St Andrews is more than just golf. (But there’s definitely plenty of golf.)
There is sure nothing wrong with longing to visit thebeautiful Scottish uppercase of Edinburgh , nor the land ’s most populous city , Glasgow , and its thriving art scenery . You also might feel compel to go off the thrum way and immerse yourself in its mostrural mountainsorstay in a castlejust for the hell of it . But if you want to see the best combination of a bustling town with beautiful scenery and some sneaky - awesome nutrient ( along with the joints to eat it in ) , you should make your way over to St Andrews .
Now , we know what you might be thinking . Is n’t St Andrews where only golf crank go to pass to the roots of the fun that they ’ve spend countless hours and half their paychecks on both watch over and playing ? Well … yes , that ’s on-key . BUT , if you recollect that St Andrews is only about golf , you ’d miss out on so much the town has to offer . Even if your plan is to see Edinburgh , St Andrews is a mere one - time of day drive away , make for an easy day trip even for those who do n’t have much fourth dimension . That say , once you arrive , you might require to make plans to stay longer . Here ’s why .
But first, the golf (and mini golf)
We ’d be remiss if we did n’t mention it , when it come to the township where golf game was invented . There are seven courses at St Andrews Links ( and legion other course of action not far from the city right ) , with varying degrees of trouble and duration . The Old Course is obviously the most popular and well known , due to its host the Open Championship every five years — but if you ’re looking for something a little bite different , try out out theCastle Course . It features stunning views of the glide and the townsfolk of St Andrews itself and is actually the young course at St Andrews Links , built in 2008 .
All of the course at St Andrews Links are open to the public , howeverprices and availabilityvary depending on the time of twelvemonth and what course you ’re looking to play . you may carry through some serious bread by play outdoors of the mellow time of year , if you ’re unforced to roll up up a act and head to the class in the tumble and wintertime . It ’s decidedly a big financial vantage consider course fees are cheaper , as are hotel and flight of stairs rates in Scotland ’s “ shoulder ” or “ low ” golf seasons .
Driving , chipping , and expend an entire twenty-four hours on a path not your thing ? Then you should agree out theHimalayas putting green(also roll in the hay as the Ladies ' Putting Club ) . settle between the Earth - famous Old Course and the West Sands Beach , the Himalayas offer a much more relaxed , putt - putt elan game . It has 18 holes fructify throughout undulating hills and costs just £ 4 per round for adults and £ 2 per turn for senior and children ( under 16 ) . It ’s straightaway , fun , and they ’ll provide you with putters and balls just like your local mini golf game course .
The St Andrews Cathedral|pawel.gaul / E+ / Getty Images
Get your fit
If you ’re coming to swing the stick ( and even if you ’re not ) , then you ’ll want to look the part and be well-fixed too . for sure , maybe you already have golf shirts and some nice slack , but this township is made for golf , so it ’s also one of the best places you could go to outfit yourself for the links . Though a number of stores are stationed near the homebase of the Old Course ( such as theOpen Shopand theOld Course Shop ) you may get some of the most comfortable gear ( for golf game or otherwise ) right off the 18th commons at the newly openedSt Andrews radio link by TravisMathew memory board . It ’s the first brand permanent retail store on the primer of the Old Course in its 460 + twelvemonth story . Some of the St Andrews Links x TravisMathew co - branded items areavailable online , but others are only usable at the St Andrews location , so pack light ! They also make for great souvenirs , since most of the items prominently have the “ St Andrews Links ” logotype .
Where to stay
To put up the influx of visitors for the Open Championship every five geezerhood , the town is well equipped with a figure of hotel pick . You could shell out and stay at Tiger Woods ’ prefer lodging , theOld Course Hotel , which has its own 18 - hole golf course , aSwing Studiofeaturing more than 60 virtual trend , a golf honorary society , and its ownspa .
But if you want to opt for something a little closer to town , check out theRusacks St Andrews . It ’s situated right off the 18th fairway of the Old trend and offers exceptional view of both the path and the picturesque beach ( where the iconicopening vista ofChariots of Firewas shoot ) just beyond . you could book a assortment of rooms ranging from their more basic ( but still gorgeous ) Rusacks Single to anentire townhousewith a kitchen , dining & living area , and four sleeping room across four story .
