The best family activities near St Andrews this summer

The best family activities near St Andrews this summer

Make the most of family time this summer from your lodge at Woodside Luxury Lodges.

One of the best parts of owning a holiday home at Woodside Luxury Lodges is knowing that every visit can be a little different.

You can spend one weekend exploring the coastline, another enjoying a family day out in Fife, and another simply slowing down and spending quality time together. With St Andrews and the beautiful Fife coastline right on your doorstep, there’s no shortage of places to discover.

Here are some of our favourite family-friendly days out to enjoy this summer.

 

Craigtoun Country Park

If you’re staying at Woodside with your children, Craigtoun Country Park is a must-visit.

Set within beautiful parkland just outside St Andrews, families can enjoy the Rio Grande miniature railway, Puffin’ Billy road train, boating lake, pedal karts, crazy golf, adventure playgrounds, a zip wire and seasonal attractions throughout the summer.

There are also plenty of picnic spots and open green spaces, making it easy to spend the whole day here. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers or older children, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Discover Fife’s award-winning beaches

Some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches are just a short drive from the park.

Spend the day building sandcastles at West Sands, enjoy a paddle at East Sands, explore the golden shoreline at Kingsbarns Beach, or head to Tentsmuir Beach, Elie Beach or Lower Largo Beach for a change of scenery.

Pack a picnic, bring a bucket and spade, or simply enjoy a walk along the coast together. Every beach offers something a little different, making it the perfect day out for your family (dogs included!)

 

Explore Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

If your family loves the outdoors, we recommend visiting Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve.

This Nature Reserve is one of Fife’s most spectacular natural landscapes, where peaceful pine forests meet rolling sand dunes, beaches, wetlands and coastal trails. It’s the perfect place for a family walk, a bike ride, or simply spending time outdoors.

Keep an eye out for seals resting on the sandbanks, birds around Morton Lochs, and colourful wildflowers throughout the summer months. It’s one of those places where children can explore freely while adults enjoy the peace and scenery.

 

Cool off with an ice cream

No summer visit to St Andrews is complete without a stop at Jannettas Gelateria.

A local favourite for generations, Jannettas serves an incredible range of homemade ice cream flavours and is the perfect treat after a morning on the beach or an afternoon exploring St Andrew’s historic town centre.

Sometimes it’s the little traditions that become the family memories everyone remembers most.

 

Immerse yourself in the Home of Golf

Whether anyone in the family plays golf or not, the Home of Golf is a fascinating place to explore.

Watch golfers take on the iconic Old Course, explore the fascinating exhibits at The R&A World Golf Museum, or enjoy some friendly family competition at the historic St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club (The Himalayas), one of the oldest putting greens in the world.

It’s a fun way to experience the town’s famous golfing heritage together.

 

Visit the East Neuk fishing villages

The picturesque fishing villages of Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie are all within easy reach of Woodside.

Spend the day wandering colourful harbours, browsing independent galleries and gift shops, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply watching the fishing boats come and go. Every village has its own unique charm, making each visit feel like a new adventure.

 

Walk along the Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path offers some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, with plenty of family-friendly sections to explore.

Popular routes include St Andrews to Kingsbarns or shorter walks around the East Neuk villages, where dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and hidden coves are never far away. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh sea air while taking in the beauty of the Fife coastline.

 

Discover the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve

One of Woodside’s greatest neighbours is the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve.

This protected landscape is home to an incredible variety of birds and wildlife throughout the year, making it a wonderful place for families to slow down and reconnect with nature. Bring a pair of binoculars, enjoy a peaceful walk, and see how many different birds you can spot together.

 

Make Woodside your family’s home from home*

From award-winning beaches and family attractions to golf, wildlife and charming coastal villages, there’s always something new for the whole family to enjoy near Woodside Luxury Lodges.

If you’d like to experience this lifestyle for yourself, we’d love to welcome you for a personal park tour. Explore our collection of luxury lodges, discover the peaceful surroundings, and see why so many families choose Woodside as their home-from-home in the heart of St Andrews. Just email [email protected] to arrange your visit to our family-owned lodge park.

*Holiday homes cannot be used as permanent residence.