Things To Do
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Explore our venue! Located in the world famous Home of Golf, St Andrews, enjoy a magnificent setting overlooking the famous 17th hole of the Old Course and West Sand Beach. Make sure to also check out the world famous Swilcan Bridge (just make sure to look for stray golf balls flying through the air)!
St Andrews
Explore the many shops, eateries, cafes, and historical sites of our favorite place in all of Scotland. St Andrews has lots of shops with local Scottish designers and artwork - including our favorite store, the Artery. Taking a walk along the cobblestone streets of St Andrews is one of Chris and Megan's favorite memories of their recent trip to Scotland. St Andrews is also home to the St Andrews Cathedral, the West Sands Beach, the Old Course Hotel (our venue!), and St Andrews University - where HRH Prince William met Princess Kate! For our golfers, if you would like to rent clubs to play on one of St Andrews's many golf courses, check out a store in town called Auchterlonies!
West Sands Beach
Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire, the West Sands beach extends for almost 2 miles along the North Sea coast and backs up to the world-renowned Old Course golf course. The West Sands beach has long been Megan's favorite place in all of Scotland. She loves to see the sky reflect on the sand when the tide is out.
St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews Cathedral is within walking distance of the venue and used to be the headquarters of the medieval Scottish Church - hosting Scotland’s leading bishops. The ruins are beautiful and provide an in-depth history of the cathedral, along with stunning views of the North Sea.
Broughty Ferry
Broughty Ferry is a neighborhood along the River Tay, and is known for 15th-century Broughty Castle, waterfront views, and local history exhibits in its on-site museum. Global and Scottish eateries, cosy cafes, and fish ’n’ chip takeaways cluster nearby, while indie shops sell clothing and gifts.
Broughty Ferry Castle
Steps from the town center, Broughty Ferry Castle was built to help defend the nation against a gathering English navy. The castle now houses a museum containing displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the local environment and the wildlife.
V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee is a design museum in Dundee, and is the first design museum in Scotland along with being the first Victoria and Albert museum outside London. The museum's beautiful architecture extends out over the River Tay and hosts many galleries for guests to enjoy.
Discovery Point and RRS Discovery
Located steps from the V&A Dundee, Discovery Point is home to the RRS Discovery. See galleries and artifacts from the iconic ship who had its beginnings in Dundee, an amazing Antarctic expedition with Captain Scott, and several voyages and uses thereafter. (The Discovery also has a sister museum, Verdant Works, which displays the history of Dundee's textile industry!)
Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort
In the heart of the countryside, Forbes of Kingennie is home to one of Scotland's most beautiful golf courses and a fantastic restaurant on property with delicious Scottish food and amazing views.
Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa
Carnoustie Golf Hotel is another one of Scotland's beautiful golf courses with a fantastic restaurant on property with delicious Scottish food. Carnoustie also hosts a hall dedicated to the history of golf along with famous golf trophies. (For our golfers, golf clubs are available to rent at the sport shop!)
Glamis Castle
Found in the very heart of Angus in Scotland, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. Once the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary, Queen of Scots to James V. Glamis Castle was also the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here and was also frequent visitor during her childhood, alongside her elder sister HRH Princess Elizabeth.
Scone Palace
Scone Palace offers a unique first-hand experience of Scotland's heritage to thousands of visitors each year. Scone Palace was once the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings and is also the original home of the Stone of Scone.
Arbroath Harbour
Visitors at Arbroath Harbour can sit back and relax whilst watching the boats arrive and depart. There are a number of shops, cafes and restaurants around the harbour area where you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. Arbroath Harbour also has some amazing "chippers" (a chipper is an authentic fish and chip shop, but they also have a wide variety of other battered and fried goodies)!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and has had associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill and the National Monument have some of the best views of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. Calton Hill is also resident to some iconic Scottish monuments and buildings such as the National Monument, the Burns Monument, and the City Observatory.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. It runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and is home to many quaint shops and eateries to enjoy.
Loch Ness
Walk through 500 million years of history at The Loch Ness Centre & uncover the mysteries of the loch. If you're lucky you may even see Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster!
Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland all over the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, the fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the castle to its former glory.
Blackness Castle
This 15th-century castle looks like a ‘ship that never sailed’. Blackness had many roles throughout Scottish history, such as a garrison fortress and state prison. It is also one of the filming sites of the television show, Outlander.
Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin is a woollen mill in Elgin, Scotland. Alexander Johnston established his business in 1797 on the banks of the River Lossie. The Mill at Elgin continues to produce the finest woollen garments and cashmere in all of Scotland and is also a wonderful place to have a "high tea."
Brodie Countryfare
Brodie Countryfare is home to several different shopping departments full of Scottish designers and Scottish goodies along with a delicious restaurant. Brodie's restaurant is home to one of the best full Scottish breakfasts you can get and many other Scottish delicacies.
Culloden Battlefield
Visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil. Explore the interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artifacts from both sides of the confrontation, and experience the battle in the immersive surround cinema. Throughout the battlefield there are also family stones with the names of Scottish clans that fought at the historic battle.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
For our Harry Potter lovers, visit the iconic Hogwarts Railway and bridge seen in the movies at the Glenfinnan Viaduct! The famous Jacobite steam train takes visitors from Fort Williams to Glenfinnan to Mallaig!
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland, dominating a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold. Many battles took place here, but in times of peace Scottish royalty came to Stirling to enjoy its comforts, the superb hunting and to hold court – the castle was often the centre of government.
The National Wallace Monument
Stirling’s famous landmark stands above the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge and tells the story of the patriot and martyr who became Scotland’s National Hero. Conquer the 246-step spiral staircase and explore The Hall of Arms, The Hall of Heroes and The Royal Chamber to discover the remarkable story of Sir William Wallace. Once you reach the top of the 220ft tower, experience breathtaking views in all directions from The Crown.