The R&A World Golf Museum

Golf's greatest hits are crammed into a building right next to the Old Course in St Andrews, and even if you couldn't care less about birdies, it's worth an hour of your time. The museum walks you through five centuries of the game - from Scottish shepherds hitting stones with sticks to Tiger Woods in hi-tech splendour. You'll see original clubs that look more like gardening tools, balls made of leather stuffed with feathers, and enough trophies to make your head spin.

The real magic is watching grown adults go quiet. They wander between glass cases like they're in a cathedral, occasionally muttering "good Lord" at some ancient putter or a signed scorecard. Kids typically last 45 minutes before asking for the café, which is fair - it's not interactive enough for the under-tens, though teenagers with even a passing interest in sport will find something to grab onto.

You won't need to pay green fees to understand what makes St Andrews tick, and the museum does a decent job explaining why golf tourists camp on this corner of Fife by the thousands each year. The three holiday parks clustered nearby - St Andrews Holiday Park, Cairnsmill, and Craigtoun Meadows - are all within walking distance of both the museum and the town itself, making them solid bases if you want to explore the courses, the castle ruins, and the seafront without moving the caravan.

Allow 90 minutes if you're thorough, an hour if you're skipping the film.