Luxury holidays in St Andrews
Named after the patron saint of Scotland, spinsters, and strangely, sore throats, St Andrews has been a religious site of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. Today, this endearing coastal town draws pilgrims of a different kind; golfers looking to strike out in the sport’s birthplace, or starry-eyed romantics tracing the spot where William met Kate. For those unphased by putters and princes, the narrow cobbled streets, dramatic rocky landscapes, nearby castles and medieval ruins are sure to seduce. The auld grey toon has a distinctly collegiate feel due to its ancient university, where Mary Queen of Scots herself is said to have planted a mystical thorn tree. Take a crisp morning run along West Sands Beach in the spirit of Chariots of Fire before warming up with a fine wee dram from one of St Andrews’ nearby distilleries.
When to go
A thriving university town, students account for almost half the population. To bypass the crowds of gloating parents, avoid travelling during graduation season.