Craigtoun Country Park

Located just outside St Andrews, Craigtoun is a beautifully maintained park that feels like a throwback to a simpler time. It’s a huge hit with locals and is perfect for a full day of family fun. You’ll find it near St Andrews, Fife (Postcode: KY16 8NX).

What to Expect and Enjoy
The park is divided into open parkland and a “seasonal attraction” area that features a range of fun activities.

The Rio Grande Railway: A miniature train that takes you on a tour around the park. It’s been a favourite for generations of visitors.
Puffin’ Billy: A tractor-drawn train that helps you get from the main entrance down to the heart of the park.
Boating Lake: You can rent rowing boats or pedalos to head out onto the water. In the middle of the lake sits the “Dutch Village,” a quirky building that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Adventure Play: There is a massive free play area with zip wires, climbing frames, and giant “jumping pillows” which are always packed with kids.
Adventure Golf: A fun putting course that is well-maintained and suitable for all ages.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a paradise for families with young children and primary school kids. It’s also a lovely spot for seniors who enjoy the well-tended gardens and level walking paths.

Duration: You can easily spend 4 to 5 hours here, especially if you bring a picnic.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

Cost: Entry to the park and the play areas is actually free. You only pay for the individual attractions (like the train or boats), or you can buy a “wristband” for unlimited rides, which is great value if you’re staying for the day.
Parking: There is a large on-site car park which is free for visitors.
Food: There is a café (The Friends of Craigtoun Cafe) serving hot rolls, sandwiches, and cakes at reasonable prices. There are also designated picnic areas and even some BBQs that you can book.
Dogs: Dogs are very welcome but must be kept on a lead in the main attraction areas.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

St Andrews: Since you’re only 5 minutes away, you can head into town for dinner or a walk on the beach once the park closes.
Mount Melville: The park is part of the wider Mount Melville estate, which offers more rugged woodland walks if you want to escape the main crowds.

More Places Nearby

3 Day ‘Best of Fife’ trip Aberdour Castle Adventure Golf Island – Dunfermline Anstruther Pleasure Boat Trips Beach & Coastal Fun Best for a Rainy Day Broughty Castle Museum Burntisland Cairnie Fruit Farm and Maize Maze Cambo Gardens Cluny Activities (Clunys Clays) Craigluscar Activities Culross Deep Sea World – North Queensferry Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail Dunfermline Palace and Abbey East Sands Leisure Centre – St Andrews Falkland Palace and Garden Fife Coastal Path Hill of Tarvit Mansion History & Photography Gems Inchcolm Island Boat Trips Isle of May Kellie Castle and Garden Lochore Meadows Country Park Lomond Hills Regional Park Pittencrieff Park Ravenscraig Castle Relaxed & Scenic Outings Scotland’s Secret Nuclear Bunker St Andrews Aquarium St Andrews Castle Ruins St Andrews Old Course St Bridget’s Kirk Tenpin (formerly Bowlplex) – Dunfermline The “Active & High Energy” Day The Forth Bridge The Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park Walking, Cycling, and Riding in Fife West Sands Beach

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