With a rich history dating back to the 8th century, St Andrews in Fife is an ideal location for brides or grooms looking to enjoy a weekend of fun and relaxation on their hen or stag dos
This post was written in partnership with The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
This cute coastal town in Fife has it all: amazing hotels, relaxing spas, golf, restaurants, pubs, beaches and more.
YOUR STAG DO IN ST ANDREWS
Known as the ‘Home of Golf’ (golf is thought to have originated in St Andrews in the 15th century), the town is home to two of the world’s most famous golf courses, the Old Course and the New Course.
The Old Course Hotel, located at the world famous golf course, has its own championship course, The Duke’s, with a driving range for practising and tuition available. Start your day off with a hearty Scottish breakfast at The Duke’s Clubhouse before taking in this amazing course.
You’ll be ready for a drink or two after a day of golfing, and The Jigger Inn is perfectly placed for post-golf celebrations. The historic building, a former stationmaster’s lodge, dates back to the 1850s.
Home-cooked food, open-hearth fires and a great selection of Scottish beer awaits. The ideal spot for a debrief of your game!
Have you heard of Hams Hame? This pub is ideal for sports and local beers
Groups can take to the Swilcan Loft to start their evening off, with a delicious menu including Perthshire beef fillet and a classic Knickerbocker Glory with all the trimmings!
The views from the restaurant are some of the best in St Andrews, with floor-to-ceiling windows giving an uninterrupted vista of West Sands Beach and the iconic Hamilton Grand Building.
End the evening with whisky tasting at The Old Course’s whisky tasting room. With over 300 whiskies from around the world, you’re sure to find one (or two) that warm your belly!
The tastings can be tailored to specific regions or tastes depending on what the stag wants, too.
YOUR HEN DO IN ST ANDREWS
Hen parties should make booking the Kohler Waters Spa their first priority. The treatments and experiences are inspired by the natural restorative properties of earth’s mineral rich waters, and include a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, cold plunge and sauna.
Try the popular HydraFacial treatment; designed to cleanse, tone and nourish your skin, this is a great option for a bride-to-be or bridesmaid.
Book the HydraFacial package and get the 50-minute treatment alongside a light lunch in the spa cafe, plus a glass of bubbly. If health and wellness is your vibe, then keep an eye on the Kohler Waters Spa website for regular pilates and yoga workshops, as well as more specialised wellness retreats.
Find out more about hosting your wedding at The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
The options for hen activities in St Andrews are endless. You could enjoy a luxe afternoon tea hosted in the conservatory at The Old Course Hotel; sandwiches, pastries and scones paired with a glass or two of champagne is such a special way to spend your afternoon and the ideal activity if you have a mix of ages on your hen weekend.
The rooms at The Old Course Hotel are all beautifully appointed. The Penthouse Suite is the ultimate in luxury, with its own private lift access, balcony with unrivalled views and a freestanding bath in the bedroom.
There’s plenty of room to get dressed up for an evening in the Road Hole Restaurant, a fine dining establishment that promises the best of Scottish food and drink.
Think loin of Scotch lamb, Perthshire cote de boeuf, passion fruit souffle and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
You won’t want to leave – unless, of course, you book a cocktail making masterclass with one of The Old Course Hotel’s best mixologists.
Learn how to make your favourite tipples and enjoy sampling your handiwork!
Here’s some more St Andrews activities to add to your itinerary:
- A tour of one of the nearby distilleries. Kingsbarns Distillery is one for whisky lovers, while Darnley’s Distillery specialises in gin
- West Sands Beach is a great spot for water sports like surfing, SUP and land yachting
- Go sightseeing around the town. St Andrews Castle and cathedral ruins should be on your must-see list
- There are plenty of lovely bars and restaurants in the town too (St Andrews Uni alum and our future King Prince William
- A visit to the world famous Janetta’s Gelateria has to be done – the family have been making amazing gelato here for 115 years. Flavours include roasted pear and ginger and mascarpone – yum!
VISIT ST ANDREWS, FIFE
St Andrews really is a great option for your Scottish hen or stag weekend. With plenty to do, you’ll wish you had more time.