St Andrews
St Andrews is not just about the golf, the place has a medieval charm with beautiful sights and also an ancient university where the rich and the famous study.
Phone code: +44 (0)1334 Population: 13,000
This well-groomed seaside resort on the northeastern coast of Fife is the 'Home of Golf' and a mecca for aficionados of the sport the world over. Here is the headquarters of the game's governing body, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, and the world's most famous golf course, the Old Course. But it's not all Pringle sweaters and five irons. St Andrews has an air of calm dignity tinged with an inherent sense of history, as you'd expect from a place that was once the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland and the country's oldest seat of learning. St Andrews has avoided becoming stuffy and remains one of Scotland's smartest towns – especially after that royal pin-up Prince William became an undergraduate at its ancient university.
St Andrews' History
St Andrews is, of course, synonymous with Scotland's patron saint. Andrew was the first of the disciples and among his many converts was the wife of the Roman Governor of Patras in Western Greece. The governor was so furious and jealous of his wife's conversion that he had Andrew crucified. Andrew asked to be tied to an X-shaped cross so that he would not appear to be emulating Christ – thus giving the Scottish flag its distinctive Saltire Cross.
According to legend, a saintly monk called Rule, or Regulus, who lived in Patras, was divinely inspired to take some of the Apostle's bones and make a journey far to the west. St Rule set off and was shipwrecked on the rocks just to the west of St Andrews harbour. After converting the Pictish king to Christianity, St Rule enshrined the sacred relics on the headland where the ruins of the 12th-century cathedral now stand. The shrine became a place of worship for Christian pilgrims from far and wide and a special ferry was kept on the river Forth to transport them. St Andrew became Scotland's patron saint and his city the ecclesiastical capital of the country.
History envelops St Andrews; every street and building has its own story. So it's a real pleasure just to wander aimlessly through its narrow alleyways (or 'closes') that connect the medieval streets and discover its many hidden delights. A good example is Louden's Close, between Blackfriars and the West Port. Alternatively, stroll down The Pends by the Cathedral to the quaint old harbour; here, during term time, you might see the Sunday Parade of University students processing from the chapel to do the pier walk in their scarlet medieval gowns that were introduced so that they could be spotted easily when entering the local brothels.
Eating Out
Guide to eating out in St Andrews in Fife with suggestions on restaurants categorised by price
Expensive Restaurants
The best restaurant in the area, and one of the best in Britain, is the Peat Inn, about 7 miles south of St Andrews, on the B940.
Another excellent restaurant out of town is The Grange Inn, on the Crail Rd, near Kinkell Braes overlooking the East Sands, Tel. 472670, Fax. 462604.
Many of the hotels have good restaurants, such as the Parkland, St Andrews Golf and the Rusacks. The Vine Leaf, 131 South St, Tel. 477497, has a deservedly high reputation which is matched by the prices.
Mid Range St Andrews Restaurants
The New Balaka Bangladeshi Restaurant, Tel. 474825, at the corner of St Mary's Pl and Alexandra Pl, is the place to go for a curry. It was recently voted "Best Curry in Scotland". Another good Indian restaurant is Jahangir, 116a, South St,Tel. 470300. There's also Café India, at 64 Market St, Tel. 477778, which offers a 'Student Special' 3-course meal plus 2 drinks for under a tenner.
One of the nicest places for lunch, a light snack or coffee and cakes is Brambles, 5 College St beside the Market Sq. The Dolls' House, 3 Church Sq, Tel. 477422, is run by Carol Smillie's husband and offers a good value set lunch and early dinner. Broons, 117 North St, is a stylish new bistro next door to the New Picture House. For Mexican food try La Posada, on St Mary's Pl, Tel. 470500, open daily 1100-2300.
Cheap
The Victorian Café, 1 St Mary's Pl, is a popular student hang-out, serving snacks and drinks. The best chip shop is Peter Michael's on the corner of Market St and Union St. The best place for ice cream is the wonderful Janetta's, at 31 South St, near the Byre Theatre (don't confuse with the smaller branch at the other end of South St). You can choose from 52 flavours, including Irn Bru sorbet. Get Juiced, 149 South St, Tel. 472927, is a juice bar, also with panini and wraps and internet access.
