St Andrews Hotels

Mini guide to St Andrews

Home of a famous university and the world's oldest golf course, St Andrews, perched on Scotland's east coast, is an enchanting place.

Must-see sights include the 13th century Castle of St. Andrews, which teeters on the sea's edge and contains reputedly the nastiest dungeon in Scotland. Another interesting place is the secret bunker, built in 1951, where the United Kingdom would have been run from in the event of nuclear war. The haunting ruins of St Andrew's Cathedral and Priory also demand your attention. In the university's impressive medieval buildings stands a thorn tree planted by Mary Queen of Scots.

For a vigorous and sporty leisure pursuit, try your hand at the sport which the city is famous for - golf. Golf was first played in the city in the 1400s and the famous Old Course has been played on for centuries. Provided you can prove you are of a required standard you can play on the hallowed turf for £80. The world's most prestigious golf club, the Royal and Ancient stands at the centre of the courses and opens its door to the public every year on St Andrews Day.

Food options vary from cheap student eateries to exquisite restaurants catering for the wealthy golfers. Shopping options abound from second-hand clothes, to golf equipment and apparel to St Andrews Fine Arts which specializes in Scottish paintings. The Byre Theatre is the city's cultural centre and features Shakespeare performances and comedies in its repertoire.

One hour away by train is the historic capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Spend a day there visiting the castle, the Royal Mile and the ancient buildings and narrow alleyways of the old town.

About 15 trains per day stop 8 miles (13km) away at the town of Leuchars on the London-Edinburgh-Dundee-Aberdeen run to the northeast (1 hour) and from there you can take a connecting bus. If you're driving from Edinburgh, head northwest along A90 and cross the Forth Road Bridge north, then take the A921 to the junction with A915 and continue northeast.

Selection of hotels in this region:

St Andrews Bay Golf Resort & Spa
Macdonald Hotels, Rusacks Hotel
Rufflets Country House & Garden Restaurant

Click below for a full list of hotels and online booking

Holiday Inn, Travel Inn, Marriott, Travelodge, Hilton, Hyatt, Novotel, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Swallow. <*pagetitle*> <*countrydescription*> from www.cheaphotelbookings.com

Selection of other locations with hotels available: