St. Andrews

St Andrews, the home of golf, with its wide sandy beaches, its medieval architecture and its wonderful shops and restaurants is within 25 minutes by car of your luxury self-catering holiday properties.

In 2010 St Andrews Old Course hosted the British Open Golf Tournament. The medieval city of St Andrews, which is the home of Golf, is also  a rich, bustling market town, with an ancient castle, cathedral and the Scotland’s first university, set amongst ivy-clad buildings, quadrangles and gardens.

Whether you want to attend the Open Golf Tournament, take a tour around the Old Course, walk on St Andrew’s magnificent beaches, eat in the many excellent cafes and restaurants, visit the superb range of luxury shops, or wander through the streets soaking up the medieval atmosphere, you have an unsurpassed experience within easy reach of your holiday base.

SPORT, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

The seat of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews is at the centre of the golf world. But St Andrew’s is renowned for more than the game it gave to the world, for centuries it was the centre of religious life and learning in Scotland. The attractions in this exceptional town reflect this heritage.

St Andrews Cathedral, The Pends, St Andrews (Tel 01334 477196) gives an impression of the scale of what was the largest cathedral in Scotland. You can also get a magnificent view of the town by climbing the St Rule’s Tower. St Andrew’s Castle, The Scores, St Andrews,(Tel 01334 472563) was once the main residence of Bishops and Archbishops. 4* visitor attractions, www.historic-scotland.gov.uk 

The British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment, St Andrews (Tel 01334 460046) explores the history of golf in exhibitions and multimedia displays. www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk

St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews (Tel 01334 412690) explores the ancient history of the town from the Bronze Age to present day. Open daily 10- 5pm from April to end September, then 10-4pm. Free admission.

Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St Andrews (Tel 01334 475000). Open all year round for drama, music, dance, opera, comedy and children’s productions. Café and restaurant. www.byretheatre.com

EATING OUT AND SHOPPING

The medieval town of St Andrews teems with world-class restaurants and exclusive shops. Being at the centre of the golf world means that there are restaurants and cafes which cater for all visitors: from the fabulous 100 year old B Jannettas, next to the cathedral, with 52 flavours of home-made ice cream on offer www.jannettas.co.uk to the The Road Hole Grill and The Road Hole Bar at the The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, where you get views over the world’s most famous golf course whilst sampling fantastic locally-sourced cuisine and exquisite wines. (Tel 01334 474371) Or you could sample excellent seafood at The Seafood Restaurant set on the rocks overlooking the West Sands beach. (Tel 01334 479475)

In St Andrews you can sample Scottish, Bangladeshi, Indian, Thai, Italian, French and Mexican cuisine. Reviews of all the restaurants can be found at www.eatingoutinfife.co.uk

The many independent shops provide a wonderful range of luxury goods from cashmere and tweed products, to a superb range of specialist Scottish whisky. Johnstons, 4 Pilmour Links, St Andrew is a specialist in cashmere, wool and tweed from Scotland www.johnstoncashmere.com and the St Andrews Links Golf Shops, (Old Course Shop, 18th Green Shop and Links Clubhouse Shop), provide gifts, souvenirs and branded golf wear (Tel 01334 466731) www.johnstoncashmere.com

For a full list of all St Andrews Shops see www.standrews.co.uk