Tag: golf

Top Tourist Attractions In St Andrews

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Despite its small size, there are a lot of top tourist attractions in St. Andrews, Scotland.  Located in the Fife Peninsula, this small, Scottish town has enjoyed a healthy influx of visitors.  Many have come here to pay homage to the birthplace of golf.  Why not?  The Royal and Ancient Golf Club was founded in this little town 1754 in the Fife Peninsula southeast of Dundee.  And, since 1897, members of this established club has been recognized internationally as the ruling body of golf.

St Andrews is very easy to get to, Edinburgh, which has many international and national connects is only 50 miles away, check Tripscan.com for good deals on flights there.

But there’s more to this town than being the home of golf.  Here are some of the top tourist attractions in St. Andrews not to miss!

st andrews castle, scotland

St. Andrews Cathedral

St. Andrews has a pivotal role in Scottish ecclesiastical history.  The churches and religious monuments that dot St. Andrews’ landscape is testimony to this.  According to legend, St. Regulus arrived in this town with the remains of St. Andrews.  And since then, it has become a site of pilgrimage.  In 1200, several churches were put up in town, including the St. Andrews Cathedral.  By the 15th century, the St. Andrews Cathedral has now become the biggest cathedral in Scotland and the seat of the archbishop.  James V and Mary of Guise were wed here, forming the Franco-Scottish alliance.

However, in 1559, the cathedral was destroyed.  Today, only parts of the Romanesque cathedral are left.

St. Andrews Castle

This castle was built at the same time as St. Andrews Cathedral in 1200.  It served as the Bishop’s residence for centuries.  The St. Andrews Castle was then destroyed during the Reformation, leaving nothing but the ruins which we see today.  But luckily, a modern visitor centre has provided details of the castle’s history.

Sea Life Centre

The Sea Life Centre gives you a fascinating insight on marine life, with its various attractions which include an aquarium, a shark pool and a marine laboratory.  It also has a wonderful beach café where you can make a quick pit stop to rest your feet and grab a bite while marvelling at the beach’s horizon.

Tribute to golf

It would be an insult if we did not as much as mention St. Andrews’ golf heritage in the top tourist attractions in St. Andrews.

First stop is the Old Golf Course.  This golf course runs along the coast of St. Andrews and originally had 22 holes.  It was reduced to 18 holes in 1836.  The headquarters of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club is also found here.

Next stop is the British Golf Museum, where you can find an extensive exhibit of golf artefacts, and everything that has to do anything with golf.

These are just some of the top tourist attractions in St Andrews, but there are plenty more. Make a weekend out of it and enjoy one of Scotland’s gems. Bon Voyage!

Different Options For A UK Break

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Getting away to the Scottish Highlands is one the better options for a UK break ... photo by conner395 on Flickr

A COTTAGE BREAK IN SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The mist shrouded purple mountains that constitute the Scottish Highlands are steeped in legend, mystery and history. It is a land of breathtaking unspoilt natural beauty with mysterious lochs, stunning glens and spectacular islands.

A cottage break in the Scottish Highlands is one of the best options for a UK break, as it rewards you with jaw dropping scenery ranging from rugged peaks to enchanting beaches. You can choose your cottage holiday in bustling destinations such as Inverness, beautiful Oban or a private spot along the unspoilt beaches along the coast.

The Scottish Highlands are perfect for any kind of holiday including adventure, romantic, family and even group holidays. There is a lot to do in the Scottish Highlands for everyone such as fishing, hiking, walking, mountaineering, climbing, cycling, island hopping, ancient castles and exploring sleepy villages. A cottage in the Scottish Highlands serves as a comfortable base to pursue all the outdoor activities.

VISIT STONE HENGE

The Stonehenge rock arrangement is one of the most iconic ancient attractions in the UK and a source of heated debates among individuals, scientists, archeologists and historians. It is a pre-historic structure in Wiltshire, whose origins continue to baffle many. It is more than just a monument and serves as a reminder of the past and history of the area and a tribute to the artisans who built it centuries ago. Stonehenge has survived the test of time, harsh elements of weather and human activities, take time to marvel at this amazing structure during your UK break.

A GALVANISING GOLF BREAK

Golfing breaks in the UK are popular amongst many travelers and locals alike due to the immense variety of fabulous courses all across the country for every level of golfer. There is an admirable variety of courses ranging from the classics such as St Andrews and East Lothian to enviable Ryder Cup Venues such as Belfry and Celtic Manor.

Whatever your handicap, budget or taste, taking a golf break in the UK is always rewarding and relaxing for families, couples and even groups. You can find different kinds of accommodation near the course of choice and even if you choose to travel to different courses during your break, getting around in UK is easy. Some of the best destinations for golf breaks in UK include Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

EXLORE THE HAUNTED CITY OF YORK

The human mind is always trying to discover everything that seems out of the ordinary. York is a spectacular destination with incredible Tudor Style buildings, shops, boutiques and the famous Minster. People say it is the most haunted place in the whole of the UK due to its ancient architecture.

The Minster is a massive Gothic cathedral and the largest of its kind in the whole of northern Europe. Its soaring towers on either side give the cathedral an almost castle-like appearance and its magnificent image is visible across the whole city of York. Inside the Abbey, you will witness amazing architectural work that may have taken artisans years upon years of hard work.