It's perhaps best associated with golf and Prince William and Kate Middleton.
But this stunning Fife coastal town has a lot more to offer than royals and reading the green. St Andrew's is visited by thousands, with 1million overnight stays each year.
And while much of its tourism is throughout the summer months, the town was voted one of the prettiest places to do your Christmas shopping this year in the Times. As well as its famous rolling golf greens, beach and castle, the university town also has a fascinating pagan history.
We take a look at one of Britain's most picturesque seaside towns and lift the lid on its intriguing ancient history.
Golf
The Old Course at St Andrews is one of the oldest golf courses in the world (Getty Images/Corbis Unreleased)Often seen as the 'home' of one of the planet's most popular sports, St Andrew's boasts one of the world's oldest courses. Its ties to the game date as far back as 600 years when people's right to play was enshrined in the 1552 Archbishop Hamilton's Charter.
Meghan Markle 'to unleash her own memoirs' as Prince Harry's drops next week
The aptly-named Old Course is perhaps the most famous of all, although the Castle Course is known for its stunning coastal views. Visitors can take a tour and even visit the World Golf Museum, as well as checking out Auchterlonies, a renowned family-owned golf shop.
Even the likes of ex-President and keen golfer Donald Trump has eyed up the town in the past, having reportedly been snubbed in his attempts to buy a hotel in the town.
Pagan history
The town's history is prevalent in its medieval cathedral dating back to the 12th century (Getty Images/iStockphoto)On the face of the St Andrew's is its stunning castle and cathedral. But the town is steeped in fascinating history entrenched further than the foundations of these medieval buildings.
The atmospheric Dunino Den, which is rumoured to be a Druid ceremonial site, hints at its pagan roots. Nestled deep in woodland around five miles south of the town, the site is thought to have been frequented by people in eras pre-dating Christianity.
Druidism was prevalent in the area before being driven out by the 7th century. The mystical site featuring an 'alter stone' is steeped in atmosphere and can still be visited today.
History buffs can also enjoy the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, built between 1158 and 1318 and the castle which sits on a promontory above the sea, built around 1200.
The university
The town's university is Scotland's oldest - and third oldest in Britain (Getty Images/iStockphoto)For royal fans and viewers of The Crown's most recent series, St Andrew's is probably synonymous with being the place where William and Kate met whilst studying art history degrees. St Andrew's University is Scotland's oldest, with only Oxford and Cambridge pre-dating the institution.
The university has a strong academic reputation, attracting a combined total of 10,400 graduate and undergraduate students each year. Alongside William and Kate, famous alumni also include Jungle Book writer Rudyard Kipling and Peter Pan author JM Barrie.
Fun and games
There's far more thrills and excitement on offer in the town than just golf, with a thriving watersports scene. Paddleboarding, surfing, sailing and kayaking are all on offer on St Andrew's West Sands, while the two-mile stretch of sand at St Andrew's Beach has full disabled access so that everyone can enjoy the stunning scenery.
For kids, there is also Craigtoun Country Park where families can ride the miniature railway and explore the gardens, Fairy Glen and adventure playground.
Harry and Meghan convinced 'royals were against them' after New Year photo snub
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
