How To Visit Pittenweem | Fife’s Harbour Village
Looking for the things to do in Pittenweem, Fife? Want to know how to get there, where to stay, and how to visit Pittenweem Beach? Then this Pittenweem guide has you covered, with everything you need to know. Updated for 2024.
Despite being one the smallest of the coastal villages, Pittenweem is one of the loveliest along the East Neuk coast.
Built around a small harbour, Pittenweem tumbles downhill towards the water’s edge and finishes with a perfect bay. A sandy cove leads to picturesque, whitewashed houses, then Pittenweem harbour and its bustling fishing fleet. Amongst the narrow streets too are seafood restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. And, of course, traditional fish & chips. Then along the coast, trails for slow walks with sea views.
Honestly, Pittenweem is a gem.
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Located in the East Neuk, it’s one of a handful of fishing villages, which are tucked away on Scotland’s east coast.
Despite growing popularity with tourists and domestic day trippers, these coastal villages have managed to remain true to their roots, and this is especially true of Pittenweem. After all, this a working harbour of scattered nets, jovial fishermen, and the thrum of a busy fishing fleet.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Pittenweem. Including how to get there, where to stay, and Pittenweem’s most beautiful viewpoints.
Firstly, Is Pittenweem worth visiting?
Pittenweem is an incredibly compact village and seeing its best things won’t take overly long. However, Pittenweem is absolutely worth a visit – so, don’t rush your time here. Once you arrive, you’ll see why: it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch, coastal walk, and top-notch seafood.
How to visit Pittenweem
By car: If you’re visiting Pittenweem as part of a bigger East Neuk trip, it makes sense to visit by car. Drive times from Scotland’s major cities are:
Edinburgh to Pittenweem | 1hr 20 mins
Glasgow to Pittenweem | 1hr 40 mins
By bus: Alternatively, it is possible to visit Pittenweem (and most of the East Neuk) by bus. The Stagecoach 95 bus service runs regularly between all the East Neuk villages and towns including Pittenweem.
And for those travelling from Edinburgh, the Stagecoach X60 stops in Pittenweem (and most East Neuk villages). Plan your journey here.
On foot: For those looking to explore on foot, visit Pittenweem and its coastal neighbours on the Fife Coastal Path. The East Neuk is arguably the most beautiful part of the 178km walk, taking in St Monans, Pittenweem, and Crail to name a few. Find out more about the coastal path here.
Planning a trip to Pittenweem? Here’s my top hotel picks:
The Old Stable: best for a super stylish couple’s seaside getaway.
The Old Chandlery: best for harbour views and charming interiors.
Old Rope Store: best for solo travellers on the Fife Coastal Path.
The Crows Nest: best for groups seeking a cosy seaside stay.
13 Wonderful Things To Do In Pittenweem, Fife
Once here, follow your feet around the village and harbour. However, to help you plan, these are the best things to do in Pittenweem. Including the harbour, small beach, and the historic streets.
1. Explore the old village streets
Pittenweem’s gently tumbling village leads to the harbour, via a myriad of winding side streets. Hidden amongst the narrow lanes are traditional cottages, both whitewashed and pretty pastels. Once here, you’ll also find remarkable buildings where Pittenweem’s ancient history shines. A few places to make a point of seeing are:
St Fillans Cave, Cove Wynd | Built in the 7th century, this cave was the refuge of an Irish saint. Afterwards it was used as a smuggling den, and disturbingly, a prison during the 17th century witch trials. Small but interesting, you can go inside for a £1 donation (pay in the nearby Chocolate Café).
Medieval priory walls | Pittenweem grew up around an ancient priory and you can see fragments of the sandstone walls around the village.
2. Walk around Pittenweem harbour
Pittenweem’s harbour is one of the last working harbours in Fife, and there’s a fish market most mornings. It’s definitely worth a wander: colourful boats, creel pots, bundles of nets, and salty sailors make this a lively spot. Also at the harbour are historic buildings to visit and a pier – walk out to Pittenweem Lighthouse.
Find the harbour and lighthouse here.
3. Sample the local seafood
As you’d expect from a fishing village, Pittenweem has some wonderful seafood eateries. They offer up the catch of the day and some of the best seafood in Scotland. When here, choose from casual fish & chips or something a little fancier.
My personal favourite is the Dory Bistro, a seafood cafe directly across from the harbour. The menu is packed with local ingredients and the freshest fish from the days catch. Highly recommend.
Top tip: In summer you’ll want to book a table in advance. Whilst opening times can vary in the low season. Basically, always check for tables and opening times ahead of travelling.
4. Indulge in ice cream
No visit to Pittenweem is complete without a trip to Nicholson's Sweets & Ice Cream Shop. Once here, indulge in a bag of traditional sweets and choose from the extensive range of delicious ice-creams. A must on a summers’ day. Find it here.
5. Visit Pittenweem beach
More a small sandy cove than expanse of golden sand, don’t let that put you off - pretty Pittenweem beach is worth a visit. Once here you’ll love its uninterrupted sea views; this is the perfect spot for a picnic or ice-cream on a sunny day.
Find Pittenweem beach here on Google Maps, a short walk from the harbour.
6. Walk along the Fife coastal path
Pittenweem is one of the pretty villages along the Fife Coastal Path – a long distance trail through Fife, the coastal path also passes through the East Neuk.
