Scottish staycations: Make memories by the sea in Levenmouth with its new direct trains from Edinburgh

Levenmouth has long been one of Fife’s hidden gems – and the reopening of its rail line on 2nd June, with direct trains from the capital in just over an hour, is about to place it on every Scot’s staycation bucket list.

Discover the views that have inspired generations of artists, sculptors, writers and poets in an area soaked in history, from Neolithic standing stones to Victorian seaside resorts.

Stretching along the Fife coastline from West Wemyss to Drumeldrie and inland to Kennoway, the Levenmouth area spans the historic fishing village of Lower Largo, charming Upper Largo, the Victorian seaside resort of Lundin Links, the spectacular caves and Pictish carvings in East Wemyss, and the vibrant coastal town of Leven.

Whether you want to stroll the silver sands, soak up the local culture or stride the Fife Coastal Path, it's the ideal location for a fun-filled family day out or a short break that’s packed with surprises.

If you're travelling with a young family, or just young at heart, the jaw-dropping scenery and unique heritage mean there's so much to inspire every traveller to love Levenmouth

Make memories by the sea

The thriving town of Leven makes the perfect destination for a nostalgic trip back in time: this much-loved seaside destination has a warm welcome at its heart.

With its woodlands, open green spaces, and a stream running through it, local park Letham Glen is the perfect spot for a walk and a picnic. Or for those looking for peaceful relaxation amongst nature, Silverburn Park boasts 27 acres of mature mixed woodlands, an ornamental walled garden, cafe and family campsite with glamping pods near Leven Beach. Train lovers will be keen to check out the regular open days held by Fife Heritage Railway, which was founded in Leven in 1992.

It is also the perfect base to explore East Neuk’s photogenic fishing villages. Crail, which hosts a fabulous food festival each summer, is one of the UK’s most instagrammable harbours and regularly tops lists of the most picturesque seaside locations. For details and dates visit www.crailfoodfestival.co.uk

Visit a region steeped in culture

Culture fans will love the blend of history and artistic heritage in Levenmouth, particularly at Wemyss Caves. This incredible complex of coastal hidey-holes is home to the largest collection of Pictish and Viking drawings anywhere in Britain. Their archaeological significance has seen them designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument due to the preservation of these unique and valuable artworks.

The fishing village of Lower Largo is best known for its stunning beach: the Victorian visitors who holidayed there were captivated by the stunning sands of Largo Bay. But it’s also the birthplace of 17th-century sailor Alexander Selkirk, whose four years and four months as a real-life castaway inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe.

Set out to explore the stunning scenery

Walkers will love taking in the diverse range of landscapes encompassed by the Fife Coastal Path which stretches some 117 miles from the Firth of Forth in the south to the Firth of Tay in the north. It passes through sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and areas of lush greenery with superb views of the coastline that give the chance to check out the local wildlife, including otters, seals, dolphins and puffins.

The pretty village of Upper Largo offers a bracing climb up Largo Law, a long-extinct volcano – on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with views across the Forth to Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills.

Or you can find out why Fife is known as the home of golf, with the two courses at Lundin Links (Lundin Links and Lundin Ladies) making the perfect starting point. Founded in 1890, Lundin Ladies is one of the oldest ladies’ golf clubs in the world and still only welcomes female members, though men are welcome to play the club’s nine-hole course. Alternatively, Dumbarnie Golf Links near Upper Largo is Scotland’s newest golf course and reopens on 5th April.

Book your day trip or overnight stay

If you’re craving fresh air and an inspirational place bursting with beautiful coastal scenery and thriving local communities, it’s time to start planning your trip to Levenmouth now.

From 2nd June, you can take a direct train from Edinburgh to Levenmouth to discover all the area has to offer; with two new stations built at Cameron Bridge and Leven, direct trains will connect the area with the capital in around one hour and 15 minutes.

Discover more at www.welcometofife.com/levenmouth

*This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.