. Andrews, Elie is about a 30-minute drive to the south. Take the A917 along the coast, passing through beautiful fishing villages like Crail and Anstruther.

Once you’re in Elie, parking is available, and the village is small enough to explore on foot.

By Train

The nearest train station to Elie is in Leven, which is about 7 miles away. From Leven, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Elie.

  • From Edinburgh: You can take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Leven. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Once you arrive in Leven, you can catch a bus (Bus 95 or 96) to Elie, or grab a taxi for a quick 15-minute ride.
  • From Glasgow: If you’re coming from Glasgow, you can travel to Leven via Edinburgh or Dundee. You may need to change trains at Edinburgh or Dundee, depending on the route.
By Bus

There are also bus services that connect various towns in Fife to Elie.

  • From Edinburgh: You can catch a bus from Edinburgh to Leven via Stagecoach services. From Leven, you can take a local bus to Elie.
  • From St. Andrews: Buses run regularly from St. Andrews to Elie via the Fife Bus Service (Stagecoach, Route 95), and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
  • From Dundee: You can catch a bus from Dundee to Leven, and then transfer to another local service to Elie.

You can easily reach Elie and other East Neuk villages by bus. The Stagecoach 95 service offers regular connections between all the towns and villages in the area, including Pittenweem. It’s a convenient and scenic way to explore the region!

By Bike or Walking

If you’re feeling adventurous, Elie is also part of the Fife Coastal Path, which stretches from the Firth of Forth in the south to the Firth of Tay in the north. This is a fantastic way to reach Elie if you love hiking or cycling, as the route offers stunning coastal views and plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful scenery of Fife.

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Where to eat in Elie and Earlsferry

Ship Inn
The Ship Inn in Elie is one of Scotland’s most iconic pubs, renowned for its stunning location, panoramic views, and unique cricket pitch on the beach – the only one of its kind in the UK. Purchased by Graham and Rachel Bucknall in 2014, following a major renovation, the Ship Inn reopened in 2015 with six beautiful bedrooms added in 2016. Nestled among old cottages by the harbour, it offers a cozy bar with open fires, an upstairs restaurant with bay views, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. The hearty menu features locally sourced seafood. In summer, the Ship’s cricket team plays matches on the beach, attracting teams from all over the world.

The 19th Hole
Located in Earlsferry, The 19th Hole overlooks the 4th Tee of Elie Links and serves fresh, locally sourced food in an open kitchen. With a dog-friendly bar and a private dining room for up to 20, it’s a hidden gem of the East Neuk. Run by Michelle Wilson and Stuart Fox, the duo behind Wilson and Fox Pubs LTD, The 19th Hole is committed to exceptional food and service for all its guests.

Elie Deli
A charming, family-run delicatessen and licensed grocer in Elie, offering a wide range of products for both locals and visitors. Freshly baked bread, pastries, and croissants are available every morning, making it a must-stop for food lovers in the area.

Best things to do in Elie and Earlsferry

Elie Beach

Located just a stone’s throw from the main street, Elie Beach is the town’s bustling heart. Popular with families, watersport enthusiasts, and the local cricket teams, this golden stretch of sand is lively, especially in summer. The beach is easily accessible, with Elie’s cafes, shops, and bars just a short stroll away, making it perfect for those looking for both relaxation and convenience.

Elie Seaside Sauna

Nestled atop the dunes at Elie Harbour in the scenic East Neuk of Fife, Elie Seaside Sauna offers a serene retreat from the demands of the digital world. With its full-length, heat-tempered glass wall angled towards the setting sun, the sauna provides uninterrupted views of the soft, windswept marram grass, stretching out across Woodhaven Bay and Elie Beach, with the rugged cliffs rising in the distance. A perfect sanctuary for relaxation and reconnection with nature

Ruby Bay
Ruby Bay, to the east of Elie, is one of Fife’s most picturesque and secluded spots. Known for its striking sandy shore and crystal-clear waters, it’s a little more off the beaten track, requiring a bit of effort to reach. Best visited at low tide, the beach reveals fascinating rock pools teeming with marine life, and you might even spot the red rubies that are said to be hidden in the rocks. Accessible via the coastal path, Ruby Bay also has a small car park nearby. Once there, you can extend your walk to take in the stunning Elie Ness Lighthouse and the charming Lady’s Tower.

Earlsferry Beach
Just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, Earlsferry Beach is a hidden gem – a wide stretch of golden sand that often feels like a secret haven. Situated off Sea Tangle Road, to the west of Elie, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking solitude. Even on a sunny summer day, this peaceful beach remains pleasantly uncrowded. At low tide, Earlsferry Beach connects with Elie Beach, creating nearly a mile of uninterrupted sand. With no facilities on site, be sure to bring all the essentials for a day at the beach.

 

Where to stay in Elie and Earlsferry

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