Local Area Information

Balfour House is within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and historic sites of St Andrews and its beaches.

St Andrews Cathedral, St Rule's Tower and graveyard - Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church, the cathedral (begun in 1160) was the seat of Scotland’s leading bishops. It occupies a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought to it. The cathedral buildings are surrounded by a graveyard, the burial placed of Old Tom Morris, a pioneer of professional golf, and encircled by the most complete and imposing monastic enclosure walls in Scotland. Even in its ruinous state the cathedral remains a prominent landmark, the focus of the three medieval streets of St Andrews, and highly visible from the sea. St Rule’s Tower, which is all that remains of St Rule’s church, is within the cathedral grounds. It is a 33m tower, probably built around 1130 as the first place of worship for the newly-arrived Augustinian canons.

Beaches – the East Sands is a short 2 minute walk from the apartment. It is a very popular beach for a wide variety of water sports including swimming, surfing, kayaking and windsurfing and, during peak season, has on duty lifeguards.  It also has a children’s play area and cafe and is situated on the Fife Coastal Path so is perfect for walkers.  The West Sands, where the classic ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, is only a 10 minute walk from Balfour House. It is a lovely two mile sandy beach.

Kingsbarns beach is an 8 mile drive to the east of St Andrews.  It is a beautiful two mile sandy beach backed by sand dunes and the Kingsbarns Golf Course. The Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, forest and beach is also not far but on the other side of St Andrews, close to Leuchars.  It has paths suitable for walkers and cyclists, a play area and picnic site with access to the beach through the sand dunes. 

Supermarkets - a large Morrisons supermarket with petrol station, a M&S Foodstore and an Aldi are all a short drive from Balfour House.  There are also a number of smaller food shops within easy walking distance, a Sainsbury’s Local and a Tesco Express, both open till late, as well as a newspaper shop, which sells essentials.

Other attractions:

British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment, St Andrews – a fascinating exhibition on the history of golf.

Himalayas Putting Course – this runs alongside the first hole of the Old Course. It is a fantastic putting course with mountainous contours. Tremendous fun. Highly recommended.

Cinema - the New Picture House on North Street. 

Cambo House and Gardens (8 mile drive, just beyond Kingsbarns) – house and gardens with lovely walks, café and seasonal activities. 

Fishing villages of the East Neuk – Crail, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Elie – lovely traditional fishing villages with great charm and character.