Things to Do in St Andrews Scotland with Kids
Things to Do in St Andrews Scotland, with Kids – For a small town, St Andrews offers so much. I’ve grouped attractions into indoor and outdoor activities so you can adapt for the weather. *Copy contains affiliate links.
R&A World Golf Museum – Things to Do in St Andrews with Kids
The R&A World Golf museum is hugely child friendly. So many displays are interactive and engaging – touch screens, opening locker doors, designing your own golf course. The fancy dress options are adorable too. Kids can hit the putting range, play ‘hole in one’ bagatelle, and complete activity sheets. We especially loved the craft room where kids colour and create.
The museum also has a great guide for children/people with additional needs, covering how noisy, bright, accessible etc. each part of the museum is. Brilliant.
Book a tour of the Old Course here.
I’d recommend this museum to families, especially as St Andrews is the home of golf (when in Rome etc.) In terms of location, the beach is super close and the Old Course is metres away. A café and gift shop are onsite too. Prices – Adult: £12 // Children aged 5 to 15: £6 // Children aged 4 and under: Free
Read more about Things to Do in Fife with Kids
St Andrews Aquarium – Things to do in St Andrews, Scotland
The town’s aquarium is home to creatures such as Humboldt penguins, snapping turtles, iguanas, Smooth Hound sharks, dwarf crocodiles, marmosets and the obligatory clown fish (Nemo) and Blue Tang (Dory). I was transfixed by the beautifully calming moon jellyfish and the zen-like seahorses. To enhance your visit, try to catch a feeding session with the keepers. Remember that a ticket lasts all day, so we visited twice to get our money’s worth! Price – £42.00 for a family ticket.
Discover Things to Do in Cupar with Kids
Outdoors – Things to Do in St Andrews with Kids
Browse a range of tours and walking tours here.
Hit the Beach
St Andrews is home to the famous West Sands beach that featured in Chariots of Fife. Miles of golden sand – absolutely stunning. FREE
St Andrews Cathedral
The cathedral‘s atmospheric ruins are engaging for kids as they have SO many questions about why it’s a ruin. They’re almost delighted at the sheer naughtiness of Scots pulling it down (after hearing a rousing speech from John Knox). Climbing to the top of the tower is another highlight. [UPDATE – Due to essential maintenance, St Rule’s Tower and the Museum are currently closed. The grounds of the cathedral are open and are accessible free of charge.}
St Andrews Castle
St Andrews Castle is another famous ruin to explore. We were also able to read the plaque about the Protestant martyr George Wishart who was burned at the stake, and Cardinal Beaton whose executed body was hung from the battlements. My kids’ eye were so wide! Get ticket info here.
St Andrews Botanic Garden
This small botanic garden makes for a green-fingered exploration. My kids whizzed around the rock garden and glasshouse but were delighted to find Gruffalo figures in the grounds, and spent time roleplaying (building a campfire and moving into a wigwam) in the small natural play area. Price: on the first Friday of every month entry is free // Adult (18+)- £5.45 // Under 18s – FREE
Walk St Andrews
St Andrews is the most walkable town. Join an official relaxed tour here. Or follow your nose – from the beach, take in the the Old Course, carry on to the castle, along to the picturesque harbour before cutting back through the city walls, to the cathedral and into St Andrews warren of independent shops. FREE
Craigtoun Country Park
Craigtoun Country Park, just west of St Andrews, allows kids to hit the playground and bounce on the inflatable pillows. In the summer, a tiny train takes passengers on a tour of the parkland. FREE (additional charge for the train).
Where to Stay – Things to Do in St Andrews Scotland
Hotel Du Vin
Newly refurbished Hotel Du Vin is ideally situated on The Scores with sea views, a couple of minutes walk into town and free parking — you can’t ask for more in terms of location. The kids’ menu is also notably good, with some grown up offerings such as prawn cocktail and steak and chips, to kids traditional favourites including garlic bread and mac n cheese. The continental breakfast is also a highlight, with quality French touches such as the flakiest croissants and gorgeous pain au chocolat. Book a deluxe room or suite as a family room, and enjoy the L’Occitane toiletries.
Rufflets
Let’s talk Rufflets. This luxury hotel’s family rooms actually work because their layout is spot on. The master bedroom and the children’s twin room is separated by a smart bath/shower room (with lush Molton Brown toiletries too), so families are together yet have their own space. The grounds offer lots of exploring for wee ones, a swing, two bridges that cross over a small burn, chickens, and fresh produce from the walled garden is dished up in the restaurant.
Rufflets offers two AA rosette dining and a quality children’s menu. We enjoyed pan-fried scallops, a main of venison loin, and savoured a Scottish cheeseboard for dessert. A luxury yet relaxed Fife escape. For availability and prices click here.
Food & Drink – Things to Do in St Andrews with Kids
The Tailend
Owned by the renowned Spink family of the famous Arbroath Smokies, the Tailend on Market Street is the ultimate in relaxed family dining. It’s a fish and chip takeaway and restaurant, but alongside the traditional haddock and chips you can choose from a selection of seafood treats. I opted for scallops to start, followed by Arbroath Smokie and chips. Even better, children eat free in the restaurants on Sunday – we’re talking a 2-course meal with a drink!
Ice cream
St Andrews boasts three ice cream parlours so little ones are spoiled for choice. Sprinkles Gelateria and Coffee Shop on Bell Street, Luvian’s ice cream parlour on Market Street and Janetta’s on South Street.
Balgove Larder
Home to a Pizza Box and a Steak Barn, Balgove Larder is a renowned venue for picking up fresh local produce. Helpful if you’re staying in self-catering and wish to try to the local larder.
Images of Craigton park courtesy of VisitScotland/Damian Shields. If you found this St Andrews guide helped you plan a break then please consider subscribing here or buy us a coffee to support our work that’s provided absolutely free. Please 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. Our trip was a press visit in association with Welcome to Fife.
