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A three-storey sandstone harbour building with dormer windows overlooks moored yachts and a small motor boat, an autumn tree reflected in the still water.
Fife

Dysart Harbour

A small, sheltered harbour at Dysart on the Fife coast, cut partly from the rock, below an old burgh of salt pans, merchants' houses and a tolbooth.

Welcome

Dysart is now part of Kirkcaldy, but it has always had its own story, and its little harbour is a charming corner of the Fife coast.

Tucked below a sandstone cliff, the harbour was partly carved out of the rock itself, and today it shelters yachts and small boats instead of the trading ships of the past.

In its heyday Dysart was a busy, wealthy burgh, living on coal, salt, textiles, fishing, boatbuilding and trade. Along the shore at Pan Ha', salt was made from seawater. Up in the town, the Tolbooth still stands on the High Street.

A tall sandstone harbour building overlooks the moorings. It is a quiet, lovely place to wander, with the Forth stretching away beyond the harbour wall.

Round the cornerThe Harbourmaster's HouseAn 18th-century house on the harbour at Dysart, home of the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, with a cafe looking over the boats.1 min by roadSee itSmall boats float in a stone harbour beneath a tall sandstone building
Before you go

Open to walk round at any time.

Where
Dysart, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2TQ.
Carved
Partly from the rock.
Nearby
Pan Ha' and the Tolbooth.
Where it is

At Dysart on the Fife coast, at the east end of Kirkcaldy, KY1 2TQ.

Close byDysart.
  1. Ravenscraig CastleRavenscraig CastleA great ruined castle on the shore at Kirkcaldy, begun in 1460 for Queen Mary of Gueldres and built to withstand guns.Under a mile3 min by road
  2. The Fife Coastal Path, a railed path along a green cliff above a blue sea.Fife Coastal Path4 miles12 min by road
  3. Sandy beach and promenade beneath Gourock's hillside, church spire rising above the seafrontBurntisland BeachA big sandy beach along the coast.8 miles20 min by road
  4. Sandy beach and promenade beneath Gourock's hillside, church spire rising above the seafrontBurntislandA seaside town to the west.8 miles20 min by road
  5. Aberdour Castle and GardensAberdour Castle and GardensA castle and terraced gardens.11 miles21 min by road
Directions
Small boats float in a stone harbour beneath a tall sandstone buildingAttractionsThe Harbourmaster's HouseA step away
Wooden shopfront with black awning reading "Fruit & Veg Merchant" and Macauley's signage in the windowShoppingMacauley's7.5 miles
Star-shaped lanterns hang above shelves of dried flowers, clocks and ornaments in a gift shopShoppingBel & Etta7.5 miles
eFoiling Beneath the Forth Bridges, EdinburghActivityeFoil Scotland7.8 miles
Aerial view of a coastal town's promenade and sandy shoreline curving towards distant hillsAttractionsLeven Beach8.6 miles
Three weathered standing stones rise from grassland under a cloudy skyAttractionsStanding Stones of Lundin10 miles
White building entrance with dark green trim reading "The Crusoe" above glass doorsRestaurantsThe Crusoe11 miles
White-walled Railway Inn on a village corner beneath a grey skyRestaurantsThe Railway Inn11 miles
Ruined abbey walls beside Balcarres House, autumn leaves scattered across the pathAttractionsFalkland Palace11 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the harbour, and when each is next free.

A man walks past Bucken Booths entrance flanked by black lamp postsOld Town Chambers
  • To stay
  • In Fife
  • 12 miles from Dysart Harbour
Check datesA round table and chairs stand before tall curtained windows looking onto stone buildings, a sofa and mounted television to the right.Moment George IV Bridge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Fife
  • 12 miles from Dysart Harbour
Check datesWest End Muse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Fife
  • 13 miles from Dysart Harbour
Check datesA turreted sandstone building with conical spires catches the evening light above rooftops, a large pine tree standing beside it.The Scott Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Fife
  • 13 miles from Dysart Harbour
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in FifeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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