Pubs and Bars
There are a lot of good pubs to satisfy the large student population Ogston's, 116 South St, Tel. 473473, is a good café-bar/bistro serving a wide range of moderate-cheap dishes. The Central Bar, on Market St, is a favourite with locals and students. In the basement of the St Andrews Golf Hotel is Ma Belle's, Tel. 472611, open daily till 2400, which attracts students and locals alike (it was Prince William's local) and serves cheap bar meals. West Port, South St by the West Port, is a stylish bar offering a good selection of sandwiches and vegetarian dishes, nice beer garden. Restaurant upstairs serves Pacific Rim cuisine.
There's always a warm welcome at the Dunvegan, in Pilmour Pl, the most convivial of drinking dens. A good pub for real ales is Droothy Neebors, in South St near West Port. They serve food all day.
Region
FifeTravel Directions to St Andrews
Getting to St Andrews
St Andrews, 13 miles south of Dundee and 55 miles north of Edinburgh, is not on the train line. The nearest station is 5 miles away at Leuchars, on the Edinburgh- Dundee-Aberdeen line. Regular buses make the 15-min journey from there to St Andrews. A taxi costs around £7. The bus station is on City Road, at the west end of town. There are frequent buses to Dundee (30 mins), the East Neuk villages and Cupar (20 mins). There is also a service to Stirling. Buses run from Edinburgh to St Andrews via Kirkcaldy.
Getting Around St Andrews
St Andrews is a compact town and best explored on foot. If you're driving, parking in the town centre is difficult. You need to buy vouchers from the TIC or from local shops. Taxis are available from Golf City Taxis, 13 Argyle St, Tel. 477788, or St Andrews Taxis, Tel. 477272.
Activities
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St Andrews - The Old Course- the home of golf!
Without doubt, the Old course represents the epitome of links golfing. This is the course to tackle at least once in any serious golfers lifetime. -
Fairmont St Andrews Torrance Course
Fairmont St Andrews Torrance Course is proud to be recognised as one of the top golf resorts in the world. Elevate your game here at St Andrews. -
St Andrews Castle Course Fife
St Andrews Castle Course in another outstanding links course and is regarded as the hidden gem of all that is on offer around St Andrews. -
Nightclub Guest List Entry in Dundee
Get a queue jump into the nightclubs in Dundee with our prior guest list for guaranteed admissions. Included drinks, cool environment and friendly service. -
Hovercrafting, Quad Biking or Clays
Enjoy a combination of Hovercrafting along with Quad Biking and Clay Shooting or choose between these to make the best of your day in Fife!
Local Sights & Activities for St Andrews
The old city centre of St Andrews, with its narrow alleys and cobbled streets, leads to the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral that dates back to 1160 and St Rule's Tower that is 108 foot in height. You can climb the spiral staircase to the top this tower that offers the best views of the surroundings.
St Andrews has two great beaches, including the West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of 'Chariots of Fire' was shot. Some of the other must see attractions include the Botanic Gardens, the St Andrews aquarium and the Byre Theatre among others.
The Secret Bunker, which was used extensively during World War II, is another attraction. Open from March to October.Tel :01333 310301
Tourist Information in St Andrews
The Tourist Information Centre, 70 Market St, Tel. 472021, has comprehensive information about St Andrews and Northeast Fife. Open Apr-May Mon-Sat 0930-1800, Sun 1100-1600; Jun Mon-Sat 0930-1900, Sun 1100-1800; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat 0930-2000, Sun 1100-1800; Sep to mid-Oct Mon-Sat 0930-1900, Sun 1100-1800; mid-Oct to Mar Mon-Sat 0930-1700.
Entertainment in St Andrews
Arts
The Crawford Arts Centre, in North St, Tel. 474610, has a changing programme of art exhibitions, professional theatre and music performances in its drama studio and galleries. The only cinema in town is the New Picture House, in North St.
Lammas Fair is Scotland's oldest surviving medieval market, with showmen from all over Britain setting up stalls and booths in the three main streets. This bright, lively carnival is held in early Aug. The other main event in the town's calendar is the Kate Kennedy Pageant, usually held on the 3rd Sat in Apr.
