Team Ralston
Gillian
Sammy
Chloe (11yrs)
Emily (7yrs)
As our children get older we have discovered plenty for them to see and do outwith the obvious. The Visit Scotland tourist office in the town centre offers a detailed listing of things to do and events that are on and suitable for children. I am only going to mention highlights from our trips over the years but we still have plenty left on our St Andrews bucket list.
Beaches
It always amazes me how the simplest of things can offer so much pleasure.
It is so obvious that the beach can provide such enjoyment but all too often our heads are turned to more expensive activities. The three beaches I am going to mention have public toilets close by and cafés.
West Sands
Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire this large beach is popular with walkers. There is plenty of free car parking (no overnight parking) and a short walk through the dunes takes you onto the sandy beach.
East Sands
I often find this beach to be quieter, it is much shorter filling the coast from the foot of Kinkell Braes round to the harbour. Don’t forget to take a walk along the pier.
Kingsbarns Beach
This is our favourite beach at the end of a single-track road you find a car park which does get busy. This car park offers overnight parking for a limited number of Motorhomes and Campervans. Close to the car park you will see the public toilets and the infamous Cheese Toasty Shack. You can access the beach directly from the car park or you may choose to walk alongside Kingsbarns Golf Course before venturing down onto the sand. You can easily set up for the day for sandcastle building, kite flying, rock pooling or perhaps you will be brave enough to take a dip or at least paddle.
Playparks
Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park is a pleasant one mile walk from
Craigtoun Park. This park is a firm favourite with Team Ralston. Craigtoun Park has lots of historic features dating back to it’s previous owners before it was sold to Fife Council and is now managed by the Friends of Craigtoun Park in partnership with Fife Council. The park is 47-acres located 2-miles from St Andrews Centre a full day can be spent here with ample free car parking, on site café and toilet facilities. You can enjoy – scenic walks, adventure trim trail, playpark, zip wires, trampolines, picnic areas with additional seasonal attractions – Tractor Ride, Miniature Railway, Boating Pond, Bouncy Castles, Crazy Golf and Putting.
We recently discovered the playpark within Kinburn Park next to St Andrews Museum which had a great selection of equipment for toddlers to pre-teens. There is a great café here too and of course the museum that is worth visit.
The last playpark that I will mention is located on the East Sands next to a café (you’d pass it on your walk from Kinkell Braes). The play equipment is geared at younger children, I think we have just about outgrown in it, but there is some exercise equipment that older children seem unable to resist.
Definitely worth a visit if there is enough time
St Andrews Botantic Gardens
East Sands Leisure Centre
Sometimes when motorhome with kids a swim is an easy way to get them clean. The leisure centre has a small pool, large pool, giant flume. Time your visit right and can enjoy the large inflatable course.
The Secret Bunker
We visited here with the Chloe when she was just an infant but we fully intend to take both of the girls back for a visit.
Cambo Estate and Gardens
Walled gardens to explore, great woodland walks including a fairy trail, walk to Kingsbarn Beach passing the golf course. Café, Toilets and shop.
Himalayas Putting
This challenging 9- or 18-hole putting course sits beside the Old Course.
Treasure Trails
There are currently a choice of three Treasure Trails within St Andrews. With the girls equipped with clipboards and pens we’ve completed the West Sands, Crail and Elie. Treasure Trails are a great of maintaining the kids attention during walks, they take you off the beaten track and while doing so you learn interesting facts about your surroundings.
Tentsmuir Forest & Beach
During our last two visits we have come to the forest to visit
Kinshaldy Riding Stables for pony trekking and lessons. Tentsmuir Forest offers great walks and cycling routes.
There is a large playpark with lots of ropes and climbing apparatus. The beach is wonderfully open and flat and makes for a pleasant walk whilst collecting shells and looking out to the horizon.
Boat trip to the Isle of May
This is on our to do list to take a boat trip to the Isle of May and visit Puffin island.