Explore the best coastal spots near St Andrews

Owning a holiday home at Woodside Luxury Lodges places you just moments from Fife’s breathtaking coastline. From quiet, secluded beaches to picturesque fishing villages, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a relaxing day by the sea or an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Award-winning beaches

Fife isn’t just home to a beautiful coastline; in 2025, it had more award-winning beaches than any other region in Scotland, with 13 beaches recognised by the Scotland’s Beach Awards for their clean sands, excellent facilities, and sustainable management. From family-friendly spots to peaceful coves, here are the top five closest to Woodside Luxury Lodges, St Andrews:

• St Andrews West Sands – St Andrews’ most famous beach, and with 33 consecutive awards, it’s easy to see why! Ideal for long morning walks, dog strolls, or simply soaking up the iconic sea views just minutes from the town.
• St Andrews East Sands – Just a short stroll from the town centre, this sandy beach has been awarded 25 years in a row, making it a local favourite. Perfect for a quieter seaside escape while still close to everything St Andrews has to offer.
• Kingsbarns Beach – A quiet stretch of sand perfect for keen photographers or a beachside picnic, with stunning views along the East Neuk coastline.
• Elie Harbour & Ruby Bay – Sandy, sheltered spots for rock pooling, sunset watching, or a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
• Crail Roome Bay – Small and scenic, with a cove of sand and rock pools, perfect for escaping the crowds while taking in the sea views.

Coastal towns and villages

Beyond the beaches, Fife is dotted with charming coastal towns and villages, each with its own unique character and history. Wandering the streets and harbours allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying scenic views along the way.

• Anstruther – Wander along the West Pier and East Pier, explore the historic harbour, and you can’t miss out on the renowned fish and chips. The Scottish Fisheries Museum is also a great stop on a day out.
• Crail – Cobblestone streets, art galleries, artisan shops, and tucked-away cafés make Crail a joy to explore. 
• Elie – A charming seaside village with a picturesque harbour, sandy beach, and coastal walks. Perfect for a leisurely day and a hot mug of coffee by the sea.
• Aberdour – Explore the award-winning Silver and Black Sands beaches, stroll around the harbour, and pop into ice cream spots along the seafront.
• Kinghorn – Small and relaxed, this coastal town has lovely beach views, a friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the Fife Coastal Path for longer walks.

Active adventures on the coast

If you’re after a more active day by the sea, Fife offers something for all levels of adventure: 

• Watersports in Elie and Crail – The sheltered coves around Elie and Crail are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and learning new water sports. Elie is especially popular, no matter the season, offering calm waters and scenic views.
• Fife Coastal Path – Stretching 117 miles, the Fife Coastal Path is ideal for day walks near Woodside. Each section has its own character, offering a new adventure every time.
• Wildlife watching – Fife’s coastline is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for seals, oystercatchers, terns, and migratory birds, particularly in the quieter winter months.

Best spots for a bite to eat

After exploring the coast, you’ll have worked up an appetite, making it the perfect opportunity to try Fife’s fantastic range of local cafés and restaurants – all within easy reach of Woodside. Here are a few of our favourites at Woodside:

• The Seafood Ristorante – Exquisite seafood right on the shores of St Andrews.
• The Cheesy Toast Shack – Award-winning cheese toasties at East Sands beach.
• The Tavern at Strathkinness – Just a 2-minute drive from Woodside, this welcoming village tavern never disappoints.
• The Shoregate – Where the charm of historic Crail and the best in Scottish food and drink combine.
• Anstruther Fish Bar – Famous for freshly-cooked fish and chips, a must-visit for any seaside day out.
• The Inn at Kingbarns: Enjoy locally sourced, freshly prepared meals, and a beer garden for alfresco dining on sunny days.

And if you join us as a lodge owner this winter, there’s even more to look forward to! Our £1,500 Welcome to St Andrews Pack* includes vouchers for The Seafood Ristorante, The Cheesy Toast Shack and The Tavern at Strathkinness, and more.

Your coastal retreat awaits at Woodside

After a day exploring beaches, villages, and coastal paths near St Andrews, your Woodside lodge is the perfect place to unwind. Step onto your private decking, take in the peaceful countryside views, and sink into comfort. Your luxury lodge is your base for year-round** coastal adventures; now’s the time to make it yours. 

Ready to experience the Fife coast for yourself? Book a private tour, explore our luxury lodges, and discover why Woodside could be your home-from-home on Scotland’s east coast.

*Terms and conditions. A combined total of £1,500 in vouchers for The Seafood Ristorante, Wild Scottish Sauna, The Cheesy Toast Shack, Topping & Company Booksellers, The Tavern at Strathkinness, Luvians Bottle Shop, Spoiled Hairdressing, golf lessons at The Links and Farmore Interiors will be provided upon completion of the holiday home purchase. Offer is subject to availability, applies to new purchases made between 26th December 2025 & 28th February 2026. Sale must be completed by 28th March to qualify. Applies to new purchases only and cannot be applied retrospectively. The offer is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Woodside Luxury Lodges reserve the right to withdraw the promotion at any time.

**Holiday homes cannot be used as permanent residence.