St Andrews Retreat is located just outside of St Andrews, the golfing capital of Scotland in the small hamlet of Peat Inn. Guests can enjoy a delicious gastronomic delight at The Peat Inn, the hamlet’s famous Michelin starred restaurant.
St Andrews is extremely popular for its landscaped, prestigious golf courses but also offers excellent shopping, some wonderful art galleries, interesting museums and spectacular golden beaches. Visitors enjoy fine dining in the atmospheric restaurants as well as delicious ice creams from the local ice cream parlours. There are many exciting and interesting attractions from St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle to Scotland’s Secret Bunker. The remains of St Andrews Cathedral are a must-see for any visitor. It was once the largest church in Scotland and the museum is home to a fantastic collection of medieval sculptures and relics which were found on the site. For amazing views across St Andrews and Fife, visitors can climb St Rule’s Tower which dates from the 12th century. St Andrews Castle enjoys a history spanning 450 years. It has been a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison.
The Old Course is the golfing location which every golfer aspires to visit. It is one of the most famous golf courses in the world and visitors can join an expert guide to walk around the 1st, 17th and 18th holes, walking in the footsteps of golfing legends and experiencing a player’s eye view. There are ballots to play on the Old Course but you can book in advance to play on some of the other golfing wonders including The Castle Course, The New Course, the Jubilee Course, the Eden Course and the Strathtyrum Course.
Another popular adventure is to take one of the St Andrews Ghost Tours which introduce visitors to many haunted locations including the Cathedral and St Andrews University.
The Fife Pilgrim Way is a wonderfully scenic long-distance walk through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who flocked to Fife between the 11th and 16th centuries to be near to the bones of St Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples. It was considered to be the next best thing to the Holy Land, joining ranks with the Santiago de Compostela and Rome.
Dundee is only half an hour from St Andrews Retreat. It is located on the Firth of Tay estuary and enjoys a regenerated waterfront with two nautical museums, RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship and HM Frigate Unicorn, the 19th century warship. There are many museums including Verdant Works which celebrates the city’s jute manufacturing heritage and The McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum which displays art and archaeological finds.
The Region
Welcome to St. Andrews, the "Home of Golf" and a wee slice of Scottish paradise on the enchanting east coast. Get ready for a trip that blends rich history, stunning landscapes and golf. Pack your bags and prepare for a journey through time and fairways, returning to your luxurious Oliver’s Travels holiday property at the end of the day to relax, unwind and spend special time with your family or favourite friends.
At the heart of the action is the iconic St. Andrews Cathedral, a medieval masterpiece in ruin. You can explore the hauntingly beautiful remains and the famous St. Rule's Tower which boasts breath taking views. Next door, perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, is the historic St. Andrews Castle with a view that medieval kings would have given their crowns for. For those of you with a passion for education, the University of St. Andrews is a highlight. Founded in 1413, this picturesque campus is the Hogwarts of Scotland with stunning architecture and a famous alumni.
Now, let's talk golf. St. Andrews Old Course is its magical epicentre. Featuring the famous Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker and as the venue for the British Open Championship, this place is a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide.
But wait, there's more! St. Andrews isn't just about swinging clubs and exploring ruins. You can dive into the serene waters of West Sands Beach, made famous in "Chariots of Fire" or take a stroll along the bustling High Street, sprinkled with boutique shops, charming cafes and characterful pubs that have seen more ceilidh dancing than you can shake a sporran at. The Fife Coastal Path offers breath taking views of the sea and surrounding countryside and birdwatchers should grab their binoculars and head to the Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve for a symphony of diverse birdlife and tranquil woodlands.
St. Andrews is the gateway to Fife's enchanting landscapes. You can explore the fishing villages of Anstruther and Pittenweem, where the seafood is so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate or hop over to the historic town of Cupar for medieval architecture and a bustling market square.
St. Andrews is the perfect blend of history, golf and Scottish charm. Whether you are exploring medieval ruins, perfecting your swing on legendary courses, visiting your offspring at university or sampling local delicacies, this town weaves together the past and present in a way that will make you want to don a kilt and dance a Highland fling!
