🌍 Elie
“Seaside Elegance with a Spirit for Adventure”
Tucked into a natural bay along the East Neuk coastline, Elie is where graceful Georgian charm meets golden beaches and outdoor adventure. A historic seaside retreat that has long been a favorite holiday spot for Scots, Elie (and its twin village Earlsferry) offers a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and refined village life. Think sandy shores, stylish homes, boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and plenty of space to breathe.
🕰️ History of Elie & Earlsferry
Elie and Earlsferry were historically two separate settlements, now gracefully joined.
- Earlsferry dates back to at least the 11th century. Legend holds that Macduff, Earl of Fife, fled this way to escape Macbeth’s wrath, giving the village its name.
- Elie flourished later, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries as a holiday resort for well-to-do families from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
- A royal burgh and a center for shipping and fishing, Elie became renowned for seaside leisure, golf, and watersports.
Today, it retains that genteel coastal vibe — elegant yet unpretentious, lively yet peaceful.
🏖️ Beaches & Waterfront
Elie boasts some of the finest beaches in Scotland, drawing families, swimmers, paddleboarders, and sunseekers.
- Elie Harbour Beach – Sheltered, family-friendly, and perfect for paddling or launching kayaks.
- The Ship Inn Beach – Popular with locals, with the pub’s beer garden and cricket matches on the sand in summer!
- Earlsferry Beach – Wide, windswept and golden, ideal for long walks, kite flying, and beach games.
All are backed by charming cottages and dunes — perfect for seaside picnics and salty air strolls.
⛵ Watersports & Outdoor Adventure
Elie is known for its outdoor lifestyle, especially on the water:
- Elie Watersports Centre – Offers kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and more.
- Wild swimming in the harbour or from the rockier shorelines is increasingly popular.
- Rock pooling and crabbing are favourite pastimes for younger visitors.
- Golf – Home to the Elie Golf House Club, founded in 1875. It offers world-class links golf with stunning coastal views.
You don’t have to be sporty to enjoy the outdoors here — just sitting by the shore is therapy enough.
🕯️ Elie Ness Lighthouse & Lady’s Tower
For one of the East Neuk’s most scenic short walks, head east along the coast from Elie to:
- Elie Ness Lighthouse – A classic white beacon still in use today, perched on the rugged rocks.
- Lady’s Tower – An 18th-century summerhouse built for Lady Anstruther, who used it as a private bathing spot. Its position on a dramatic headland makes it perfect for photos.
It’s a beautiful loop walk with views across the Firth of Forth and chances to spot seals and seabirds.
🏘️ Architecture & Village Life
Elie is known for its handsome buildings and stylish atmosphere:
- Stroll along the High Street, with its mix of stone villas, Georgian homes, and independent shops.
- Stop by the Old Church Tower and nearby ruins.
- Elie Harbour is lined with historic cottages, many now holiday homes or second residences, giving the village a lively summer feel and quiet winters.
The blend of old-world elegance and beach-town spirit is what gives Elie its charm.
🍽️ Food, Drink & Local Delights
Elie has built a reputation for excellent food and drink, whether you’re after fine dining or fish and chips on a bench.
Must-Try Spots:
- The Ship Inn – Legendary for beachside dining and cold pints with a view. Cricket on the beach adds to the charm.
- The 19th Hole – A relaxed bistro near the golf course, popular for lunch or an evening drink.
- Elie Deli – Great for picnic supplies, baked goods, and local cheeses.
- The Harbour Café – A seasonal gem with seafood-focused menus and unbeatable location.
- The Pavillion – A great spot for coffee, light lunches, and people-watching near the tennis courts.
Whether it’s oysters or ice cream, Elie delivers in delicious style.
🧭 Things to Do in Elie
✔ Play golf at one of Fife’s finest seaside courses
✔ Try watersports or rent a paddleboard
✔ Walk the coastal path to St Monans or Earlsferry
✔ Climb Lady’s Tower for a picture-perfect view
✔ Relax on the beach with a good book and some Elie Deli snacks
✔ Catch a beach cricket match outside the Ship Inn
✔ Hunt for sea glass and shells along Earlsferry Beach
✔ Enjoy a pub night with local ales and live music
📸 Interesting Facts
- Elie and Earlsferry Golf Club is famously loved by golf legends like Gary Player and James Braid.
- The Lady’s Tower was once considered controversial — Lady Anstruther had villagers cleared from the beach when she bathed.
- The Ship Inn’s beach cricket matches are a beloved summer tradition, attracting teams from across the UK.
- Elie was a Victorian holiday haven and still holds echoes of its golden-era glamour.
📅 Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Elie Gala Day (Summer) – A celebration of community with games, stalls, and beach fun.
- Beach Cricket Series (Summer) – Watch or join matches on the sand.
- Elie Fayre (August) – A lively fête with crafts, performances, and family activities.
- Christmas Market – Small but cozy, featuring crafts, gifts, and mulled wine.
These events reflect Elie’s warm community spirit and festive nature.
📍 Getting There
- By Car: 25 minutes from St Andrews, 90 minutes from Edinburgh.
- By Bus: Regular Stagecoach buses from St Andrews, Leven, and nearby villages.
- By Bike or Foot: Part of the Fife Coastal Path, ideal for scenic walking and cycling.
Parking is available, but many visitors explore on foot for the best experience.
❤️ Why Visit Elie?
Elie is the East Neuk’s elegant escape — a place where beach holidays meet boutique living, where you can kayak in the morning, sip rosé at lunch, golf in the afternoon, and enjoy fish and chips with a sea view by evening.
Whether you’re here for family fun, romantic weekends, or soul-soothing walks, Elie will welcome you with beauty, charm, and salty-fresh air.
Come to Elie — where beach life meets timeless style.