Shopping
Shops have half-day closing on Thu, though most stay open in summer. St Andrews has a good range of independent shops, most of which are in South St, Market St, Bell St and Church St. Two of particular interest are in Burghers Close, a little cobbled courtyard at 141 South St: Di Gilpin Designer Knitwear, Tel. 476193, open daily 1000-1800; and Wind & Water, Tel. 460600, which sells a wide range of kites. A good outdoor equipment shop is Aktive 8, at 109A South St, Tel. 473999, And of course there's the St Andrews Woollen Mill, overlooking the 18th holf of the Old Course, the palace of Pringle and capital of cashmere, where you can purchase those essential tactile souvenirs.
Tours
The Original St Andrews Witches Tour run Apr-Sep on Fri at 2000 (also Sun in Jun and Thu and Sun in Jul/Aug), Oct-Mar Fri at 1930. £6, £4 child. Tel. 655057. St Andrews Guided Walks leave from Church Sq at 1100 on Wed till end-Oct. Tel. 850638.
The Home of Golf
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is the ruling house of golf worldwide and a mecca for all who play or follow the game.
On any one day during the summer, you'll see many addicts staring reverentially across the most famous stretch of golf course in the world. The imposing 1854 clubhouse overlooks the first and 18th holes and you can enter by invitation only. Anyone, however, can play on the six courses at St Andrews, including the historic Old Course itself.
The citizens of St Andrews have been playing golf on these Links for a very long time, even before 1457 when the Scottish Parliament tried to ban the game. No one in the town took the ban seriously and by 1553 they had an inalienable right to play golf on the Links. The game developed and acquired popularity in the highest circles – even Mary, Queen of Scots was known to indulge in the odd round or two. The new craze was getting out of hand, however, and towards the end of the 16th century there was a spate of church absenteeism caused by people slipping off for a quick 18 holes. Two men were brought before the Kirk session in 1598 for "prophaning of the Saboth day in playing at the gouf eftir nune". As it was a first offence they got off with an admonition.
By the 17th and 18th centuries St Andrews was very much in decline, but exciting things were happening in the world of golf. In 1754 some 22 noblemen, mostly landowners in Fife, decided to move their golfing activities from Edinburgh to St Andrews. And so the exclusive Society of St Andrews Golfers, the forerunner of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, came into existence. It was that fortunate decision that saved St Andrews turning into a ghost town and it has never looked back since.
The British Golf Museum
The history of golf, and the town's intimate association with it, are all to be discovered in the British Golf Museum, standing directly behind the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse on Bruce Embankment. It is the most exciting of its kind, and audio-visual displays and touch activated screens bring the game to life and trace its development through the centuries. Easter to mid-Oct daily 0930-1730; mid-Oct to Easter Thu-Mon 1100-1500. Tel. 460046.
Golf Today
As well as the legendary Old Course, there are no fewer than 5 other 18-hole courses in and around the town: Duke's Course (Tel. 474371); Eden Course; Jubilee ; New ; and Strathtyrum. For information and reserving tee-times on all except the Duke's, Tel. 466666. Green fees range from £17 up to £80 for the Old Course (day ticket). Sports Centres University of St Andrews, St Leonard's Rd, Tel. 462190, Open Mon-Fri 0900-2200, Sat 0900-2100, Sun 1100-2100. Gym, squash courts, sunbed, fitness suite, etc.
Important Info
There are banks with ATMs in Market St and South St. Also bureau de change at the TIC. Medical services Accident and Emergency (A&E) 24 hrs at Memorial Hospital, Abbey Walk, Tel. 472327. Health Centre, Pipeland Rd, Tel. 476840, 24 hrs. CommunicationsInternet access at Get Juiced. PoliceNorth St, Tel. 418900. ToiletsChurch Sq (disabled and baby changing facilities); on City Rd; at the Harbour; West Sands car park.
Castles Nearby
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Randolphstoun/Randerston Castle
Nothing remains now of a possible fort except for crop circles that suggest previous fortifications. Its position must have been spectacular!
