One of our favourite day trips is to Tentsmuir Forest up by Tayport. It is a magical combination of tall tree forest trails and a white sandy beach. If you pack a picnic, spare clothes and towels then it is easy to spend a whole day up here.
The whole reserve is huge and there are plenty of trails to chose from, including paths which are good for cycling (we haven’t cycled up here yet). There is a toilet block, playpark and a cafe kiosk right beside the large carpark.
All three of my kids enjoy the playpark at Tentsmuir as there is plenty to challenge and interest them. There is a huge wooden climbing structure with numerous ropes, nets, beams and slides to clamber on. There are also swings, hammock swings and a toddler area.
The Salt and Pine cafe kiosk is beside the park serving hot drinks and ice lollies. Perhaps slightly unusual but they also sell delicious sweet crepes with a variety of fillings. There are plenty of picnic benches here (and at the other side of the carpark) for eating your own food.
The beach at Tentsmuir is one of our favourites… the white sands go on for miles. The beach is a short walk over the dunes from the carpark and the view as you approach the top of dunes is pretty special. We have been here both when gloriously sunny and days when the Haar is so thick you can’t see much in front of you. As long as the kids are wrapped up they don’t seem to mind the Haar and are happy to paddle and play in the sand regardless!
Another major benefit of Tentsmuir is having the forest trails right beside the beach, providing a little variety to the day out. There are maps on site detailing the different paths through the forest. The trees seem tall here and grow right beside the dunes so there is plenty for the kids to climb and run up and down on.
Back at the carpark there is a toilet block and another area of picnic tables with BBQ plates attached which are used well in the summer.
Key info
Parking:
There is a large carpark which costs £2 to park all day. Please note it is CASH ONLY PARKING and there is no where local to get change so come prepared with your £2 coins.
Toilets:
Available beside the car park.
Cafe:
The Salt & Pine kiosk is beside the playpark and serves hot drinks and sweet crepes.
Top Tips
REMEMBER £2 cash for parking
There are no bins on site so take a bag to take all your rubbish home. There is a bin beside the Salt & Pine kiosk but they only allow rubbish from their own products to be binned.
There is a map of the area onsite detailing the many forest trails to explore by foot or bike.
Tentsmuir can be prone to the Haar, even when everywhere else is sunny! Just be prepared with a warm layer.