It's not unusual to spot a celeb in St Andrews such is the draw to this world famous seaside town in the North East of Scotland. People visit for the globally renowned golf courses and university and when you venture outside the town, there's a great selection of agritourism businesses offering their own world class experiences from high quality food and drink, to ground breaking accessible accommodation, private hilltop BBQ huts and farms where all the family can relax and enjoy the open spaces. Here are some of our favourites for Go Rural from St Andrews.
3 Miles - St Andrews Coach Houses, St Andrews
The owners took inspiration for the contemporary style and finish of their Coach Houses from the Boutique style of hotel that they like to stay in and added lots of little extra touches to make their guests feel special.
There are three luxury self catering holiday lodges situated in a stunning countryside location but after only a five minute drive, you can be in St. Andrews with a wealth of things to see and do.
6 Miles - Bonerbo Farm Coastal Retreats, Anstruther
Bonerbo Farm is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the East Neuk of Fife and is close to St Andrews with its medieval streets and gorgeous traditional buildings with lots of exciting things to see and do.
The luxury lodges are designed around the panoramic scenes of the Firth of Forth with large glass windows that take in the extensive views of the May Isle, Bass Rock and North Berwick Law.
These dog-friendly coastal retreats with fantastic sea views offer a perfect romantic hideaway for mini-moons and honeymoons. Being child friendly too, they also offer the opportunity to get away from it all for a peaceful family break.
6 Miles - Morton of Pitmilly, St Andrews
Morton of Pitmilly countryside resort is set in a stunning location just outside St. Andrews and offers a unique award-winning holiday experience.
The luxury holiday accommodation, with extensive leisure facilities (including tennis courts and swimming pool) and activities are the perfect choice for a couple, family or group holiday in Fife. The original idea was based on a wish list of the essentials the owners look for when they go on holiday. Whatever the season, whatever the length of your stay, whether you come with family or friends, you will find there is something for everyone at Morton of Pitmilly.
You can stay in either The Courtyard which features ten beautifully appointed four-star cottages or The Steading, comprising six five-star boutique properties with sea views.
Visit Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort
7 Miles - St Andrews Country Lodges, St Andrews
The St Andrews Country Lodges are only a short distance from St Andrews and they are an ideal base for exploring the picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife with golf courses galore on the doorstep.
Cuplahills is a warm and welcoming farm with great attention paid to ensure that the countryside, wildlife, flora and fauna are enhanced at every opportunity: with amazing views and many wonderful walks through woodland and on farm tracks. Guests have every opportunity to embrace the countryside and feel welcome.
There are four lodges, each of them pet friendly and sleeping up to six people in comfort. There is also the farmhouse which offers B&B if you enjoy getting your breakfast made for you!
Visit St Andrews Country Lodges
9 Miles - The Rings, Cupar
The Rings, not far from St Andrews, is a real find and their mission is to provide accessible holiday accommodation to allow people to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Accommodation at the Rings includes a fully accessible, 4 star rated holiday cottage that can sleep up to 16 people but can also be divided into self contained apartments for smaller groups. There are ceiling track hoists in three of the ensuite bedrooms leading to wet rooms with baths. The decor takes account of those with sensory impairments and the sound proofed walls ensure a peaceful stay.
There are also six cabins, with stunning views, all built for extra security and safety and all sleeping up to 5 people with wet room and kitchen. Both the cabins and the cottage are fully wheelchair accessible.
10 Miles - Cornbunting House, Anstruther
Did you know, the corn bunting is one of the rarest birds in Scotland and one of its last strongholds is the East Neuk of Fife, where there is a remnant population of about 200.
Corn Bunting House is nestled in an idyllic position on a 400-acre working arable farm and close to the historic picturesque fishing village of Pittenweem and the coastal town of Anstruther. The house sleeps 10 with lovely country views. There's a games room with table tennis and a pool table too.
The mature garden includes a cobbled stone patio with the private hot tub and seating area for alfresco dining or lazy evening star gazing, perhaps with good local ale, a nice glass of wine or a wee dram.
Explore the Fife Coastal Path, enjoy Ellie water sports or catch a sea lifeboat trip to the stunning Isle of May Nature reserve.
10 Miles - Cairnie Fruit Farm, Cupar
Cairnie has long been a destination for families who come to let off steam in the outdoor Funyard or find their way around the seasonal maze. Highlights of the Funyard include the go-cart track and the giant straw bale climbing fortress. There are also sunken trampolines, a massive sand box and a 30m flying fox. During the summer, you can pick your own currants, berries and cherries.
Their large indoor/outdoor Country Café is renowned for it’s delicious made-on-the-premises home baking as well as delicious hot & cold food served all day. The farm shop sells gifts and local food to keep the energy levels up. Indoor and outdoor seating and tepees ensure this is a day out for all weathers.
From mid July through to October you can also enjoy 6 acres of Maize maze.
10 Miles - Wigwam Holidays, Lower Largo
The East Neuk of Fife is a real gem of an area for wonderful holidays glamping in Fife. If your idea of a brilliant holiday includes sandy beaches, delicious seafood, vivid history, live music and fine ales, then this is maybe the place for you.
