The small but welcoming village is one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to go back.
This coastal spot is a true hidden gem(Image: Nicola Roy)
You can’t beat a day at the beach when the weather is nice and sunny. And with some warmer days on the way very soon, it’s worth thinking about where you’re going to spend them.
The UK has plenty of very popular seaside spots, but if you’re looking for something a little more undiscovered, there’s one true hidden gem I recently visited that I can’t recommend enough. Admittedly it’s tiny, and there’s not much there, but there’s a welcoming pub and restaurant, magnificent ocean views, and it’s near to another well-loved seaside destination too.
Lower Largo in Fife has a population of roughly 2,300, and it’s one of the most gorgeous locations I’ve seen.
The small village looks out over Largo Bay, on the northern edge of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. It took around an hour and a half to drive from Glasgow, and from Edinburgh, it’s only an hour’s drive away.
Largo is a historic fishing village, divided into two separate sections – Lower and Upper, with the small village of Lundin Links just to the left. Here, you won’t find amusement arcades or masses of holidaymakers, and it has a far more tranquil ambience than other coastal villages I’ve explored lately.
But don’t allow the absence of attractions to discourage you. The more relaxed pace of life here was captivating, and already I’m eager for my next chance to return. Waking up to those breathtaking coastal vistas was an immediate pick-me-up, especially when the sunshine was beaming down.
It was a bit cold, but that didn’t matter – it was still beautiful, and the fresh sea air was so invigorating.
Lower Largo’s beach is made up of sand and rocks, and it’s pristine. We noticed several people out walking their dogs, and even spotted sight of one courageous woman plunging into the water, which must have felt amazing once she’d overcome the initial icy shock.
The streets were just as pleasant to explore. It’s so peaceful, so you’ll barely see any cars driving along, but you will discover some extravagantly decorated gardens. The nautical theme was clear to see, with garden gates embellished with pirates, fish and mermaids.
Breakfast was at The Aurrie, a charming cafe within a former church that had such a cosy and welcoming ambience. There was artwork on display from local artists that was available to purchase, and a superb range of hot dishes, coffees, and a dessert counter brimming with delights. I chose the veggie haggis and potato scone roll and a flat white, and it was delicious.
Throughout our visit, we also ate at The Crusoe, another wonderfully welcoming four-star hotel featuring a restaurant and pub. It offers all the traditional pub favourites you’d expect, from mac and cheese to fish and chips, and my entire family absolutely loved it.
Just across the road sits the Railway Inn, another pub featuring a proper fire that I didn’t get the chance to visit, but my parents said it was brilliant and the perfect spot for an after-dinner beverage.
The pub is handily positioned right beside an impressive viaduct, now out of service but still towering above. It crosses the Keil Burn, and was built to accommodate part of the Fife Coast Railway Line. It hasn’t been in use since 1965 following the restructuring of British railways known as the Beeching cuts, but it stands as an important landmark and is definitely worth seeing.
Another intriguing element of Lower Largo’s past is its link to the man who inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe – explaining the hotel’s name.
Born in 1676, Alexander Selkirk came from the village, and the property that now stands on his birthplace at 99-105 Main Street displays a life-sized statue of him staring out towards the horizon.
A signpost at the harbour indicates the direction of the Juan Fernández Islands, roughly 7,500 miles away, where he spent more than four years stranded.
I’m already eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Lower Largo. The general vibe of the place was incredibly warm, and it’s evident it has a powerful sense of community spirit.
It’s the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful few days, but for those wanting to venture further afield, the popular coastal town of St Andrews is just 20 minutes away. Although St Andrews is most famous for its rich golfing history and as the place where royals William and Catherine first met, the town also boasts a fantastic array of pubs, restaurants, bookshops and cafés well worth exploring.