Whilst you don’t have to walk the whole length, the Pittenweem coastal section is one of the very best. Whilst here, take a wander west towards postcard perfect St Monans (be sure to visit the Welly Boot Garden, yes seriously). Or east towards the East Neuk’s biggest town. The rugged cliff top views are breathtaking, and the trail is easy going. Though there can be muddy sections, so be sure to wear sturdy boots. Find out more about the trail here.
There’s a regular Stagecoach bus service to bring you back and you can plan your journey here.
7. Swim in the tidal pool
Possibly an activity best suited to summer, if you want to swim in Pittenweem then the sea pool is the perfect place. Thankfully, the walled outdoor swimming pool was recently restored and provides some protection from the elements. Just remember this is Scotland the water is never particularly warm!
The pool is about a 10-minute walk from the harbour (find it here on Google Maps), along the coastal path. The best time to visit is 2-hours before or after high tide, when the waves tend to stay outside the pool walls (find the Pittenweem tide times and weather here).
8. Celebrate the Art Festival
Pittenweem is home to an annual Arts Festival, which takes place in August. In recent years its popularity has grown, attracting visitors from all over Scotland. The festival hosts a collection of artworks hung all around the village – avoiding a formal gallery in favour of wall space in shops, cafes sheds, and homes.
Plan a trip to the Pittenweem Art Festival here.
9. Visit at golden hour
There’s something especially magical about Pittenweem at sunrise and sunset - the golden light hits just right.
10. Take in the views
Given Pittenweem’s stunning coastal location, there are an abundance of viewpoints to be enjoyed. These are my favourite Pittenweem viewpoints:
Rooftop viewpoint | Unsurprisingly, for a village that gathers at the bottom of a steep cliff, the best viewpoint of Pittenweem is from up high. To take in the red tiled roofs, fishermen cottages, its harbour, and the sea beyond, head west from Pittenweem harbour – when the village ends follow the path up the hill towards West Braes Park. From here it’s a steep but short walk to the cliff top. Once at the top of the hill, you’ll have the most spectacular views over Pittenweem below, looking incredibly picture-perfect (here on Google Maps).
Shoreline viewpoint | Alternatively, one of my favourite views of Pittenweem is also the village’s loveliest street. Head west from the harbour, passing onto a street with no cars. Here the whitewashed cottages meet Pittenweem Beach – it’s especially lovely during golden hour (here on Google Maps.)
Harbour viewpoint | No trip to Pittenweem is complete without a visit to the harbour. As it’s a working harbour some of the pier is blocked. However, a few short steps around the harbour allows you to look over the harbour walls and into the boats bobbing below. Directly behind are some of Pittenweem’s oldest and most beautiful buildings (here on Google Maps).
11. Visit the East Neuk
One of the reasons I love visiting Fife is the abundance of quaint fishing villages along the East Neuk coastline. There’s no shortage of bays, beaches, coves, and stunning sea views for those seeking the quintessential seaside experience. Visiting the East Neuk is one of the best things to do in Pittenweem, because it’s an easy drive, or walk, to all of these wonderful places.
Once here, it is entirely possible to visit many of Fife’s villages in the same day – however, a weekend road trip through Fife is absolutely the best option for an incredible experience. From my time walking the Fife Coastal Path through these lovely places, I recommend exploring the following:
St Monans | Another small but perfectly formed Fife gem, pretty St Monans is an easy 5-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from Pittenweem. Once there, visit the welly boot garden, Giddy Gannet Café, and intricate harbour.
Elie | If you’re looking for golden sandy beaches, then Elie is perfect. A sheltered bay surrounds a vast expanse of soft sands, wonderful for paddles and picnics. Nearby facilities include a deli, a foodie inn, and plenty car parking.
Crail | Another of Fife’s lovely fishing villages, Crail is as picture-perfect as it comes. Quiet and unassuming, there’s a sandy bay, harbour to wander around, and narrow streets of traditional stone-built cottages. Along the main street you’ll find a treasure trove of excellent places to eat - I recommend The Shoregate.
Where to stay in Pittenweem
Whilst most people visit Pittenweem on a day trip, it is also a fantastic place to spend a few nights. Though accommodation here is limited (there’s no hotels in Pittenweem), there are nonetheless a few excellent options:
The Old Stable | This seaside hideaway has the look of a traditional stone cottage but inside is super stylish and modern. Comfy and cosy, with beautiful features, this gorgeous 1-bed tiny home is best booked well in advance. Book here.
The Old Chandlery | For those looking to be located right on the harbour. This beautifully renovated 1-bed studio is super charming and has waterfront views. Of course, expect to pay a higher price for the location.
Old Rope Store | Best for solo travellers, this single-bed studio is situated on the harbourfront. Inside the old stone walls you’ll find a compact but also wonderfully cosy studio apartment.
The Crows Nest | Located on a quiet street, this gorgeous 2-bedroom holiday home is best for groups and families. Super cosy on the inside, the bedrooms rooms and common areas are both lovely and spacious.
Fifies| Situated a few minutes’ walk from the beach, this super gorgeous and design-led tiny house is an exceptionally stylish stay. With open plan/studio living and one bedroom its perfect for a couple’s getaway.
Penthouse on the Harbour | If you’re looking to stay longer and want the freedom of self-catering, choose this stunning 1-bedroom apartment. If offers the feel of home and has tons of space.
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Posts on this site may contain affiliate links that help support my business in creating content. If you purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, you can buy me a ‘virtual’ mug of Earl Grey here.
