Out & About around Sunny Patch

Here are a few suggestions for days out, however, there is much more to see and do. You will find a wealth of information in the house for you to plan your days out.

Beaches

Anstruther has three beaches all within walking distance of Sunny Patch. Billow Ness beach which is situated by the golf club is the winner of a seaside award from Tidy Britain, and has free parking and toilet facilities nearby.

Further afield at Elie you will find a large sandy curved beach. There are watersports such as sailing, kayaking, pedaloes, waterskiing, banana or rubber ring rides available on this beach between May and September (weather permitting).

St Andrews also has two beaches. The West Sands is a large, flat long beach separated from the golf courses by the sand dunes. It is most famously known for featuring in the opening sequence of the Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire.

The East Sands can be found at the other end of the town by the harbour. Also close by to this beach is the East Sands Leisure Centre, the only public swimming pool in St Andrews.

Parks

On the short stroll from the house to the village centre, you can pass through the childrens play park, with swings, roundabout, climbing frame etc. Also situated in this park is the local tennis courts, where you can hire rackets, and try out your skills.

Craigtoun Country Park is on the outskirts of St Andrews, beside the Dukes Golf Course. You can have a full day here (remember to pack your picnic). There is something for everyone here. The adventure playground, miniature railway, trampolines and bouncy castle will appeal to the younger children. The older children will enjoy the crazy golf, putting, boating lake and the bowling green. The formal gardens and glasshouses can be enjoyed by everyone.

Golf

There are over 40 golf courses in Fife. Most famously The Old Course at St Andrews. There are a further 6 courses in St Andrews, including the new Castle Course which opened in July 2008.

Isle of May

Sail on the May Princess from Anstruther harbour, and be amazed at the stunning views on this beautiful island. See the remains of a 12th Century Monastery and the oldest lighthouse in Scotland. Here on the island you will also find incredible wildlife such as grey seals, eiders, puffins, guillemots and razorbirds. Visit late July and August for a chance to see porpoise, dolphins and whales.

The Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Patch stretches from North Queensferry in the south stretching for 150kms to the Tay Bridge in the north. The routes along the local paths are mainly flat, making them ideal for family walks. This is definitely one of the best ways to see the fishing villages of the East Neuk. On the longer routes, you can even catch a local bus back.

Fisheries Museum

A good rainy day activity. The Fisheries Museum which is situated down by the harbour, tells the story of fishing in Scotland and is people from the earliest times.