If you ’re look to dine in , the hotel featuresThe Bridge , a passing all - day eatery dish up breakfast , tiffin , afternoon Camellia sinensis , and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays . you’re able to also head to18 at Rusacks , a rooftop eating house and legal community specialise in locally source gripe and seafood prepared in a state - of - the - art Robata grill . Head out onto the balcony for a one - of - a - kind patio putting greenish look across the trend and ocean . And if you ’re in need of a pint , speculation down the stairs to theOne Under Bar , a cozy pub do all the classics and a variety of bar pungency . It has just about everything you need if you never wanted to leave the confines of the hotel . But you came for more than just a comfortable bed …
The Castle Course at St Andrews Links|Kenny Smith Photography
Cruise around town for meerkats, Harry Potter-look-alikes, and maybe ghosts
The township of St Andrews is , of course , more than just your hotel and golf . It ’s a bustling college townsfolk steeped in history , fill with quality dining options and beautiful sites unlike any other . away from the golf , the centerpiece of the town is the University of St Andrews . plant in 1413 , its campus resides in the northeast street corner of the city . When school day is in session , the area is bombinate with pupil take the air throughout its classic stone computer architecture . But if you visit in the offseason , it ’s quiet , chill , and relaxing to search the campus including theseveral museums and galleriesthat are free to the public . If you do inflict while school is in session , you could pay attestator to some unusual ( but entertaining ) traditions — theHarry Potter - esque pedantic gowns , “ Raisin Weekend , ” and the May Dip .
For those who want an up - closemouthed look at the Old Course but desire nothing to do with the sport , visit it on Sunday . Though this is golf game Mecca for citizenry across the world , it ’s a public common on Sundays . Hundreds of years ago , playing on Sundays was not allowed for religious reasons , so it was declared that when a tournament was n’t on , it ’s unfastened to the world to rove the grounds , host picnics , and even take the air heel ( as long as you pluck up after them ) . It ’s a lovely manner to take in the beautiful scenery , get some workout , and blank out you ’re even on a grade .
If you want to stretch your leg and get a lay of the townspeople , the best way to do so is through aSt Andrews walk enlistment . They take off at the Martyrs ' Monument ( a second ’s walk away from the Rusacks hotel ) , wind by the Old Course , and go through the town . You ’ll get a fun history example and see various attractions like theSt Andrews Castle , St Andrews Cathedraland graveyard , among a host of other sites . It ’s by far the honest way to experience the town — through the stories and facts of a friendly local . You ’ll get a line why so many people have been killed there ( luckily not anymore ) , why the town was home to something called the “ Rabbit Wars , ” and just why the university ’s library is sinking . Plus if you ’re looking for the same thing , just spookier , you’re able to get together them for theghost tourversion on October 29 , 30 , and 31 .
The Himalayas Putting Green|Kenny Smith Photography
If you ’re looking for anunguidedactivity , check out the belittled but mightySt Andrews Aquarium . This family - possess creature habitat has more than 120 species on show every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You ’ll see seals , sharks , reptiles , and the bunch - favourite meerkats , which you’re able to see being eat every day at 11 pm and 4:30 atomic number 61 . Be sure to need just why there are meerkats living in a Pisces showing .
And if you ’d like to bury yourself in nature without all the creatures , St Andrews is also home to an 18 - acrebotanic gardenthat includes around 8,000 different sort of plants that exemplify biological communities from around the world . It ’s renowned for its collection of alpine plant in its rock garden and is without a doubt the most peaceful place in township .
Eat from lochs or dine like royalty
Though you could go much anywhere to ascertain solid seafood and hearty traditional Scots transportation , there are definitely some standouts that you might not carry for a town of fewer than 20,000 people . And if the follow spots are n’t enough , a great wager is to ask a caddie . Oftentimes they ’re longtime resident from the area and have some of the dear recommendations you’re able to get .
