Lochore Meadows Country Park
A vast 1200-acre country park in Fife, featuring Scotland's largest play park, a scenic loch for water sports, and extensive walking/cycling trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more play time
Lochore Meadows Country Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more play time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast 1200-acre country park in Fife, featuring Scotland's largest play park, a scenic loch for water sports, and extensive walking/cycling trails.
"A fantastic family gem in Fife, adored for its adventure playground and serene loch!"
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous free parking is available, making it easy to access the park and its amenities.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive walking trails and play areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adventure Playground
Main Play Area
Scotland's largest play park, featuring a zip wire, climbing frames, and accessible equipment for all children.
Lochore Meadows Loch
Central Loch
A popular spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and fishing, offering beautiful water views and activities.
Scenic Walking Trails
Park-wide
Enjoy a 5km loop around the loch or explore woodland paths, offering stunning scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Play Park Popularity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous free parking is available, making it easy to access the park and its amenities.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive walking trails and play areas.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the many grassy areas or utilize the communal BBQ spots.
💧 Water Sports Fun
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes from the outdoor centre for a day of adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous free parking is available, making it easy to access the park and its amenities.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive walking trails and play areas.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the many grassy areas or utilize the communal BBQ spots.
💧 Water Sports Fun
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes from the outdoor centre for a day of adventure.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a day out with your furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lochore Meadows Country Park is widely praised as a fantastic family destination in Fife, lauded for its massive, accessible adventure playground and the scenic beauty of its loch. Visitors appreciate the free entry, ample parking, and the variety of activities like walking, cycling, and water sports. While generally well-maintained, occasional issues with overflowing bins during peak times have been noted.
"Lochore Meadows Country Park is a fantastic family gem in Fife! Our kid adored the adventure playground with its zip wire and climbing frames, splashing endlessly on the sandy beach by the serene loch. Scenic walks, picnic spots, and cycling paths kept everyone happy. Plus, ample free parking made it hassle-l free. A perfect, budget friendly day out highly recommend!"
Ali Hassan
"Very popular loch with paddle boards, kayaks, swimming and fishing. A lovely 5km walk around the Loch. Big playpark for the kids and loads of grassy areas. Also a couple of communal bbq's. After an especially busy few days the bins were overflowing but only to be expected."
Graeme
"Great park with an excellent playpark for kids. Local cafe is decent and a great place for a walk overall. Great amount of parking. I Can't fault it"
Gordon Howitt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lochore Meadows Country Park is located in Crosshill, Lochgelly, Fife, KY5 8BA. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. For those using public transport, local bus services operate in the area, though checking specific routes and schedules is recommended.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Lochore Meadows Country Park, which is a significant plus for visitors, especially during busy periods.
Lochore Meadows is approximately an hour's drive from Glasgow and about 45 minutes from Edinburgh, making it a feasible day trip destination from both major cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lochore Meadows Country Park offers free entry, making it a very budget-friendly destination for a day out.
The park itself is generally open from dawn till dusk. The visitor centre and cafe typically have set opening hours, often 7 days a week, but it's advisable to check their specific times before your visit.
While park entry is free, activities like bike hire, kayaking, and paddleboarding may require advance booking, especially during peak seasons or weekends. It's best to contact the outdoor centre directly for availability and booking procedures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Families will love the massive adventure playground, the scenic walks around the loch, and the opportunity for water sports. The park is designed to keep children entertained for hours.
Yes, Lochore Meadows offers incredibly accessible cycle routes and trails, including a lovely 5km loop around the loch, suitable for various fitness levels and abilities.
Yes, wild swimming is permitted in Lochore Meadows. It's a popular spot for those looking for an invigorating dip in a natural setting.
Absolutely! The park has accessible cycle routes and an outdoor centre where you can hire bikes, including adaptive bikes, making it a fantastic destination for cyclists of all levels.
Yes, there is a visitor centre with a cafe and toilets, open 7 days a week, providing essential amenities for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the visitor centre, offering refreshments and light meals.
Besides the cafe, Lochore Meadows has numerous grassy areas perfect for picnics. There are also communal BBQ spots available for use.
Some visitors have noted that the cafe can be a bit pricey, so bringing your own picnic might be a more budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful scenery with the loch, woodlands, and open meadows, providing diverse photographic subjects. Sunrises and sunsets over the water are particularly stunning.
The shoreline of the loch, the fairy woodland areas, and elevated viewpoints offer picturesque settings. The changing seasons also provide unique photographic moments.
Yes, Lochore Meadows occasionally hosts events like car shows, which can provide dynamic subjects for photography enthusiasts. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the fairy woodland trail adds a touch of magic for younger imaginations. The 5km walk around the loch is manageable for most children, and the opportunity for paddleboarding or kayaking on the loch provides exciting water-based adventures. Remember that the play park can get very busy, so consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.
The park offers ample free parking and picnic spots, making it a convenient and budget-friendly day out. 🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
The outdoor centre is a key resource for cyclists, offering bike hire, including adaptive bikes, and access to more challenging trails in the surrounding hills.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome, it's important to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Keeping dogs under control, especially near the play park and water sports areas, is recommended.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Park: Lochore Meadows Loch
Kayaking and fishing are also common pursuits, offering a peaceful way to experience the park's aquatic environment. For the adventurous, wild swimming is a popular option, providing an invigorating way to connect with nature. The loch's perimeter is encircled by a well-maintained 5km walking trail, making it a perfect route for a leisurely stroll or a more brisk walk. This loop offers continuous scenic views of the water and surrounding parkland, making it a highlight for many visitors.
It's important to note that while the loch is a fantastic recreational area, tragic incidents have occurred. In 2023, a teenager lost their life while paddleboarding, underscoring the need for caution and adherence to safety guidelines when participating in water sports.
Family Fun at Scotland's Largest Play Park
Visitors frequently highlight the zip wire and diverse climbing structures as particular favorites, ensuring hours of active fun. The park's design emphasizes inclusivity, with many elements catering to children with different needs. The popularity of the play park means it can become quite crowded, especially during school holidays and weekends.
Many parents find that visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours allows their children to enjoy the facilities with more freedom and less waiting time. The sheer scale of the park means there's usually space for everyone, but the most sought-after equipment can see queues. Beyond the main play area, the park also features a charming fairy woodland trail, adding an element of imaginative exploration for younger visitors. This blend of active play and gentle discovery makes Lochore Meadows a comprehensive destination for family outings.
Exploring the Park: Walks, Cycles, and More
For those seeking more adventurous cycling, the park is well-connected to surrounding areas, including Benarty Hill and Haron Hill, which offer more challenging trail sites. The outdoor centre provides bike hire, including adaptive bikes, making it accessible for a wider range of cyclists.
Beyond walking and cycling, the park is also a venue for various events, from car shows to community gatherings.
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