Leven is a charming seaside town on the East Neuk of Fife, known for its long sandy beach and easy access to the Fife Coastal Path. You can head west toward Lower Largo or east toward Buckhaven. Leven is an ideal stop for visitors exploring the Kingdom of Fife. It's award-winning sandy beach stretches for miles with views across the Firth of Forth.
The name "Leven" comes from the nearby Loch Leven, with the River Leven linking the loch to the sea. The town grew rapidly in the 19th century during the industrial boom, with coal mining and textiles fuelling its development.
Leven is home to two beautiful parks. Located just outside the town centre, Silverburn Park is a peaceful retreat with woodlands, a walled garden, a café, and a campsite. Letham Glen is a 22-acre public park in the northeast corner of Leven. The park boasts woodland walks along the Scoonie Burn, a sunken garden, and a pond. Ideal for families, with a play area and outdoor fitness equipment.
For train enthusiasts, the Fife Heritage Railway is a must-visit. Located at Kirkland Yard in Leven, the Kingdom of Fife Railway Preservation Society operates the railway. It holds open days on select dates throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to explore restored trains.
The Levenmouth Swimming Pool & Sports Centre offers indoor fun when the weather isn't suitable for the beach. The pool features giant flumes and a wave machine.
Fife is a golfer's paradise, and Leven is near some of Scotland's top courses. Just 10 minutes away, Dumbarnie Links offers a world-class links experience since opening in May 2020. Kingsbarns Golf Links is around 35 minutes from Leven, is a regular venue for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and is regarded as one of the finest modern links courses in the world. Further up the coast, Crail Golfing Society, founded in 1786, has two beautiful courses, including the historic Balcomie Links. With the Home of Golf, St Andrews also located in Fife.
Leven is well connected by road and public transport. From Edinburgh, it's around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car via the A92. From St Andrews, the A915 starts at a roundabout in the northern part of the town, where it intersects with the A91 and A917. Heading south, the road passes through the village of Largoward and continues to Upper Largo, where it meets the A917. From there, the A915 follows the northern coastline of the Firth of Forth, passing through Lower Largo and Lundin Links before reaching Leven.
Buses run regularly from Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, both accessible from cities such as Edinburgh and Dunfermline. A new railway station opened in 2024, reintroducing direct train travel to Leven for the first time in decades, providing direct access from Edinburgh.
