Craigtoun Country Park

You'll find yourself wandering through 44 acres of proper countryside just outside St Andrews, which is exactly what Craigtoun Country Park offers if you're after a break from the golf courses and university architecture that dominate the town. It's a working farm park, so there are animals to see - the usual suspects like sheep and cattle, plus a few more unusual creatures depending on the season. The main draw is the boating lake where you can rent a paddle boat if the weather's decent, and there's a small play area that keeps younger kids occupied for a solid hour or so.

Walkers will appreciate the woodland trails that crisscross the grounds. They're not challenging stuff, but they're pleasant enough on a dry day, and you genuinely feel like you've stepped away from the town despite being just a couple of miles out. The park also has a tea room - nothing fancy, but the usual sandwiches and hot drinks do the job.

It's free to wander the grounds, though attractions like the boat rental will cost you a few quid. Allow two to three hours if you're taking it easy with kids, or an hour if you're just passing through. Families staying at Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park - which is practically on the doorstep - will find it convenient for an afternoon out, though it's the kind of place that works better as a bonus activity rather than a full day's entertainment. Best visited when the weather's cooperative; it can feel a bit windswept and muddy in winter.