The perfect first taste. In ninety minutes on the Fife coastline you’ll meet the shore’s main characters: the edible seaweeds of the upper shore, and a few common land plants of the splash zone. You’ll learn to identify them, discover their surprisingly diverse flavours and textures, and hear what each one means for the coastal ecosystem and for Scotland’s history and culture. We finish with a curated tasting of pre-prepared seaweed snacks and dishes.
Shorter, lighter and open to every age. Reviewers consistently mention how much their kids loved it. If On the Rocks is the feast, this is the amuse-bouche.
What’s included
- Ecological insights: the world of seaweed and its place in the coastal ecosystem
- Curated tasting: pre-prepared seaweed snacks and dishes
- Personalised instruction: tailored to your interests and skill level
- Take-home resources: a printable identification chart and a recipe
The shape of the session
Times run from the meeting time and move with the tide on the day.
- 0:00Meet at the confirmed shore: introductions and the safety briefing
- 0:10Onto the upper shore: what grows where, and how the tide shapes it
- 0:15–1:05Guided identification: the edible seaweeds of the upper shore and the plants of the splash zone, with a taste straight off the rock
- 1:05–1:25The tasting: seaweed snacks and dishes prepared earlier, with questions and recipes
- 1:25Identification chart and recipe to take home, then goodbyes
Good to know
- Getting there: transport isn’t included. The exact meeting point is emailed a few days before your workshop, once weather and tides have settled the best shore for the day (always along the East Neuk, within easy reach of St Andrews). See where the workshops roam
- Bring your own kit: wellies or footwear with good grip, and layered clothing suitable for changeable coastal conditions.
- Fitness: a moderate level of fitness and sure-footedness is recommended; if you have mobility limitations or need specific accommodations, get in touch in advance
- No dates showing? Taster sessions are added around the tides: get in touch or call +44 747 398 8980 to arrange one
- Cancellation: 7 days’ notice for a refund minus a 10% admin fee; under 7 days is non-refundable. If we have to postpone and no alternative date suits, you get a full refund. Full details in our cancellation policy
Safety first: A.L.L.W.E.T.
Every workshop runs to our A.L.L.W.E.T. framework: an Ally on dry land, the right Location, Lunch and moderation, Weather checked, proper Equipment (helmets and grippy footwear provided), and the Tides read before we step out. Please follow your guide's instructions at all times and tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you book.
Read the full health & safety guidance · Download the A.L.L.W.E.T. guide (PDF)
What people say
“We learned so much and the experience was really fun.”
Simon · Tripadvisor
“Brilliant and fun time. Jayson was excellent in guiding us all into the world of seaweed and landscapes. Excellent tasters at the end of the session… thanks for all the info sent after the session to help with future identification and usage.”
Gazelle B · Tripadvisor
“A fascinating taster course, keen to learn more on a longer one. Came away with lots of information and appreciated clear explanations and answers to questions.”
Carol E · Tripadvisor
Common questions
How is the Taster different from On the Rocks?
The Taster is the introduction: ninety minutes on the shore, all ages, finishing with a curated seaweed tasting. On the Rocks is the full four-hour experience with a five-course menu cooked over fire. The Taster isn’t tied to the spring tides either: it runs on any low tide, most days of the month, whereas On the Rocks waits for the big tides. Many people do the Taster first and come back for the fire.
Is the Seaweed Taster good for young children?
It’s the family workshop: all ages are welcome, the pace is gentle, and children join at the child rate. Under-16s must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Do children under 3 go free on the Taster?
Yes. On the Seaweed Taster, children under 3 come along free and don’t need a ticket. Children aged 3 to 15 book at the child rate, and under-16s must be with a participating adult. This applies to the Taster only: On the Rocks is for ages 8 and up.
In St Andrews while someone else golfs?
The Taster fits neatly inside a tee-time: ninety minutes, fifteen to twenty-five minutes from town. It’s the pick of a wilder St Andrews day out for non-golfers.
Can you cater for dietary needs and allergies?
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus with 7 days’ notice, and shellfish is always avoidable. Every menu is built on wild seaweed, so traces can be present in any dish. Tell us about severe allergies when you book, and we ask again on the day.
Is the Taster suitable if I’m pregnant, have a heart condition or use a wheelchair?
Yes, with care, if you’re pregnant: the Taster stays on the upper shore at a gentle pace, though the ground can be uneven and slippery. It suits most people with a heart condition too, as it’s short and gentle, but please check with your doctor first. The shore isn’t wheelchair accessible. Assistance dogs are welcome by prior arrangement, so please ask us before booking; other dogs can’t join the workshops.
Calendar not loading? Open the booking page.