St Andrews is in vincity of South Queensferry (just over an hour’s drive away) and if you have an interest in golf for many it is a must-see location as St Andrews is -after all- the home of golf.
Your are also close to Edinburgh and in my opinion Edinburgh is one of the nicest towns in the world combining a vibrant old town with everything a modern city needs, even if it happens to be a posh, modern hotel which the locals nick named “the turd”
It is possible to combine a vist to St Andrews and Edinburgh. Edinburgh is about 30 min drive from South Queensferry depending on traffic and you are likely to experiences a little rush hour traffic. You gain the number of attractions you can visit during your excursion but you loose the leisurely feel of exploring without too much of a time pressure. However, it can be done and I have had numerous guests who absolutely loved this option.
Alternatively you can do something else completely, whether this may be based on the popular TV series of Outlander or perhabs a feel of modern, innovative Scotland or in the reverse just some World Heritage (though I would argue to add Edinburgh back in to this option).
Let me start with St Andrews:
If you are mad about Golf St Andrews itself has six golf courses (Old, New, Eden, Balgove, Jubilee, Castle & the Duke’s) and the wider area, the Kingdom of Fife, has roughly 50, some of which you can visit on your way to or from St Andrews (Elie & Earlsferry, Dumbarnie Links, Crail Golfing Society, Kingsbarns etc.). One special one to point out is located at Hill of Tarvit mansion house and it is still a Hickory course, called Kingarrock.
Some of these golf courses bring you into the cute fishing villages of the so called East Neuk (a Neuk being a corner and if you look at a map you will know why).
You could start with Elie & Earlsferry, which has a stunning beach and harbour, some cute shops and you can certainly have a cup of coffee too (or a pint if you are so inclined).
St Monans has one of Fife’s best restaurants, Craig Miller’s, , a smoke house and a famous old church next to a small but impressive harbour.
PIttenweem is famous for its cave, chocolate factory, its annual art festival (in August) and the nearby Kellie Castle, which is small but impreses as no buildings have been added since 1600.
Anstruther is must bigger, and like Pittenweem, sports yet another golf course, beside a famous fish & chip shop, a fishing museum, as well as the Reeper which featured in Outlander.
Crail has one of Fife’s oldest golf course, a famous pottery and a shell fish shack in its very cute harbour.
Next up is Kingsbarns with a famous golf course, a whisky distillery, Cambo House, an amazing and a gorgeous Inn.
On the way to St Andrews you will also pass the golf courses of the Fairmont Hotel and the Castle Course.
In St Andrews itself you will be spoilt for choice as well, even if golf is really not on your agenda. St Andrews is a university town with a buzzing feel to it, even in summer when the students are mostly away. It has a gorgeous medieval town centre which is easy to walk and you can enjoy the local shops and restaurants while learning about its long history. The university was founded in 1413 though the settlement of St Andrews dates back much further. Both cathedral and castle tell the story of religion and reformation, on the grounds of the cathedral you can also inspect Tom Morris junior & senior graves. There is a harbour with East Sands alongside it and on the other side of town there is the big “Chariot of Fire” beach, West Sands. Prince William studied at St Andrews and met Kate Middleton here. You will not be bored.
If you like what see and would like a bespoke tour curated especially for your needs get in touch:
Tomorrow I will post the Edinburgh option so stay tuned in!
