Anybody been to St. Andrews, Scotland?

travelbug24 · March 2012

I've been trying to figure out a cool place for my boyfriend's 40th birthday and we are thinking about St. Andrews. He loves golf, scotch, the countryside, so think this would be a great local. Just wondering if anyone's been.

Sibil · March 2012

I was there years ago, for just a day I believe. I didn't plan any of the trip, so I can't help with details, but I just wanted to chime in to say it was a beautiful location. I fondly remember standing at the sea cliffs and listening to a bagpiper off in the distance.

pmpknbride · March 2012

We went for just a day - it was an easy day trip out of Edinburgh. I'm not sure how long you plan to go for, but there isn't much there to keep you occupied for more than a day or two. You could do a day trip out to Edinburgh (but there is so much to do there that I'd want to go for more than a day)

wise_rita · March 2012

Ditto the daytrip from Edinburgh suggestion. It is an adorable town, but small so you can easily "do it" in 1 day.

However if you want to stay a few days to golf, that's a great idea, too, for a golfing buff. But I would definitely combine it with Edinburgh because it's not like you can fly from a major European airport to St. Andrews (I don't think). Like I said it's small. You'll most likely have to fly in to Edinburgh (or somewhere bigger) first. There are buses that take, I think, take about 2 hours to get to St. Andrews from Edi.

It's also close to the Scottish Highlands, where you can find plenty of whisky distilleries and quaint little towns.

I think it's a great idea for a golf lover (I loved the town) but definitely combine it with something else, especially if you're coming all the way from the U.S.

smange10.10 · March 2012

I've never been but my dad has gone a couple of times. From his pictures and what he has said about it, it's a beautiful place but other than golf, there's not a ton to do. He went for the sole purpose of playing golf for a week so he was entertained. They went various places at night, but like PPs said, I don't think you could spend more than a couple of days there if you aren't playing golf.

AustinBride06 · March 2012

My dad got a trip there from his company on his 25th anniversary there. He and my mom visited me in London first (I was there doing an internship at the time) for a couple of days then went on to Scotland and stayed primarily at St. Andrews. They had a blast. It wouldn't be for me, but I'm not a golfer. I think your BF would LOVE it! I would do St. Andrews for 1/2 the trip and Edinburgh for the other half, or even London.

PittPurple · March 2012

It's one of my favourite day-trips we've taken. The beach is really pretty and there's a lovely ruined castle and cathedral. It's a university town, so there are some lovely restaurants and pubs. I went for an overnight with my mom and went back for a daytrip with my dad I liked it so much. We definitely aren't golfers.

there are about a million things you can combine with St Andrews depending on what you're interests are - Edinburgh obviously but tons of countryside / whiskey tour options too.

If you do want to golf, make sure you book way ahead of time tee-times are really strict and you definitely have to book ahead of time. I've never done it but a friend booked months in advance.

travelbug24 · March 2012

Thanks for all the advice! I think it's a perfect place for us for a few days. He will love the golf and it's calm enough for us to just relax together for a few days which is what we are looking for. We've been a lot of places and he specifically asked that we not go somewhere in which there are tons of sites to see, so this sounds perfect!

Anybody been to St. Andrews, Scotland?

Re: Anybody been to St. Andrews, Scotland?

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