Things to Do in St Andrews Scotland with Kids 2026/2027
Things to Do in St Andrews Scotland, with Kids – For a small town, St Andrews offers so much. I’ve visited with kids, with girlfriends, for work and even on a hen do, so it’s a town that delivers! I’ve grouped attractions into indoor and outdoor activities so you can adapt for the weather. *Copy contains affiliate links.
Golf Museum / Aquarium / Cathedral / Castle / West Sands Beach / Wild Swimming / Food & Drink / Shopping / Botanic Gardens / Walk St Andrews / University Wanders / Craigtoun Park / Accommodation
R&A World Golf Museum – Things to Do in St Andrews
The R&A World Golf museum is hugely engaging and child friendly too, so ideal for golfers and non-golfers alike. 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.]
I’d recommend this museum to anyone, 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
Book a tour of the Old Course here.
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 – £58.00 for a family ticket.
Shopping
St Andrews boasts lovely independent stores. For reasonably priced bags, jewellery and clothing, make it Jewel. Ostara stocked stylish goods, but a bit pricier. There’s also big brands like Oliver Bonas, White Stuff and H&M. I adored Toppers & Company bookstore, it’s vast, with grandfather clocks and library ladders and has a comforting feel to it. And in terms of toiletries I like treating myself at The Highland Soap Company and Arran Sense of Scotland.
The East Nook Studios is a makers market that not only stocks a quality range handmade homewares, knits, jewellery, soft toys and stationery, it’s often manned by one of the artists, so we chatted to the woman who makes the gorgeous dolls and teddies.
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
FREE St Andrews is home to the famous West Sands beach that featured in Chariots of Fire. Miles of golden sand – absolutely stunning.
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. The grounds of the cathedral are open and are accessible free of charge, you pay to visit the museum and tower.
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.
Wild Swimming in the Tidal Pool
FREE Right next to St Andrews Castle is a tempting tidal pool, busy and popular with all ages. There are no facilities but a fair amount of rocks allow for discreet changes! Whether you swim or not it’s a calming, tranquil space to simply sit or take a stroll.
St Andrews Botanic Garden
This small botanic garden makes for a green-fingered exploration. My kids whizzed around the rock garden and glasshouse, and when they visited there were Gruffalo figures in the grounds, and they spent time roleplaying (building a campfire and moving into a wigwam) in the small natural play area.
Walk St Andrews
FREE St Andrews is a notably compact, scenic and 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.
Explore the University
St Andrews University is the oldest university in Scotland, and the third oldest in the UK (after Oxford and Cambridge), and it’s absolutely beautiful. Its building are dotted around town and the grounds are generally accessible to all, so admire the architecture and romance of the place, just as ‘Wills & Kate’ did.
Craigtoun Country Park
FREE 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. (Additional charge for the train).
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 Sundays during the summer holidays – we’re talking a 2-course meal with a drink!
Ice cream Choices
St Andrews is grand place if you love ice cream. Look out for Luvian’s ice cream parlour on Market Street and Janetta’s on South Street. While Janetta’s is the most popular parlour, often with queues, you’ll get lovely treats at Luvian’s too.
The Criterion
A bit of a boozer, but always a hit with visitors, who flock to try one of the Criterion’s famed Cri Pies. If you can find a table, tuck into Cullen Skink and I loved the haggis crustini special. Golfers shoot the breeze at the bar, and even the outdoor (covered) seating is always busy too. If the Criterion is stupidly packed, nip one street up to the Central bar for a similar vibe.
Fisher & Donaldson
This Fife bakery is especially famed for its caramel and custard doughnuts and its huge coffee towers. Sit in dining is available, but most people grab take out. Any queues move swiftly and goods are boxed up well for long journeys home.
Dune
I was drawn in by the lobster rolls (available to take away and dine in). Dune – think seafood, smart blue interiors and a grown up vibe. A lobster rolls and fries is the signature plate, but my friends tried mushroom pasta, scallops and notably good salads.
The Bothy
The Bothy is a cosy crowd-pleasing bistro serving seasonal Scottish dishes with a few spicy additions. For example, while I tucked into the venison, my pals enjoyed monkfish curry and chicken supreme. And, yes, sticky toffee pudding is on the menu too. Set menus, a kids menu and an outdoor terrace is available too.
Balgove Larder
Slightly out of town, and home to 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.
Food Shops
Alongside Fisher & Donaldson bakery (already mentioned) I’m a fan of Mellis Cheesemongers and Naturity Health Food shop.
Where to Stay – Things to Do in St Andrews
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. For dinner, 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.
Self-Catering
On my most recent visit, we booked a residential house, ten minutes walk from the centre of town, with a private driveway and ample free on-street parking too. The house has three bedrooms (two double, one twin) plus a garden with a sunhouse, and swing-bench, it was a charming spot. Ideal for communal or family living. Check it out here.
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