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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