St Andrews hotels

Hotels in St Andrews

Beautifully situated on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, St Andrews is the location of St Andrews University, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The town is also known across the world as ‘the home of golf'.

History

The roots of St Andrews go back to the mesolithic period and there was also much activity here during the early Christian era. A monastery established by the Pictish King Oengus I was traditionally associated with St Andrew. The birth of the present town begins around 1140, near to the site of the ruined St Andrews Castle, and the large St Andrews Cathedral was built around 1160. At this time the town became a place of huge importance to medieval pilgrims from all over Europe, who came hoping to be blessed, or perhaps even cured, at the Shrine of St Andrew. The religious importance of the town led to major economic development and St Andrews had political influence far beyond the boundaries of Scotland. Following centuries of upheaval and conflict during the Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, St Andrews fell into decline, which lasted until the beginning of its life as the home of golf. Slowly its fortunes rose again, and today the town is a centre of higher education and tourism, as well as golf, naturally!

Golf

Documented references to golf here go back to 1552, when the ‘playing at golf' was granted permission by Archbishop Hamilton, but The St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club first actually met in 1754. You can play the iconic Old Course, and there are eight championship courses in all, which have seen many of the world's greatest players at the British Open Championship over the years. You could hardly wish for better provenance or finer surroundings, whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply sampling the game in its spiritual home.

The University

The beautiful ivy-clad buildings and atmospheric quadrangles of the university dominate the centre of St Andrews, as they have done since 1410. In this way, St Andrews is similar to Oxford or Cambridge, with its collegiate feel and defining presence of the ancient seat of learning. It is also one of Britain's top universities and has seen a long line of famous graduates, including Prince William.

Beaches

From St Andrews hotels you can also enjoy superb beaches. One is the beautiful expanse of West Sands, where that legendary sequence from ‘Chariots of Fire' was filmed. Its uninterrupted swathe of sand is almost two miles long and backed by dunes, behind which the golf courses lie. This is a perfect spot for a walk (or a run) and swimming too in season. The historic highlights, restaurants and shops of the town are only about 15 minutes away on foot.