Leven East

Fife

Leven East beach is situated in an area of industrial heritage. It is backed by a promenade, green open space, a caravan park and golf course. The beach is close to the town centre and has views across the Firth of Forth. There are picnic tables overlooking the beach, a skate board park and children's play area close by. A new outdoor gym is also located close by. RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach during the peak summer season.

History

Leven comes from the Pictish word for "flood". The nearby Loch Leven, being the flood plane, was the name given to both the river and town. A settlement is believed to have formed at the mouth of the River Leven very close to the area around Scoonie Brae. The first mention of the current town was made in the middle of the 15th century, according to two separate records referring to the town's name as "levynnis-mouth". Tourism is a major economic activity in and around Leven. There are several large caravan parks in and around the town, as well as a number of hotels and guest houses.

Natural Space

Mostly managed grassland, play areas, promenade, golf course, with a band of natural dunes along much of the beach.

Setting

Leven lies on the coast of the Firth of Forth at the mouth of the River Leven, 8.1 miles (13.0 km) north-east of the town of Kirkcaldy and 6.4 miles (10.3 km) east of Glenrothes. The beach has a fairly urban situation, with a somewhat industrial feel because of views to wind turbines, cranes etc which are part of the towns industrial heritage. There are open views out to sea.

Getting There

The beach is accessed from A915 Fife coastal road, taking the B955 and turning left along The Promenade. There is a new bus terminal close to the beach. The Fife Coastal Path network also passes the beach.

Lifeguard

RNLI Beach Lifeguard Cover is in place 18 June to 21 August 2022, 10am - 6pm. Please check safety notices before entering the water.

Water Quality Information

This beach is a designated bathing water site. Further information about water quality at this site can be found on the SEPA website. Please observe local signage and only swim where it is safe to do so.