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St Andrews Castle
The main residences of the bishops of St Andrews. Now a dramatic ruin on the headland
St Andrews Hotels & Accommodation
St Andrews has plentiful accommodation, from humble B&Bs to international-class hotels, but advance booking is still advisable during the summer months.
Hotels
Old Course Hotel, Tel. 474371, Fax. 477668,Internationally renowned golf resort and spa overlooking the 17th hole, 125 en suite rooms, bar and restaurants. LateRooms Availability for Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews
Rufflets Country House Hotel, Strathkinnes Low Rd, Tel. 472594, Fax. 478703, Small country house set in 10 acres of grounds on the outskirts of town by the B939, with 25 en suite rooms and good restaurant. LateRooms Availability for Rufflets Country House in St Andrews
Rusacks Hotel, Pilmour Links, Tel. 474321, Fax. 477896, Recently refurbished, bar and restaurant overlooking the 1st and 18th holes, 48 en suite rooms. Late Rooms Availability for Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews
The Ardgowan Hotel - handy for the University and the Old Course. LateRooms Availability for Ardgowan Hotel in St Andrews
The Parkland Hotel, Kinburn Castle, Double Dykes Rd, Tel. 473620, Fax. 460850, A 19th-century castle in the town centre, its restaurant is highly-praised.
There are several hotels lining The Scores, overlooking the bay. At No 40 is Andrews Golf Hotel, Tel. 472611, Fax. 472188, 22 comfortable en suite rooms, good restaurant with extensive wine list, specialize in golfing breaks. Cheaper but still comfortable is Hazelbank Hotel, at No 28, Tel/Fax. 472466, 10 en suite rooms.
Check out these great late availability deals on a range of hotels and guesthouses in and around St Andrews with LateRooms: Late Rooms Availability on St Andrews Hotels and Guesthouses
There are a couple of hotels in or near Leuchars:
A good former coaching inn St Michaels is in Leuchars; food is available in the bar from midday to 9pm. LateRooms Availability for St Michaels Inn near St Andrews
Drumoig Hotel and Golf Resort is 3 miles from Leuchars (8 miles from St Andrews) and set in 330 acres with a championship standard golf course LateRooms Availability for Drumoig Hotel & Golf Resort near St Andrews
Guesthouses
Most of the guesthouses are around Murray Pk and Murray Pl between The Scores and North Street. Among those recommended are: Amberside Guest House, 4 Murray Pk, Tel/Fax. 474644; Cameron House, 11 Murray Pk, Tel. 472306, Fax. 479529, ; Craigmore Guest House, 3 Murray Park, Tel. 472142, Fax. 477963; Doune House, 5 Murray Pl, Tel/Fax. 475195; Glenderran, 9 Murray Pk, Tel. 477951, Fax. 477908. Also in the centre of town are Aslar Guest House, 120 North St, Tel. 473460, Fax. 477540, and West Park House, 5 St Mary's Pl, Tel. 475933, Fax. 476634.
University Accommodation
Between June and September, the university rents out rooms on a B&B basis, with dinner optional, in Hamilton Hall and New Hall, at 79 North St, Tel. 462000, Fax. 462500, or book through the TIC. The cheapest option is the new St Andrews Tourist Hostel, Inchcape House, St Mary's Pl, Tel. 479911, Fax. 479988.
Hotels near St Andrews
Featured
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Salt Herrings Cottage, Fife - Sleeps 4
Salt Herrings is a luxury conversion of an old Cooperage set in a spectacular waterfront location in Fife. This stunning and immaculate self catering property, newly renovated to the highest possible standard, is an ideal holiday home for those who wish to spend time by the sea in a beautiful setting.
