Countryside Get-Away Activities, post lockdown
As any parent will tell you; working, parenting and schooling all at the same time can leave you feeling pretty frazzled. It’s officially the school summer holidays and if ever there was a time for a well-earned break, this is it. Somewhere new to roam and explore, not the same tried and tested walks and parks you’ve been frequenting over the past 3 months of Coronovirus lockdown.
From July 3rd we are open as normal and look forward to welcoming guests back to St Andrews and Crail. For families looking for a getaway; St Andrews and the East Neuk coastlines couldn’t be more appealing. Fresh air in abundance, cycling for miles, walks for days and beaches that go on forever! Our accommodations will suit all sizes and types of families and are close to many family activities.
Whilst not all the usual attractions in the area will be open, they are slowly opening up in line with Scottish guidance and the town is coming back to life. And there is so much to do. It’s time to take that well earned holiday and relax without your loved ones, away from the city routine.
Bring your kids, bring your bikes, bring your scooters – and enjoy the freedom our beautiful part of the world offers.



Our top picks for things to do with kids in our area, during this transitional post-lockdown period:
Only 2 miles outside St Andrews, Craigtoun Park is a brilliant place to take kids. Acres of grass and parkland, loads of meandering paths perfect for scooters. Let the kids roam and explore. Many of the attractions in the park were closed but as rules have been lifted, play parks are now allowed to open and many of the other areas shall start to open up again. Best to visit their website for the most up to date information. As of writing, the café was not yet open.
East Sands:
A beautiful beach in the heart of St Andrews, perfect for kids to run free, dogs are also permitted on this beach. There is a winding concrete path from one end of the Sands to the harbour/pier at the other, really good for little scooterers. There is a play park right next to the beach, as is The Cheese Toasty Shack. The shack is open for business (you will not find a more gourmet toastie!) and they also sell ice cream.
West Sands:
The famous West Sands, miles and miles of golden beach. No one to bother you, especially the further up the beach from town you go. Spend the afternoon dipping in and out of the sea or bring a kite and get it flying high in the sky.
This is a personal family favourite. So much forest land to cycle and explore, you can spend a full day cycling the tracks, stopping to climb trees or look at the wildlife – from roe deer to squirrels. There is also a lovely outdoor picnic spot near the car park. You can walk along the vast beach at Tentsmuir too and often you can see seals basking on the sand bars
Crail village:
Crail has a little skate park by the primary school which also has a play area, there’s also a free tennis court nearby. Afterwards, take your kids for a walk round the harbour looking at boats, spy lobsters in the lobster pots, have a little play on the beach or have a scoot around the whole village – there are a few cobbles to contend with but nothing a scooter expert can’t navigate! Stop for some lovely take away snacks at any of the wonderful cafes. There is also a brilliant large, new playpark at the west end of the village overlooking the rock pools, seek it out. Buy some nets and let the kids find some crabs in the rockpool after they’ve had a play at the park, what British summertimes are made of.
East Neuk:
Any of the East Neuk villages are brilliant for kids. Elie is a firm favourite with safe beaches and a lovely large outside beer garden at The Ship Inn, overlooking the sea. Kids can also go putting or play tennis up at The Pavillion.
Pittenweem is a bit of a hidden treasure and it is here you can find a very secluded beach – park up at the harbour and walk west past some cute houses, you’ll find your own private beach!
Located just as you’re leaving Crail, about 10 miles from St Andrews, lies Cairnie Fruit Farm. Get your country on and get the kids out picking their own fruit to take home with you. There is a maze and a fun yard, unfortunately the fun yard is still closed – keep an eye on their website for reopening times
Or, if you want to do absolutely nothing, simply rent one of our cottages or accommodations with large enclosed back gardens, sit back at relax. Our Kittocks Cottages and Crail cottages all have large private gardens with communal play areas next to them. Kittocks and Kirkmay accommodations even have football posts for a kick around. Bring a paddling pool if it’s hot, grab a drink and listen to the sounds of summer all around you, in the tranquillity of the country.
*we ask kindly that guests are respectful of the towns and villages they visit, please maintain social distancing and hygiene practices used at home. We want to keep bringing visitors to St Andrews whilst also ensuring the residents of the town feel safe in the knowledge that Scottish advice is being adhered too. Please also note, it is obligatory to wear face coverings on public transport in Scotland.