B&bs, airbnb and Holiday Cottages St Andrews

Now, there is more to St Andrew's than its distinguished golfing scene, but it is a great place to start. It is, after all, where the sport itself began and is consequently home to the oldest course in the world. After a couple of hours on the green, however, be sure to leave time to visit the acclimated university campus, castle and cathedral ruins, all of which date back to the middle ages. We can't promise that your holiday rental will be steeped in as much history as these landmarks, but we can guarantee your home away from home will boast all the authentic qualities of this true Scottish town, and it might even come with a room with a view across the North Sea.

When to go to St Andrews

Though temperatures in St Andrews rarely peak above twenty degree's, this town is a year-round hotspot, with bed and breakfasts and holiday rentals booking up when major golf tournaments come to town in the summer months. These warmer months see many students leave town to return home from the prominent university, so despite the tourism level increasing, the area is strangely quiet.

What types of holiday rentals are available in St Andrews?

There is an undeniable air of prestige across this alluring town, with world-renowned academics, golfers and foodies making the pilgrimage to St Andrews, where all this rich culture is condensed into this seaside village. With such a desire for a slice of this Scottish treasure, accommodation in the town is incredibly sought after, and the esteemed atmosphere is mirrored into the holiday rentals across the town. An apartment with a private terrace and garden is the perfect combination for couples whom to escape to this timeless destination, while a b&b along the seafront or a traditional holiday cottage is an ideal option for larger groups who are travelling for a golfing holiday.

How to get there?

Nestled in the north east of Scotland, just over fifty miles from Edinburgh, this seaside town can be accessed from across the UK by road, rail and air. The most efficient way of reaching St Andrews is most likely be rail, with two lines from Edinburgh passing through Leuchars train station which is six miles from the centre. As the primary connection hub, Edinburgh welcomes the London North Eastern Railway service from London, Newcastle, York, Darlington and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Alternatively, the Caledonian Sleeper runs an overnight service between London Euston and Leuchars, allowing you to fall asleep in the capital and wake up in the heart of Scottish history. For visitors travelling from even further south, take the one-hour flight from Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Belfast to Edinburgh or Glasgow, and jump aboard a rail connection to the town. Finally, for those who want to drive to St Andrew's, by driving north over the Forth Road bridge from Edinburgh and taking the A92 via the A915.

Where to book a holiday cottage in St Andrews

Kinnessburn

Choose a holiday cottage on this road of an oasis of green, which leads right into St Andrews Botanical Garden. Running alongside Kinnessburn canal, this residential area is a treasure trove of sumptuous townhouses among other luxury apartment rentals in one of the most therapeutic locations in the country.

West Sands Beach

Securing accommodation on the shores of West Sands Beach will drench your soul in the very best experience's St Andrew's has to offer. Take in the sea air from an open-air apartment or a waterfront townhouse which offers sea views from every corner. A holiday rental on these sands will also place you in the perfect position to play the day away on the Old Course, the oldest and most picturesque golf course in the world.

The city centre

Though the city centre may be small at less than one mile across, it is by no means limited, as an apartment or opulent guesthouse in the heart of these age-old will place you alongside some of the most exclusive shops, bars and restaurants in the entire country. The centre continues to come alive during St Andrews in Bloom festival in the summer months.

St Andrews Harbour

Often overshadowed by the rich university and golfing culture, the quintessential seaside charm of St Andrews can come as a surprise to many of its visitors, and there is no secret better kept than the harbour. Choose a self-catered apartment rental and unwind over brunch in the Harbour Cafe while overlooking a collection of small fishing boats, and of course, the idyllic waterfront scenery.

Prior Muir

Despite the mass number of students who have transformed St Andrews into a lively hive of activity, there are still some areas of this town which continue to embrace the rural landscapes which are primaeval to this Scottish land. A secluded holiday cottage in Prior Muir is the most excellent way to immerse yourself in this unspoilt scenery and live like a local in this beautiful town.

St Leonards Field

There is no shortage of leisurely activities across this prosperous town, whether you want to try your hand at golf in the sport's birthplace, or hike along the path of dramatic coastline. However you spend your days, a condo or apartment in St Leonards Field will place you alongside all these activities and world-class cuisine to enjoy when the sun goes down below the North Sea.

What activities to do?

Walk the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral

What was once Scotland's largest cathedral, the ruins of this medieval architectural masterpiece have been preserved in a museum which also houses medieval sculptures and artefacts and a tower which offers memorable views across the water.

The University of St Andrews

Founded in 1413, St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university and one of the most reputable institutions in the UK. This impressive status is reflected in the prestigious campus, which is a maze of colleges, halls, libraries, and even a castle, all of which overlooks the North Sea. A visit to St Andrews is not complete without a wander around St Salvator's Quad, the Students' Association and McIntosh Hall, so you can get a sense of what it feels like to be a student on the east coast of Scotland. This distinguished university is where Prince William met the Duchess of Cambridge, so who knows what will flourish when you visit. Anything is possible!

Sample some whisky at Eden Mill

Scotland's original single-site brewery & distillery is an unmissable experience for any spirit enthusiast, as the tour offers the chance to become unclose with the makings behind the countries iconic drink. If whisky isn't your tipple, you also can also learn about gin and beer manufacturing, all with plenty of flavourful samples and the chance to bottle your favourites to enjoy in your holiday letting.

Bathe on the golden West Sands Beach

St Andrews is, after all, a seaside town, so a day spent enjoying its natural sands is not a day wasted, even if it is just a walk along these shores in the colder winter months.

Explore the Old Course

You don't need to be a golf lover to enjoy the vast history of this striking course, which is the oldest golf course in the world. With a history stretching back over 600 years, where the very first tournament was played on this very land.

Relax in the gardens of Kellie Castle

Scotland is known for its historic structures, and St Andrews is no exception, with the grand architecture of Kellie Castle which has stood as part of the landscape since the fourteenth century. The beauty of the castle and its art collection is matched by the grounds, which bloom with roses and herbaceous flowers, homegrown vegetables and even a tea room to shelter from the afternoon sun, or rain!

Visit the Scottish Deer Centre

This centre offers the chance to come face to face with not only fourteen species of deer, including brown bears, wildcats and otters in a family-friendly setting. However, if the idea of being too close to these animals is a little too daunting, you can always witness them from above in the heights of the treetop walk.