The luxury en-suite Wigwam cabins are set in a beautiful location on a lovely working farm close to St Andrews and the fishing villages of the East Neuk. The cabins have lovely views over the Firth of Forth and rolling green hills.
When the weather isn't quite as good as hoped, you have the option of cooking outside in the comfort of the BBQ hut.
This is an ideal base for exploring Fife and Lothian attractions, such as the Isle of May nature reserve, the V&A museum in Dundee, Elie Watersports & Crail car racing.
11 Miles - Wigwam Holidays Montrave Estate
Wigwam Holidays Montrave Estate sits on the edge of the East Neuk of Fife - an area well known for its picturesque coastal villages and fishing towns.
Each of the Wigwam cabins enjoys beautiful views across the estate and countryside. Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature from your own outdoor dining area, campfire and BBQ.
For added luxury you can book a glamping pod with a wood-fired hot tub, perfect for relaxing in after a busy week.
There are swings, a football field and a communal dutch barn with a huge BBQ fire and ping pong table - you have everything you need to stay put, relax and feel right at home in this lovely setting. During Summer you can order your very own Wood Fired Pizza made on site in the brick oven (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
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Visit Wigwam Holidays Montrave Estate
13 Miles - Ardross Farm Shop, Elie
This award winning farm shop is based on the coast of the East Neuk of Fife overlooking the Firth of Forth, on the east coast of Scotland and is well worth a visit if you are staying in the area or just travelling through.
The family-run farm grow and sell fresh beef, lamb, mutton and vegetables daily from their farm shop just outside Elie, along with an abundance of other local produce. They are passionate about grass-fed meat, looking after the environment and regenerative agriculture.
They want to promote British agriculture and 90% of the produce in the shop is produced by farming families diversifying with other products produced by small artisan companies.
17 Miles - Lindores, Newburgh
Lindores is a family farm with five-star luxury holiday accommodation and rural retreats for families, friends, horse riders, bikers, dog owners and couples looking for romantic breaks.
New from Lindores is, 'The Hide', an exclusive private hire BBQ experience. If you are on the lookout for the perfect venue for an intimate special occasion, the Hide is a treat for all the senses. Arrive with family, friends or colleagues and be chauffeured up Lindores Hill by 4x4 to watch the sunset and indulge in panoramic views over the River Tay, Perthshire, Angus, and Fife. Local, seasonal food will be expertly prepared for you by a professional chef.
Lindores has extensive equestrian facilities, and horse owners can enjoy a day visit for cross country, show jumping or farmland hacking.
The luxury lodges have hot tubs and if you have your own horse, then you have the option of bringing it along.
Visit Lindores - Stay Ride Relax
17 Miles - The Snug at Logie Farm, Newburgh
Logie Farm is home to two luxury, award-winning Snugs. The site is both enchanting and breath taking with the snugs nestled privately on the meadow grass hillside with views across the River Tay by day and Dundee city lights by night.
They sleep two people in a super King size bed and are decorated to the standard of a five star hotel and visitors will enjoy the luxurious finishing touches which include smart TV with Netflix, blue tooth sound system, mood lighting, wireless phone chargers, WiFi and blackout blinds!
The Snugs are perfect for a get away from it all couples or besties break. Extras can be ordered to your snug including a "Made in Fife” Super Snack Hamper, Fire Pit Kit and BBQ Charcoal.
If guests can be tempted to leave the comfort of their snug, nearby Newburgh has a number of local points of interest and eateries and Lindores equestrian is nearby.
26 Miles - Loch Leven's Larder, Perth
This well-stocked and award-winning farm shop overlooks Loch Leven, with its popular walks and cycle routes and is an unexpected shopper’s haven in a scenic rural setting with a food hall, deli and gift shop.
Situated at the heart of their family run vegetable farm, they are passionate about traceability, provenance and seasonality. They use as much local produce as possible, starting with vegetables grown in their own fields and including produce from the many artisan makers in the local area and the rest of Scotland.
The Larder Café and Greenhouse Café offer a great range of dishes and there is a spacious indoor area, outdoor seating and even a small adventure playground. Further round Loch Leven, you'll find “The Pier”, another Loch Leven’s Larder outlet for delicious takeaway food.
26 Miles - Springfield Farm Bothies, Kinross
Owned by the Sloan family, the Farm Bothies are found on Springfield Farm, a Scotch Assured beef & lamb enterprise that is home to breeds such as Highland cattle and the 'Instagrammable' Swiz Valais Blacknose.
Each bothy is equipped with an Egyptian cotton covered double bed, en-suite bathroom, Kitchen & open plan living area. With fully glazed front windows to enjoy the views over open countryside & the sunrise.
Located at the foot of the Lomond Hills regional park and a short walk to the edge of Loch Leven nature reserve, the Bothies are perfectly equipped for a relaxing farm stay so you can unwind in the countryside - pretty easy to unwind from your own private hot tub!