Self Catering in St Andrews

Self catering accommodation in St Andrews gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether you’re here for golf, a family break, or a quiet coastal escape, our properties give you space, privacy, and home comforts you won’t find in most hotels. If you’re still deciding where to stay, see our full guide to Accommodation in St Andrews.

Explore Our Self Catering Properties

Our portfolio includes a variety of self catering holiday lets to suit different styles, group sizes, and budgets. Each one is selected for quality, comfort, and location.

From stylish one-bedroom flats for a romantic weekend to spacious houses for family gatherings, our collection suits every type of trip. Many of our properties include modern kitchens, private parking, outdoor seating areas, and fast Wi-Fi, ideal whether you’re here for a short break or a longer holiday.

Filter by size or feature to find:

  • cosy one‑bed hideaways for two

  • bright family houses with enclosed gardens

  • modern beach apartments with floor‑to‑ceiling glass

Every listing shows room layouts, amenities, and clear photos. What you book is what you meet when you unlock the door.

More about our featured self catering stays in St Andrews

Easter Kincaple Farmhouse
A grand countryside property just minutes from town, sleeping up to 16 guests. Seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a large garden with space for outdoor games, and an Aga kitchen make it ideal for large family gatherings or golf groups.

Captain’s Lookout
Located in nearby Anstruther, this three-level home has sea views, direct beach access, and room for up to nine guests. Nautical touches, spacious living areas, and a bright coastal kitchen make it perfect for groups wanting a mix of seaside calm and St Andrews access.

Logies Lane Cottage
In the heart of St Andrews, this newly renovated four-bedroom cottage offers modern style with character. Enjoy an open-plan living space, private garden, and easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and the Old Course.

Balone Garden Cottage
A peaceful rural one-bedroom retreat just outside St Andrews, ideal for couples. Features include a wood-burner, private patio, and sweeping countryside views.

Who is Self Catering Right For?

Self catering suits travellers who want space, privacy, and control over their stay. It lets you keep your own rhythm. Eat when you like. Come and go as you please. Settle in and feel at home.

Families and multi-generational groups

Separate bedrooms keep nap times simple. Living rooms give kids space to play. Many homes include washing machines, highchairs, and travel cots on request. Gardens make mornings easier.

Golf parties

Plenty of room for four‑balls and kit. Many homes have storage for clubs, hose points for a quick rinse, and off‑street parking. Cook breakfast before an early tee time, then spread out after your round.

Friends and small groups

Shared kitchens and big tables make catch‑ups easy. Lounges beat hotel rooms for relaxed evenings. Cost per person is often lower than booking multiple rooms.

Couples and longer stays

Quiet, romantic cottages and smart town flats suit weekends and working breaks. Expect fast Wi‑Fi, comfortable seating, and proper kitchens for simple meals in.

International visitors

A home base with more space than most hotels. Stock up at local markets and delis. Live like a local between rounds of golf and coastal walks.

Pet owners

Dog‑friendly options include enclosed gardens and easy access to the Fife Coastal Path. Look for hard‑floor living areas and outdoor taps.

Accessibility and parking

Many properties offer step‑free access, ground‑floor bedrooms, walk‑in showers, and driveway parking. Several central homes provide permits where needed.

Food lovers

Cook with local produce from farm shops and fishmongers. Kitchens come equipped for proper meals, not just snacks.

Events and graduation visits

Ideal for St Andrews University ceremonies, weddings, and reunions. Host family under one roof and walk to town.

If you are still choosing between styles, compare options on our Accommodation in St Andrews page or browse our full self catering collection.

Self Catering vs Hotels & Airbnb

Hotels can be convenient for short stays, but they come with trade-offs, smaller rooms, less privacy, and the cost of eating out for every meal.

Self catering lets you live like a local. You can cook breakfast at your own pace, invite friends over for dinner, and enjoy multiple rooms to relax in. It’s often more cost-effective for families and groups, especially when you factor in savings on dining out.

Compared to Airbnb, booking direct with Short Stay St Andrews means no surprise service fees, no uncertainty over property quality, and the support of a local team if you need help during your stay. Every home is vetted, professionally cleaned, and maintained.

Why self catering works for many trips

Self-catering holiday lets give you more space, privacy, and freedom than a hotel room. You can cook your own meals, enjoy separate living and sleeping areas, and relax without the fixed schedules of hotel dining.

For families, groups, and golfers travelling with equipment, having a full home makes life easier. It’s also often better value when you consider the cost per person.

