Things to Do in Cupar with Kids
Things to Do in Cupar with Kids – So many people head to St Andrews or the East Neuk of Fife but if you’re looking to follow the path slightly less trodden, we found remarkable accommodation and LOTS to do in and around Cupar. There’s a train station in town, and if you’ve got a car you can hit the beach or tour wider Fife with ease. Here are the top recommendations from our tiny tots (aged 6 and 8).
Where to Stay – Cupar Burgh Chambers
I’m starting with the accommodation as my kids were uber impressed and it was a great base in the heart of Cupar. We were very at home. The Cupar Burgh Chambers look like something straight out of a period drama. The former town chambers have been refurbished (with a modern kitchen and contemporary ensuite bath/shower rooms) to a high standard. Yet the two bedrooms and vast sitting room retain their Georgian charm, with interiors and soft furnishings hand-selected to represent the period. The property is so cosy too, we should know, we stayed in deepest, darkest January. And it offers everything you need for a relaxed stay. Fresh milk and bread awaited us, and board games, films and books kept us entertained (alongside wifi and a tv with Netflix etc.)
The central location is spot on. Country folk will notice traffic noise etc., but amenities and facilities are on the doorstep. Lastly, when you book this property you’re helping fund future restoration projects so you can feel good about yourself too. Check prices and availability here. Video of kids’ reaction below as they led me around – ‘lovely chandelier!’
Things to Do
Eat a Fudge Doughnut
Starting with sweet treats says a lot about my family, but remember that visiting Fisher & Donaldson is an authentic Fife experience. Plus, it’s also across the road from the Cupar Burgh Chambers -dangerous 👌🏻🤩 There are two HQ branches in Cupar, sending produce as far afield as Aberdeen. Whilst my kids veered towards the cute gingerbreadmen, we opted for the famous fudge doughnuts – perfection. The Cupar bakeries also house cafés that offer a low key lunch and affordable option – we tucked into onion bridies, stovies and macaroni cheese.
Hand-feed Deer at the Scottish Deer Centre, 6 mins West of Cupar
This outdoor attraction was a real hit – we spent hours at the Scottish Deer Centre on a bright winter’s day. There are hundreds of deer to meet and feed (feed pouches cost £2.50). We saw iconic Red deer stags, traditional Christmas card reindeer and (my personal favourite) the gorgeous Pere David’s Deer with their velvety soft antlers.
But it’s not just about the deer. Visitors can also spot wild animals that used to wander in the wilds of Scotland and Europe, such as wolves, brown bears and Highland Cattle, as well as otters, birds of prey and Scottish wildcats. There are several play areas, both inside and out, with highlights being the outdoor bouncing pillow and a vast play house and playground. It’s also possible to pick up crepes from the Crepe Shack and sit at outdoor picnic tables (service can take a while, as they’re made from scratch). £35.00 for a family ticket, plus extra for feed.
Go Pony Trekking
Ideal for beginners, young and old, Barbarafield Farm has 21 ponies to trek through the Fife countryside. For the little ones, there’s a 20 min intro or a half-hour instructional hack which is a great start to horse riding. We opted for the half hour hack, which is a simple walk exploring the farm’s 300 acres. Equipment is provided, and if this your first time the instructors even help you get on the horse.
Mr Husband rode Duke, I was given Beauty, Mr To
t (aged 8) was on Rosy, and Junior (aged 7) was allocated Chase. The instructors are SO good with kids, they’ve seen it all before! When Junior got on his horse he was crying, ‘Take me Down, Take Me Down!’, but I know my boy, and I know he rejects experiences then regrets it for months or even years later. Melissa, his instructor, never stopped chatting to him, never stopped talking to him, set him tiny targets to achieve, and within five minutes they were discussing their favourite Roald Dahl books and he LOVED his horse ride. I was so impressed.
Equally, if your family are keen horse riders, the instructors will take you out for a canter. They even ensure you leave with a few family photos, plus my lad was given a birthday rosette when they heard his special day was looming. As it’s a working farm we also got to see the new born lambs, and the cows were due to calve imminently too.
Prices:- 20 min intro ride £15 // 30 min ride £20 // 1 hour ride £35 // 90 min ride £50 // 2 hour ride £65 // Group of 4 for one hour £130.
Play at Muddy Boots, 12 mins West of Cupar
This farm shop and café offers playtime for active kids. Indoors there’s a vast wooden play area for kids to climb, slide and chase each other, with a softer play area for wee ones. (A separate ball pit is currently closed due to Covid.) Outside, discover tunnels, bouncing pillows, ride-on tractors, go-karts and (my favourite) grass sledging – who needs snow? Muddy Boots is open all year round. A family ticket for indoor and outdoor play is £14.00. For indoor play only it’s £8.00 for a family ticket. (Winter prices.)
This piece may also interest you…
Hill of Tarvit Walk & Ceres – 8 min South of Cupar
We parked at the National Trust for Scotland’s Edwardian mansion Hill of Tarvit. We knew it was closed in low season, so, after briefly admiring the exteriors and the gardens, we took a short hike through the gates at the back of the property up to the hilltop monument. We simply wanted to get the kids active, and from the top of the hill the Fife views were worth their whinging. Just fyi – unusually, the mansion house also boasts its own golf course. Country walk is free, entry to mansion for NTS members is free, or it’s £24.50 for a family ticket.
Near the Hill of Tarvit you’ll find the quaint wee village of Ceres. It looks a bit like a film location for Scotland in days of yore. Worth a wee drive around or an exploration on foot.
Cupar Playground
Cupar naturally has its own green space. The park features exercise equipment that Mr Tot is obsessed with, and a traditional playground, along with bandstand and war memorial. Free and open all year round.
Still to Visit – Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze, 4 mins North of Cupar
The title says it all. A vast play area, huge natural maize maze, and pick your own fruit. Our kids can’t wait to sink their teeth into this place. More details after we visit. Opens March 2022 for the season, maze available in the summer months. Prices tbc.
I hope I’ve made a strong case for looking at the less touristy corners of Fife, but if you base yourself in Cupar and you’re still keen to drop by popular spots such as St Andrews, it’s only 20 minutes in the car. You really have the best of both worlds. For more Fife ideas visit Welcome to Fife.
If the feature ‘Things to Do in Cupar with Kids’ helped you plan a break then please consider subscribing here or buy me a coffee. Scots2Travel received complimentary accommodation at Cupar Burgh Chambers and access to the Deer Centre and Aquarium for review purposes in collaboration with Welcome to Fife. Join the conversation on Facebook, or check out the bonny photos on Instagram. For any queries or opportunities please email scots2travel@hotmail.com. Content and images copyright of Scots2Travel. Check out our Privacy Policy here. Copy contains affiliate links that I may make a small percentage from.
