Entertainment in St Andrews

Originally a disused cowshed, the Byre Theatre is now a 220-capacity theatre on Abbey Street near to St Andrews Cathedral and just a short distance from our St Andrews hotel. The theatre has been through several developments during its history, with Sean Connery on hand to re-open the theatre space in 2001. With a wide range of events spanning musicals, stand-up comedy, workshops, live music, opera, panto, poetry and film screenings, it’s at the heart of much of St Andrews cultural and entertainment output.

Scotland’s only music and vocal festival, the three-day St Andrews Voices celebrates everything from opera and classical music to jazz and folk. Held at the end of October, the festival launched in 2012 and has become a mainstay in the town’s cultural calendar. Events are held across St Andrews, with the Byre Theatre the main hosting site.

Known colloquially as the ‘home of golf’, St Andrews boasts seven courses, including one of the world’s oldest golf courses founded in 1841.

St Andrews has a golfing heritage stretching as far back as the 15th century, with the Old Course said to be the ‘oldest and most iconic golf course in the world.’ Impressively, given its heritage, the course is open to the public as long as you have a handicap under 24 for men and 36 for women. You’ll need to complete an online application form for the year ahead to book your slot, while there’s also a ballot system for those who don’t get their preferred tee-times. The course has also hosted The Open a record-breaking 29 times, with players like Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo all battling the famous links course over recent decades.

To non-golfers, the Swilcan Bridge might just be a small stone bridge that spans the Swilcan Burn, but to golf aficionados, the bridge is almost a symbol of the great game itself. Originally built over 700 years ago to help move the sheep across the small river, the bridge is now a landmark on the 18th hole and a truly iconic golf setting. Either get a snap of it on your way around or – better still, and a lot cheaper – head down to the course on Sundays when it’s closed and get your selfie then.

If you’ve not yet reached peak golf, a trip to the British Golf Museum should satiate you. Opened in 1990 and overlooking the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, the museum is home to a wide range of exhibits. These include historical equipment, the growth and history of the game and a full rundown of the rules and terminology used in golf, so you’ll be able to tell the difference between a birdie, an eagle and an albatross.