- Sleeps: 4
St Andrews Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Dolphin Cottage, Cellardyke, Fife - Sleeps 4
Only 9 miles from St Andrews and bear Anstruther, this coastal retreat has spectacular sea views and direct access to the shore from the enclosed garden. -
Burnside Holiday Home near St Andrews, Sleeps 6
Modern, family home, near Lumbo Burn, and within long walking distance of St Andrews and Dukes golf course. Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. Wifi. No Pets. -
Bonskeld Cottage, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 2-4
This quaint little listed single storey, semi-detached cottage with pretty enclosed garden is situated on the edge of the thriving small Scottish town of Auchtermuchty in North East Fife. Peacefully dominated by... -
The Granary, nr St Andrews, Sleeps 4
Tucked away by the Kenly Burn in a quiet and picturesque location, this former granary stands only 1 mile from the sea and 2½ miles from a sandy beach. It retains a wealth of exposed timbers and sto... -
Lomond View, Fife - sleeps 10-12
This beautifully finished detached holiday house is perfect for family and friends to holiday together with generously proportioned living space, and ample room for everyone to be together or to enjoy peac... -
Polduff Cottage, nr St Andrews, Fife - Sleeps 6
In a wonderfully scenic location on the coast 2 miles from St Andrews, these charming properties are part of a courtyard development in open countryside with spectacular views over one of the .... -
West Craig, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 5/6
Peacefully situated in a small ’no through’ village, this attractive modern holiday bungalow with large enclosed garden, has lovely views over fields to the county town of Cupar, 5 miles, and t... -
Viewforth, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 2
Situated a short walk from the sandy beach, this delightful single-storey detached holiday cottage is tastefully furnished and provides a cosy base from which to explore the surrounding area. Fife offers wonderf... -
Craig Hartle Cottage, St Andrews - Sleeps 4
In a wonderfully scenic location on the coast 2 miles from St Andrews, these charming properties are part of a courtyard development in open countryside with spectacular views over one of the .... -
Bell Rock Cottage, St Andrews - Sleeps 4
In a wonderfully scenic location on the coast 2 miles from St Andrews, these charming properties are part of a courtyard development in open countryside with spectacular views over one of the .... -
Kenlygreen Cottage, St Andrews - Sleeps 6
In a wonderfully scenic location on the coast 2 miles from St Andrews, these charming properties are part of a courtyard development in open countryside with spectacular views over one of the .... -
Bramble Knowe, nr St Andrews - sleeps 2-3
This spacious, elegant, ground floor holiday property, completely self-contained with its own area of garden, is in a wing of the owners’ house on a working farm. It is superbly located for enjoying ... -
Curlew Cottage, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 5
Set in the conservation village of Ceres, only 7 miles from St Andrews, these delightful holiday cottages provide an ideal base for those wishing to enjoy the best Fife has to offer. Set in the heart of th... -
The Fifie, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 4
This delightful ground floor holiday apartment in St Monans is 20 minutes drive from St Andrews and 100 yards from the picturesque harbour. The cosy living room has a woodburner and a glimpse of the sea, p... -
The Marches, Anstruther, sleeps 5
Ideally located in the bustling fishing village of Anstruther, this deceptively spacious detached holiday home is set only 5 minutes walk from the quaint harbour. Locally there are award winning sandy beac... -
Stables Cottage, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 3
Lying just 6 miles from St Andrews and set amidst quiet countryside, this charming, mid 19th-century single-storey cottage enjoys its own garden. Tastefully furnished and equipped to a high standard, it st... -
Puffin Cottage, Crail, sleeps 4
This charming stone holiday cottage in the heart of the picturesque village of Crail, in the historic East Neuk of Fife, is only a few minutes’ walk from the pretty harbour and award-winning beach. A... -
Helenslea, St Andrews - Sleeps 6
This light, airy holiday apartment, part of an Edwardian terrace is just 2 minutes’ walk from the centre of St Andrews. The owner can meet you at the airport or train station, and provide mini tours ... -
Muir Cottage, Freuchie, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 4-5
Centrally located, next to the cricket field, this bright detached modern bungalow makes a comfortable holiday base for various other sports and leisure pursuits, golf, fishing, riding and sailing being bu... -
Edenwoodend Cottage, nr Cupar, Fife - Sleeps 4
This charming, traditional holiday cottage is only 20 minutes from St Andrews, attached to the owner’s home with its own private area of landscaped gardens with several secluded sitting areas. The cosy be... -
Kirkbank Cottage, Ceres, nr St Andrews - Sleeps 4
Set in the conservation village of Ceres, only 7 miles from St Andrews, these delightful holiday cottages provide an ideal base for those wishing to enjoy the best Fife has to offer. Set in the heart of th...