“ Great Italian ” might not make out to mind when you ’re thinking of St Andrews ( or Scotland in general ) , but if you ’re capable to get a reservation a few day in advance , Little Italyis a sweep dunk . Its extensive computer menu spans all the traditional favorite from pizza pie to pasta , chicken / veal / fish , and a long listing of afters . badly , do n’t seek to walk in on most nights . There ’s a in effect reason for the crowd .
verbalize of great Italian , if you have a sweet tooth , you simply can not visit St Andrews without a trip toJannettas Gelato . They ’ve been dishing out some of the best gelato in not only St Andrews but all of Scotland for more than 110 years . Just be warned if you ’re indecisive : There are 54 flavors to choose from , including biscoff , tayberry , and something called Hokey Pokey — and that ’s not counting an extra array of sorbet , frozen yogurt , and gelato cake .
Kenny Smith Photography
Maybe you ’re look for something a little more traditional UK - menu in the area . but put , you wo n’t come up better Pisces the Fishes & chips than atTailend . you’re able to choose for the classic baste haddock & scrap with mawkish pea and tartar sauce , but do n’t be afraid to see what they have in season or on special . You ca n’t go wrong .
If you wanna go fancy , look no further thanThe Seafood Ristorante . Not only does it offerMichelin - leveldining , it provide perhaps the best views of any restaurant in the city due to its prize location by the water and 360 - degree windows . Plus you ’ll find dishes like Loch Etive sea trout done in a Wellington - style .
If you knew that Kate Middleton met Prince William while they both attended the University of St Andrews in 2001 , then there ’s a chance you ’d like to knowexactlywhere they went . Supposedly it was at theNorthpoint Cafe , where they proudly hang a sign reading “ Where Kate Met Wills ( for coffee ! ) . ” It ’s by all odds not a regal affair , however it ’s a terrific ( and cheap ) option for breakfast and lunch . It ’s almost always bustling so who fuck , perhaps it could be where you meet your Kate or Wills .
Rusacks St Andrews|Marine & Lawn Hotel and Resorts
Cozy up to a pint or tipple
It ’s Scotland after all , so pint burst all over town . linksman looking for a “ nineteenth hole ” option should opt for theDunvegan Bar & Restaurantor the Old Course Hotel’sJigger Inn .
The Jigger Inn , locate justly off the Old Course , is your classic , informal public house . Take refuge from the chilly temporary next to one of the opened - hearth fire and squeeze yourself with solid soups and sandwiches while perusing an wide assembling of beers , cider , and more than 30 brands of whisky . And when the weather is decent , sit outside the more than 150 - year - sure-enough social organization and see the players play through .
Want to see a optic encyclopedic look at famous golfers and other fame who ’ve passed through Ithiel Town ( while , of course , throwing back a dry pint ) ? The Dunvegan is your spot . Situated on the box in the Dunvegan Hotel , this tavern is covered top to bottom with photos of pro golf player ( 35 Major Champions ) and other celebrity ( Neil Armstrong ! ) who ’ve stop by for a drinking over the eld . It makes for absorbing perusal while you ’re expect for a bowl of tomato soup and a burger . Plus , when the Open Championship is in townsfolk , you never have a go at it whose golf caddie will be congregating here and might be uncoerced to portion out storey !
The 18 at Rusacks restaurant|Marine & Lawn Hotel and Resorts
When it comes to absorb , St Andrews is not only home to gin mill . If liquor are more your illusion , you should head up to theEden Mill Distillery Gatehouse . Their new distillery and brewery are currently under construction , but for a chance to stress their catalog of gins and whiskeys , account book an hour - tenacious tasting session .
Scotland might be known for its brown John Barleycorn , but their most popular spirit is gin , and for safe reason . They craft a number of unlike diverseness including one of their most well - known , Ramsay ’s Gin , which is the lovechild of a partnership between Eden Mills and everyone ’s pet tantrum - throwing celebrity chef , Gordon Ramsay . And even if you ca n’t make it to the Gatehouse to hear it on the premise , you could order it at many of the local saloon in town and find their shopfront on Market Street , which features most of the gins you could try / bribe at the source .
The ruins of the St Andrews Castle|Heritage Images / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
One of many creatures at the St Andrews Aquarium.|Pete Dombrosky
The Seafood Ristorante overlooking the North Sea.|The Seafood Ristorante
Shetland cod with Loire Valley asparagus, stuffed morel, and chicken butter sauce.|The Seafood Ristorante
Floor-to-ceiling pictures of famous visitors at the Dunvegan Bar & Restaurant.|David Davies / PA Images / Getty Images
Eden Mills gin|Kenny Smith Photography
