A 4-Day Break in Fife and Dundee for Families with Young Kids

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Pack a bucket and spade for sandcastle building, and a towel to dry wet feet after a paddle, and then you are ready to head to the beautiful Elie Earlsferry Beach. Arches of fine golden sands line the town and are great spots for an hour or two of playing by the shoreline. 

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Kellie Castle and Garden is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). Kids are bound to love roaming the extensive garden with its nature walks, apple trees, a pond and an adventure playground. The garden is also home to wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for native critters such as hedgehogs, badgers, birds and bats.

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The Secret Bunker is hidden beneath an inconspicuous-looking farmhouse - it was once an official government secret. Built during the Cold War, the bunker would have been the command centre should Scotland have every come under the threat of a nuclear attack. Today, you can delve 100 ft below the surface to explore this covert military base and discover its fascinating history.

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No trip to the East Neuk would be complete without enjoying some delicious, piping-hot, fresh fish and chips! Anstruther has a reputation for this moreish fast food which is known the world over. A fish supper is arguably best enjoyed sitting on the pier, watching the boats bobbing in the harbour. 

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Located in Cupar, 13 miles from St Andrews, the Scottish Deer Centre is a must for any animal lover. Here you'll find wolves, lynx, Scottish wildcats and a European brown bear, plus 14 species of deer from all around the world. Feed the deer, watch falconry displays, and see otters being fed, and when it's time to really let off steam, hit the adventure playground or race your rivals on the track in pedal karts.

Vrije tijd

2 uur

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The ruined St Andrews Castle will really capture the imaginations of aspiring knights or princesses-in-the-making. You can peer into the bottle dungeon, cut out of rock, and explore the underground siege mine. 

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St Andrews is one of Scotland's favourite coastal destinations, with its two brilliant award-winning beaches, East Sands and West Sands. In the summertime, you'll find there are sandcastle building competitions - so again, be sure to bring your bucket and spade!

Wee ones will love East Sands, not far from St Andrews Castle. It has a play area close by and is slightly more sheltered than West Sands. Play hopscotch on the sand, explore rock pools, look for pretty shells and interesting pebbles or chase the waves on the shoreline.

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At St Andrews Aquarium you can come face to face with the fascinating inhabitants of underwater worlds. Amongst the many creatures you can see, the aquarium is home to British sharks, lobsters, lionfish, piranhas, seals and penguins. There are reptiles too, such as poison dart frogs and creepy crawlies. Plus, you can meet the family of comical meerkats! 

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*Please be aware that the Olympia Swimming Pool is currently closed. It is expected to open in October 2023 but dates are still to be confimed*

For kids who take to water like ducks, the Olympia Swimming Pool offers some of the most awesome aquatic fun in Scotland. There are rapid rivers, wave pools and seated bubble beds in the leisure pool, and the toddler pool has small slides and interactive features to play with. Daredevils will love the four adrenalin-inducing flumes, which have special light effects and clear sections of the chute. Only the most fearless will ride the Cannonball - it has a thrilling 3.8 m drop into the dive pool!

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Hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic. At this family attraction, there's plenty of engaging things to see and do that kids will really enjoy.

Vrije tijd

2 uur

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With dozens of absorbing displays and hands-on exhibits centred on the senses, prepare to get experimental and have your mind expanded at Dundee Science Centre. Explore the solar system in the planetarium, transform yourself into a primate, and meet the robots of the Roborealm. There's a programme of live science shows too, brining fascinating topics to life.

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2 uur

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Step back in time to 19th-century Dundee when the city was at the centre of jute industry - it was a time where clunky, dangerous machinery in mills would rattle, and workers worked long hours in unpleasant conditions. Located in a former jute mill, Verdant Works is now full of multimedia displays and interactives for kids. You can discover the fascinating story of manufacturing, how it shaped the city and the stories of the men, women and children who were employed in the mills. 

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There's nothing quite like getting fresh produce straight from the source, and at Charleton Farm near Montrose, you can pick your own delicious, ripe berries in the warmer months. It's an activity that kids will just love. The farm also has two incredible play zones with trampolines, forts, karts and more. Should you be feeling peckish, head to the café and try Charleton Farm's famous strawberry tarts, perfect with a hot cup of tea!

Vrije tijd

2 uur

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Discover some of the wonderful wildlife of Angus at the Montrose Basin Visitor Centre. The Montrose Basin is a local nature reserve which attracts 50,000 migratory birds every year. The centre has binoculars and other equipment for spotting species such as pink-footed geese and Arctic terns, as well as activities and games based around nature, and a programme of special wildlife events which include guided walks. You can also follow trails which lead to hides, should you have some serious bird enthusiasts in your party!

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For kids who love magical stories, a trip to the birthplace of the creator of the character Peter Pan is a must. A playwright and novelist, Barrie included "the boy who wouldn't grow up" in his stories and plays. His tales have since been adapted into animated and live action films that have been loved by generations of children. See the place he was born, spent his childhood and found inspiration back in the mid-1800s.