St Andrews is synonymous with golf; this small Scottish town located in the Kingdom of Fife is home of the governing body of the sport not to mention the much hallowed “Old Course” which is the most famous golf course in the world. As a result, the town draws sports fans from across the globe to watch events, play on one of the towns many links courses or simply to soak up the atmosphere as they enjoy views across the greens and fairways to the sandy bays of the coast with the ancient club house providing the perfect backdrop. The British Golf Museum offers aficionados the perfect place to uncover the secrets of the history of the sport and relive some of golf’s greatest moments.
Besides the sporting heritage however, St Andrews has so much more to offer visitors. The city itself is a charming market township made up of a tangle of cobbled medieval streets lined with quality boutiques, antiques stores, book shops and coffee shops which demonstrate a lazy affluence. There are a wealth of historic and heritage sites to explore including the stunning ruins of St Andrews Cathedral which recalls an era in the 15th century when St Andrews stood as the ecclesiastical centre for Scotland. Close-by is St Andrews Castle, a coastal medieval fort where you can still roam the eerie dungeons and underground tunnels whilst the St Andrews Musuem offers insight in the town’s history.
Founded in 1410, St Andrews university is one of Scotland’s best and longest established universities and was where Prince William and his future wife Kate Middleton studied. The historic university offers some stunning architecture with the ivy-clad 16th century college buildings such as St Mary’s and St Leonards colleges overlook neat squares and lush lawns. The large student population ensures that the town has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Outside of the town centre, you can explore the Kingdom of Fife, an ideal area for walking in the gentle hills or strolling along the untouched sandy beaches along the coasts which are punctuated by charming fishing communities. In Pittenweem, Kellie Castle and Gardens, with connections to Robert the Bruce, are an excellent place to visit whilst inland you will find Falkland Palace and Garden which was once a favoured home of Mary Queen of Scots.
A “must” for golf-lovers, St Andrews is also a destination in its own right with a rich history and unique vibe, and should definitely be experienced when touring Scotland.
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A Scotland Coach Tour - Experience the Scottish Highlands and the heart of Scotland on this eight day journey through this small but characterful country. From the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the remote Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, the Cairngorms and central Scotland, you'll see ancient clan seats, baronial manors, remote castles, royal palaces, ancient battlefields, malt distilleries and the spiritual home of golf.
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A Complete Britain Tour - Enjoy the highlights of Britain on this leisurely 15-day tour which takes you from the far South West of England to Scotland’s St Andrews. On route discover national icons such as Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle and Windsor Castle alongside more “off the beaten path” destinations as you explore the coast and countryside of Devon and Cornwall, the mountains of North Wales and the remote towns and dales of Yorkshire.
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Scenic Britain Tour - Get off the beaten tourist track as you journey from Windsor to Edinburgh through the beautiful West of Britain. Explore England’s picturesque coastal counties of Devon and Cornwall, see unrivalled vistas in Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, pass through the majestic Lake District and tour two of Scotland’s most elegant cities in, Edinburgh and St Andrews.
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A Scottish small group tour - Enjoy this comprehensive tour of Scotland, a captivating land of contrasts which is both aesthetically beautiful and historically fascinating. From Edinburgh to the remote islands of Skye and Mull, enjoy dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, shimmering lochs and heather covered highlands all richly peppered with castles, abbeys and ancient sites which tell the tale of Scotland's intriguing and often turbulent history.
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One of our best Scotland Driving Tours – Scotland Explorer offers a comprehensive itinerary taking you on a journey to the corners of this beautiful nation; see Scotland from the bustling cultural and historic cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the expansive wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. From the rugged beauty of the West coast and Isle of Skye to the cultural sites of the East Coast and Aberdeenshire. Along the way see sparkling lochs, towering mountain ranges, ancient castle ruins, and whisky distilleries – a truly Scottish experience.
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A Premium Scotland Tour - explore Scottish history, highlands and heritage by day and indulge in quality Scottish hospitality by night on this enchanting journey through Scotland. From the heart of Scotland to her rugged Highlands, Scottish Supreme offers a comprehensive touring itinerary coupled with a mixture of high-end and boutique overnight hotels providing the very best of Scottish welcomes.
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