When a hotel might suit better

Hotels can work well for short stays, solo travellers, or those who want daily cleaning and on-site dining. But in St Andrews, these often come at a higher price and with less space to unwind.

Airbnb vs verified holiday lets

Airbnb offers variety, but standards and service can vary widely. With Short Stay St Andrews, every property is inspected and professionally managed by our local team, with hotel quality linen in every property.

You know exactly what to expect before you arrive, and there’s always someone nearby to help if needed.

Whether you want a quiet coastal cottage, a central apartment, or a large home for a golf trip, our self-catering options offer comfort, convenience, and the reassurance of booking with trusted local hosts.

Help planning your self catering stay in St Andrews

Best time to visit
Spring feels fresh and calm. April and May bring longer days, blossom in the streets, and good golf conditions without peak‑season crowds. Summer is lively. June to August means beach weather, festival energy, and the broadest choice of tours and activities. Autumn is a sweet spot. September and October give warm seas, golden light, and shorter queues. Winter is peaceful. You get quiet courses, crisp coastal walks, and strong value on longer stays. If your dates are fixed around graduation, school holidays, or major golf weeks, book early.

Getting here and getting around
Trains run to Leuchars, then it is a short taxi or bus ride into town. If you plan day trips to the East Neuk or Dundee, a car helps, though many guests walk or cycle inside St Andrews. Parking is controlled in the centre. Several of our homes offer private spaces or permits. Taxis can be limited late at night. Pre‑book for early tee times or evening returns.

Stocking up locally
Do a big shop on arrival and top up in town. You will find large supermarkets on the edge of St Andrews and independent butchers, bakers, and delis in the centre. Farm shops around Fife carry seasonal produce and local meats. Most major supermarkets deliver to our properties. Add your booking name and arrival window to the order notes and choose a slot after check‑in. Bring reusable bags. Scotland charges for single‑use bags.

Golf and key dates
Tee sheets fill fast in peak months. Reserve early if you want specific courses or morning starts. Expect higher demand around university graduation, school holidays, and tournament weeks. The Open returns in 2027. Secure accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend. Many courses ask for proof of playing ability. Check requirements before you travel. Our team can suggest routes that combine Kittocks or Kingsbarns with coastal stops for food and photos.

What to pack for self catering
Weather changes quickly on the coast. Pack layers, a waterproof, and comfortable shoes. Most homes include linen, towels, and basic cleaning items. If you have strong preferences, bring your favourite coffee, tea, and spices. Beach towels are useful in summer. Golfers should add a compact umbrella and spare glove. US guests need UK plug adaptors. EV drivers should bring a Type 2 cable for public chargers.

Arrival and check‑in tips
Share your ETA so we can time heating and key collection. If you plan a food delivery, choose a slot after your access time. Read the digital house guide on arrival. It covers Wi‑Fi, recycling, appliances, and local services. If anything matters to your stay, ask us before you travel. We can advise on stair access, cot and highchair availability, pet rules, and parking restrictions on your street.

Eat in or dine out
Self catering gives you choice. Cook simple dinners with local produce, then treat yourself to a few special meals in town. Book popular restaurants ahead in summer and at weekends. For easy nights, plan one‑pot meals, pre‑marinated meats, or deli platters. Most kitchens include pans, utensils, and basic cookware. If you need anything specific, tell us and we will check.

Small things that make a big difference
Reusable coffee cups. Refillable water bottles. A small tote for shops. Binoculars for seabirds on the coastal path. A phone torch for late walks back from West Sands.

What’s the best area to stay in St Andrews?

For golf, the town centre near the Old Course is unbeatable. For a quieter break, look at properties near West Sands or in surrounding villages like Crail or Elie.

Spring and summer (April to September) bring warmer weather, longer days, and lively events, perfect for sightseeing, golf, and coastal walks.

Autumn offers fewer crowds and stunning scenery, while winter can be peaceful and good value, especially for cosy getaways.

Yes, many of our properties are close to courses and have secure club storage, early check-in options, and space for groups.

 

Properties come fully furnished with hotel quality bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, free Wi-Fi, smart tvs and essentials such as local toiletries.

Some also offer private gardens, parking, or sea views, check individual listings for details.

Extras such as log burners, hot tubs and outdoor showers appear in the property notes.

Find your perfect holiday home here.

Yes, many of our properties are pet friendly, with large gated gardens away and close to local walks. Find our pet friendly accommodation here.

A car helps when you travel with family or golf bags, yet walkers manage well using buses and the coastal path.

FAQs About Staying in St Andrews

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