St. Andrews Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your St. Andrews Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

St. Andrews packs a lot into a small area. The medieval street layout means you can walk between most attractions in minutes. The Old Course (KY16 9XL) is open to visitors most Sundays - you can walk across the famous Swilcan Bridge without paying a penny.

St. Andrews Cathedral ruins (KY16 9QL) open daily 10am-4pm and score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Climb St. Rule's Tower for the best views in town. Entry costs £6.50 for adults but it's free for Historic Scotland members.

The Botanic Garden (KY16 8RT) is a hidden gem with 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Open daily 10am-4pm, it contains over 8,000 plant species and costs just £3 entry.

West Sands Beach stretches for nearly 2 miles and was made famous in the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire. It's perfect for morning walks before heading back to your cottage.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love St. Andrews almost as much as golfers do! West Sands Beach allows dogs year-round with no restrictions - a rarity for UK beaches. The East Sands has similar rules, giving your dog plenty of space to run.

The Criterion pub (KY16 9HW) welcomes dogs inside and even offers water bowls and treats. Their beer garden is perfect for sunny days when you want to keep your pet with you.

St. Andrews Botanic Garden allows dogs on leads, making it a lovely walk option. For longer walks, the Lade Braes path follows a medieval mill stream for about a mile through woodland.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - sand gets everywhere after beach walks! Most hot tub cottages have enclosed gardens, but always check the specific property details as some have height restrictions on fences.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in St. Andrews

The Old Course Experience (KY16 9XL) - Even non-golfers should visit the world's most famous golf course. The British Golf Museum sits beside the first tee and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Open 10am-5pm daily, it costs £12 for adults. One visitor wrote: "I'm not into golf but found the history fascinating. The interactive displays kept our kids entertained too."

St. Andrews Castle (KY16 9AR) - This ruined castle perches dramatically on cliffs above the sea. The bottle dungeon and mine/counter-mine tunnels are genuinely fascinating. TripAdvisor gives it 4/5 stars. Open daily 10am-4pm, entry costs £9 for adults. A recent visitor commented: "The underground tunnels were the highlight - cramped but an amazing insight into medieval siege warfare."

Eden Mill Distillery Tour (KY16 0UU) - Scotland's first combined brewery and distillery offers excellent tours. They score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and cost £25 per person including tastings. Tours run daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm but book ahead as they sell out. A visitor noted: "The gin tasting session was brilliant - we bought three bottles to take back to our cottage!"

What's the best time to visit St. Andrews?

May to September offers the best weather, but July/August sees peak crowds and prices. I think May and June provide the perfect balance of decent weather and fewer tourists. The hot tub will be enjoyable year-round regardless of outside temperature.

Do I need a car in St. Andrews?

Not if you're staying in town. Most cottages are within walking distance of shops and attractions. However, a car is useful for exploring the wider Fife coastal villages. The X59 bus connects St. Andrews to Dundee (30 mins) if you arrive by train.

Where can I park in St. Andrews?

Most cottages provide private parking. Town centre parking is limited - use the free Petheram Bridge Car Park (KY16 8LF) which is a 10-minute walk from the centre. Avoid South Street during business hours as restrictions are strictly enforced.

Are there good restaurants in St. Andrews?

Yes! The Adamson (KY16 9HX) offers excellent Scottish cuisine. Blackhorn (KY16 9JD) serves the best burgers in town. For fish and chips, Tailend (KY16 9EE) consistently wins awards. Book restaurants in advance during summer months.

What beaches are near St. Andrews?

West Sands and East Sands are within the town itself. Castle Sands is smaller but quieter. Within a 20-minute drive, try Kingsbarns Beach or Tentsmuir Forest Beach for more seclusion.

Is St. Andrews good for children?

Absolutely. Craigtoun Country Park (KY16 8NX) has playgrounds, a miniature railway and boating pond. East Sands Leisure Centre (KY16 8LH) has a pool with flumes. The Himalayas putting green beside the Old Course welcomes families and costs just £4 per person.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Scotland's Official St. Andrews Guide
2. St. Andrews Weather Forecast
3. Fife Coastal Path Walking Routes