Visiting St Andrews

St Andrew’s in a Nutshell

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St. Andrew’s is a coastal town in the district of Fife. It’s probably best known for its golf courses (St Andrew’s Golf Club is one of the oldest in the world). But, it is in fact, a very pretty holiday resort popular with tourists from all over the world.

It is also a university town. St. Andrew’s was established in 1413 and is Scotland’s oldest university and the third oldest university in the English speaking world. It is probably better known throughout Britain as being the place Prince William first met Kate, while they were both students.

St Andrew’s isn’t just for golfers. There are plenty of activities for holidaymakers in St Andrews or close by.

Walkers will enjoy the coastal walks along the craggy cliffs and down on the wide stretch of sand. St Andrew’s is part of the Fife coastal walk, which is a challenging 117 miles (just over 188 kilometres) from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Tay, taking in St Andrew’s on route. A more gentle walk is the two-hour return walk from St Andrews to the Rock and Spindle. You can also take a guided walk across the old golf course, where you’ll learn more about the town and the famous golfers who played these links.

Nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens in the town. If the weather isn’t too good, spend some time indoors at St Andrew’s Aquarium where you can see sharks, penguins, alligators and seals as well as a whole host of fish and marine life. 

History enthusiasts can visit the ruined castle at St Andrew’s. It was built in the 13th century and it has savage past. Even though it is ruined you can still visit the site which has a visitors centre. The cathedral is also in ruins, but you can stroll around the grounds and visit the museum with its collection of medieval sculptures. Other historical sites include the ruins of St Mary on the Rock and Blackfriars Chapel in the town. There are also a number of other museums including one dedicated to golf. 

Shopping is also a pleasure in St Andrew’s. It has a large number of independent, privately owned establishments, which means you get a good choice of high quality, well-made products.

For those of you who have an interest in beer, whisky or gin, don’t miss a visit to the Eden Mill Distillery and Brewery. Take a tour and see for yourself how their products are made.

If you plan on eating out, you can choose from a fine selection of restaurants. You can sample the local, freshly caught seafood, enjoy a curry, feast on American hamburgers or try a pizza. St Andrew’s also has traditional Scottish pubs with restaurants too.

During the day you can have a snack or a coffee at one of the many cafes and coffee shops and in the evenings try wines, ales and whiskies in the pubs and bars. Some are lively with live music and others are perfect for relaxing and quiet conversation.

 

Other wonderful places to visit within 30 minutes by car!

Dundee

Dundee is a busy city on the banks of the River Tay. It’s also the sunniest city in Scotland, so if you visit, you may be lucky with the weather.

There’s plenty to do in the town. If you want to look around the shops or eat out, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The city also has a lot of historical sites to see.

Broughty Castle is a coastal fort built in the 15th century, you can visit the museum and art gallery and enjoy the gorgeous views over the Tay estuary.

Dundee is also the home of the RSS Discovery which is part of Discovery Point, an interesting visitors centre dedicated to the history of this ship, which was built in Dundee and used by Capitan Scott of the Antartic. Other points of interest include the Jute Museum at Verdant Works, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Mills Observatory.

You can get to Dundee from St Andrews by car or bus, which takes about half an hour.

Ellie

Ellie, like St Andrews, is by the sea. It’s got a pretty harbour, where you’ll see sailing enthusiasts on boats and yachts and windsurfers enjoying the tides. Have a wander along the harbour, visit the Parish Church and the Lady’s Tower.

The car journey from St Andrews to Elie will take around 25 minutes, but if you want to spend some time following a nature trail or walking in the woodlands, combine the trip with a visit to the seaside resort of Lower Largo. It’s where Alexander Selkirk was born. He was the man who lived on a deserted island for four years and gave Daniel Defoe the idea for his book, Robinson Crusoe.

Crail

Crail is another fishing village about 20 minutes away from Abbyford holiday park. It’s got pretty cobbled streets and a small picturesque harbour. You can spend your time wandering through the small lanes and narrow wynds (small openings between buildings which were built with only just enough width for a horse and cart to pass through).

Crail has a small museum and heritage centre. Don’t be put off by the size, as it’s crammed with interesting exhibitions and information about World War II. There’s also a tiny pottery which you can visit and buy hand-made products which are made on site.

Crail also has a nice selection of tearooms, so you can stop for a drink and a snack when you’re tired.

Anstruther                

Anstruther is a busy harbour town which used to be an important part of Scotland’s fishing industry. you You can visit the Scottish Fisheries Museum and a cottage that has been re-created to show visitors how a fishing family used to live.

The town is a delight of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways with plenty of wynds to explore. You can have a look at the shops or stroll along the seafront and when you’re hungry enjoy a fish and chip meal at the Anstruther Fish Bar, which has won many awards.

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quotes

My wife and I spent an absolutely wonderful week in this beautiful holiday home. The location is unbeatable with the best views over St Andrews and the beach. The home is very stylish and comfortable, we highly recommend living here if you want to really experience a real Scottish gem!

Sandy and Leslie Stirling
April 2017

quotes

My wife and I spent an absolutely wonderful week in this beautiful holiday home. The location is unbeatable with the best views over St Andrews and the beach. The home is very stylish and comfortable, we highly recommend living here if you want to really experience a real Scottish gem!

Sandy and Leslie Stirling
April 2017