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This photograph shows the former sea pool, rather than the current otter habitat.
St Andrews · Aquarium
St Andrews Aquarium
St Andrews Aquarium works best as a compact 1–2 hour stop within a wider St Andrews day, rather than the main event. Before booking, compare current prices and nearby parking, and check whether the Victorian building’s access limits suit your family.
- Best for
- Younger children who enjoy animals
- Entry
- Paid all-day pass · under-3s free
- Weather
- Mainly indoors
- Allow
- Around 1–2 hours · planning estimate
Our family take
The all-day pass makes this an easy visit to split around lunch or a walk in town. Fish, sharks, penguins, meerkats and the new Otter Kingdom give children plenty to look at, and a feeding session can break up the visit. It is best for families pairing a compact aquarium visit with the beach, town or another St Andrews stop.
- Steps and access. The Victorian building is not fully wheelchair friendly, and toilets and baby changing are reached by stairs. Contact the aquarium before booking if step-free access is essential.
- Weather. Most of the visit is indoors, but Otter Kingdom is outside. Bring coats if the otters are part of your rainy-day plan.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Opening times
- Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Closed 24-26 December and New Year's Day.
- Tickets
- For 5 October 2026, the booking page shows adults £17, children aged 3–15 £14, disabled visitors, OAPs and students £16, and a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children £58. Under-3s are free. Check the price for your chosen date. One free carer ticket is available to support a disabled visitor, with proof required.
- Entry type
- Book your preferred entry time ahead, especially at weekends and in school holidays. The all-day pass allows re-entry on the day of purchase. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Address
- The Scores, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AS
- Parking
- Bruce Embankment car park (KY16 9AB) is about 100 yards away. Fife Council lists it as a 157-space car park with 4 disabled bays and seasonal charging from 1 April to 30 September.
- Visit length
- Allow around 1–2 hours as a planning estimate, rather than an official visit-length promise.
ParkingGift shopToiletsBaby changingDaily Talks And FeedsNearby Parking
4 October 2026
Check tickets (official)A little more detail
Make it work for your family
Animals, ages and pacing
Otter Kingdom is now open in an outdoor habitat. Alongside the aquarium displays, penguins and meerkats, it gives children another reason to pause during the visit. Check the feeding programme when you arrive: the published schedules differ.
Younger children who enjoy animals are a good fit for a short visit. Older children are more likely to get value if they are interested in marine life. If your family wants a full day of activities, plan another St Andrews stop as well.
Buggies, access and family facilities
The aquarium's official visitor page says the Victorian building is not fully wheelchair friendly and describes the toilets as accessed by stairs. The aquarium team has confirmed there is an accessibility ramp down to the gift-shop area. The current visitor page also describes stairs to the gift shop, so contact the team to confirm the route you need before booking.
Toilets and baby changing are available, but both are reached by a flight of stairs. Ask about your buggy route before visiting if carrying it on steps would be difficult.
The all-day pass lets you leave for lunch and return later. That gives you flexibility to eat in town without rushing the whole visit into one stretch.
Plan the rest of your St Andrews day
The beach or a walk in town can turn this short aquarium visit into a longer outing when the weather allows. Craigtoun is a separate outdoor park trip if children want playgrounds and space to run.
The cathedral and castle are local history alternatives for families who prefer ruins and views. Deep Sea World in North Queensferry is a wider Fife aquarium alternative, rather than a nearby stop to squeeze into the same day.
Plan the rest of your day
Comparison guide
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Nearby stop
Craigtoun Country Park
Choose the playgrounds and gardens when children need outdoor space. This is a separate park visit, with seasonal rides.
Nearby stop
St Andrews Cathedral and Castle
A local history alternative with ruins and coastal views. Check current access and opening before combining both.