Family-friendly luxury holidays in Scotland: Discover the delights of St Andrews, Fife
When you conjure up images of holidays in St Andrews, golf is probably the first thing to come to mind – but there’s much more to the jewel in Fife’s crown than the ancient game.
While golf lovers are more than well catered for at Fairmont St. Andrews and beyond, with ancient links and challenging modern courses along the rugged clifftops, this seaside resort is the perfect base for a family holiday.
We asked Kai Winkler, General Manager, at www.fairmont.com to handpick the five things families tell her they love most when they explore the area. But be warned – Kai says guests often find so much to see and do at the Fairmont that they don’t want to leave!
Miles and miles of beach
There’s a beautiful two mile stretch of sand around the heart of St Andrews, offering ample opportunity for sandcastles, beach rounders and swimming. If you are lucky enough to be in the area on July 4 you could even enter the sandcastle building competition at the East Sands.
Head a few miles out in either direction and you either discover the gorgeous craggy inlets around Kingsbarns, or the glorious West Sands beach in St. Andrews, made famous in the film The Chariots of Fire.
Top tip: Parents might enjoy a trip to the Kingsbarns Distillery or the Eden Mill gin and whisky distillery (the hotel would be happy to arrange taxis for you). Little ’uns will adore squirrel spotting around Tentsmuir Nature Reserve, or trying to catch sight of seals and bottlenose dolphins around St Andrews Bay.
History and heritage
St Andrew’s has played a vital role in Scotland’s landscape for millennia … at one point it was the ecclesiastical capital of the country, and is home to the UK’s oldest university.
History lovers will adore a visit to the St Andrew’s Castle, discovering the menacing bottle dungeon where mediaeval prisoners were held captive. Or explore the ruins of former cathedral, which dominates the skyline to the east of the town.
Top tip: A Historic Scotland membership card can help you discover your own adventures all year round. For a one-off cost of just over £100 a family of four can explore 300 properties, including many dotted around Fife, all making for great days out.
A feast for all
Is it really a holiday if you don’t indulge in life’s little extras? Down in the town visitors adore Janetta’s ice cream shop, where for more than 100 years the family gelateria has been serving up tasty delights in dozens of tasty flavours. Or if you fancy fish and chips by the harbour wall, Cromars won the much sought-after Best Fish Supper title in 2023.
Of course, residents at the Fairmont can dine like kings. Seasonal food prepared to be a feast for the eyes can be served in whatever way you like – family friendly restaurants, more elegant formality, or even up in your room; this is your holiday, enjoy it whatever way you like. From St. Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill burgers to seafood and steak, you’ll find holiday heaven on a plate.
Fancy a little Italian? Make a reservation at the in-house taste of the Med, La Cucina, where the emphasis is on fresh and flavour. The chef’s idea is simple … authentic recipes and carefully resourced ingredients make for unforgettable food.
Where possible the kitchen puts sustainability into every meal … this includes running their own greenhouse for veg, having a herb garden, and sourcing 75 per cent of all food served from within Scotland. They even have their own honeybees on site.
Top tip: Why not book a sumptuous Fairmont St. Andrews Forever Flowing Afternoon Tea for the day you arrive, and start your holiday in truly indulgent style. The beautiful hot and cold food, plated up on fine china, is served in the Atrium Lounge with Forever Flowing champagne.
For the adrenalin junkie
If your kids are the types who don’t ever want to sit still, then there’s plenty on offer. There’s the hotel’s own swimming pool, free golf for kids, giant outdoor games like chess and croquet, a play room, coastal paths, and to wind down at the end of the day a cinema. All these activities are included in the cost of your stay.
Bookable on site additions include forage walks, a sports simulator located in Zephyr Sports Bar overlooking the Atrium Lounge and lessons with the PGA golf pro.
Top tip: Just 10 minutes from the hotel is the Blown Away base, for seaside activities that make memories forever, like land yachting and surfing.
And now for something a little more relaxing
… And breathe. Your summer holiday should be more than just action-packed fun (lovely as that is) you need time to enjoy the moment and wind-down from family life. The Fairmont St Andrews Spa has 10 treatment rooms offering ESPA treatments and the ishga skincare range (made from seaweed harvested in the Hebrides).
Choose from an outstanding array of treatments, complemented by time relaxing by the pool with a good book and a healthy lunch.
Top tip: If the junior members of the family feel left out, book them in for the mini me manicure.
Ready to book – try the summer three for two offer
Kai and the team at Fairmont St. Andrews know that there’s never enough time to relax, so their summer gift to you is an extra night’s stay, totally on them. Just book a consecutive two night stay between now and September 30, and they will add on a complimentary third night for free – more details here.
Kai added: “We know families love St Andrews, and our location couldn’t be more idyllic. Set just along the clifftops from the town centre itself, you have the best of both worlds – the town nearby and the sea and countryside on your doorstep.
“Our guests often say this is the perfect family holiday, with a mix of luxury and relaxation, and the choice of action and adventure or the gift of tranquillity.”
To find out more, visit www.fairmont.com/st-andrews-scotland