Introduction
Balmashie premier holiday cottages are located a 10 minutes drive from the centre of St. Andrews, renowned throughout the world as the home of golf but for those of us lucky enough to live here we know that it's also a wonderful destination for families, walkers, cyclists, bird watchers..the list is endless!
History
St. Andrews is Scotland's finest medieval town and is named after the Apostle St. Andrew whose remains, as legend has it, were brought here over 1,000 years ago. From medieval times until the reformation St. Andrews was the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. The picturesque royal burgh has the most inspiring, beautiful, ancient architecture and you will be stunned by the Castle, built in 1200, the Cathedral, founded in 1160 and the 108 feet high St. Rules Tower which you can climb up offering spectacular views across the city. Then there's the beautiful architecture and quadrangles of the oldest university in Scotland from where our heir to the throne recently graduated.
Shopping
The town is very well laid out and you can spend many a happy hour strolling around the picturesque cobbled streets. The main shopping streets are South Street and Market Street which are bisected by Bell Street and Market Street, providing an easy shopping environment. Surprises will await you at every turn.
Outdoor Life
The beaches of St. Andrews and the surrounding areas are some of the best in the UK. Many people enjoy the vast and award-winning West Sands where you can emulate the opening sequence from Chariots of Fire. On the other side of the bay there is the East Sands, a delightful sheltered beach with the harbour and pier dating from 1656 just a stone's throw away. For the more active amongst you we have the superb Fife Coastal Path which stretches from North Queensferry in the south for 150 kms to the Tay Bridge in the north, passing through breathtaking scenery with castles, hidden bays and bountiful flora and fauna on show. Fife has 500km of cycle routes along quiet country lanes, disused railway lines and forest tracks as well as routes in towns. Hire a bike from Spokes in St. Andrews and enjoy hours exploring the stunning local fishing villages, beautiful coastline and rolling countryside.
Golf
With 11 courses in St. Andrews and the surrounding area there's plenty to keep keen golfers busy. Just imagine if you are lucky enough to stand at the Swilken Bridge looking towards the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the 18th flag...it's the stuff of dreams!
Children
We have plenty to amuse children at Balmashie including a play area, chute, swings, sand pit, golf practice nets, football pitch with nets, 9 hole putting green and a games room with a pool table and an air hockey table. All our cottages have DVD players so even on the odd rainy day everyone should remain happy. If that's still not enough there is the nearby East Sands Leisure Centre, The East Neuk Outdoors Centre and miles of cycle paths to tire out the most energetic youngsters!
Entertainment
The vibrant city offers a friendly Scottish welcome with a theatre, cinema, numerous restaurants and pubs to provide you with endless entertainment.
Further Afield
Just along the road from Balmashie are the wonderful pan-tiled roofs of the stunning villages of the East Neuk of Fife.
There truly is something for everyone in the surrounding countryside at Balmashie - your home in one at St. Andrews. Feel free to explore more of our local delights on offer in our Destination Guide and What's On Section. See also a local publication we all love reading - St Andrews in Focus.