Settle into a self catering holiday cottage in St Andrews and make the most of golf days, coastal walks, family time and slower mornings. Book direct for the best rates and get support from a local team who know the area.
Browse holiday cottages in St Andrews for coastal breaks, golf trips, family stays and longer visits. Our cottages range from quaint terraced houses in the heart of town to larger properties on the edge of the countryside. Each offers self‑contained living with kitchens, lounges, dining rooms and outdoor space. Compare location, layout, guest numbers, outdoor space, parking and dog suitability before booking direct with the Short Stay St Andrews team.
Our St Andrews holiday cottages give you a more personal St Andrews stay, whether you want to be close to the Old Course, tucked into the countryside or settled somewhere with garden space and room to slow down. You can choose cottages with bright open-plan living, traditional stone walls, wood-burning stoves, private patios, gardens, golf views, coastal views and quieter surroundings.
A cottage stay comes into its own when you have space outside. Across our cottages, you will find secluded walled gardens, furnished terraces, paddock views and outdoor seating looking towards the coast or golf courses. Some gardens are enclosed for dogs. Others open directly from the living space, so the doors can stay wide on warm days. Easter Kincaple Garden Cottage has a private patio overlooking a paddock, outdoor seating, and a gas BBQ. The Whins Cottage has a private deck and outdoor seating inside a secluded walled garden. Bell Rock Cottage has a garden area with views of the golf course and the North Sea. There are plenty of options for al fresco breakfasts, summer dinners, children playing outside, dogs stretching their legs, or a quiet drink after a day on the beach, around town or on the course.
No two cottages do things in quite the same way. One might have old stone walls and exposed beams. Another brings in the light through high ceilings, wide windows and doors opening onto the garden. You will also find wood burners, deep sofas you can sink into, bay windows you could sit at all day, country kitchens and rooms arranged around views rather than stuffy hotel corridors. These details give you moments you’ll always remember. A chair you’ll claim as your own, for reading before anyone else wakes up. A dining table that keeps everyone talking long after the plates are cleared. A fire to come back to after the coast, the course or a bracing walk around St Andrews.
A cottage gives you permission to leave part of the day unplanned. Let a rainy afternoon become books, films and another log on the fire rather than something to work around. Our cottages are particularly inviting in autumn and winter, when St Andrews is quieter and the coast has a wilder side. Wood burners, warm sitting rooms and comfortable corners give you somewhere worth returning to once the boots are off and the day outside is done.
Our cottage stays range from peaceful one-bedroom retreats to four-bedroom properties with space for extended families, golf groups and weekends with friends. Flexible beds can give couples their own rooms or provide separate singles for a golf party. Multiple bathrooms keep busy mornings moving. Large dining areas bring everyone back together later. Selected cottages also include enclosed gardens, pet-friendly stays, private parking and accessible layouts. Some neighbouring properties can be booked together, giving a larger group room to gather without placing every guest under the same roof.
We have a wide selection of cottages in different areas near St Andrews centre. A cottage in central St Andrews puts restaurants, shops, the university, the historic centre and many of the town’s golf courses within walking distance. West Sands and East Sands are also close enough to build beach walks into the day without turning them into an excursion. Cottages outside the centre offer a different kind of stay. You may gain a larger garden, quieter surroundings, countryside views and simpler parking, while remaining within a short drive of St Andrews. These properties often suit families, dog owners and groups bringing golf equipment. We’ve highlighted everything you need to know in each listing to help you judge more than distance. Consider whether you want to walk into town, return somewhere quieter each evening, reach a particular golf course easily or spend more time exploring the East Neuk and wider Fife coast. Our team are always happy to help you find the best location for your stay too.
Each cottage listing includes its own arrival and parking information. Some central properties have allocated spaces, while others use nearby street or public parking. Cottages outside the town often come with private parking directly beside the property. You will also find practical details covering check-in, access and nearby amenities. Our local team can help with anything you would like to confirm before booking, from parking arrangements to the nearest shops, restaurants and walking routes.
St Andrews is compact enough to explore on foot from many central cottages. The Old Course, West Sands, East Sands, the cathedral, castle and town centre can all become part of the same day without much planning.
A cottage outside the centre gives you a convenient base for exploring further. The fishing villages of the East Neuk, coastal paths, countryside attractions and golf courses across Fife are all within reach, while St Andrews remains close enough for dinner, shopping or a day in town.
Cottages are most in demand during summer, school holidays, university events, major golf dates and Christmas and New Year. Booking two to three months ahead usually gives you a stronger choice, especially for larger cottages, dog-friendly properties, central locations and homes with gardens. Spring and autumn bring a quieter side to St Andrews, with more space on the beaches, calmer streets and cottages made for slower evenings indoors. Midweek stays can also open up more availability, particularly outside peak dates.
Pack for changeable coastal weather. Layers, waterproofs and comfortable shoes are useful throughout the year. In summer, bring beach towels if you plan to use West Sands or East Sands. Golfers should pack a waterproof layer, spare glove and anything needed for early starts.
Most homes include linen, towels and basic household supplies. If you have strong preferences, bring your favourite coffee, tea, spices or child-specific items. US and international guests should bring UK plug adaptors. If you are driving an electric vehicle, check charging options before travel and bring the right cable for public chargers.
It comes down to location, privacy, layout, and finish. Our luxury cottages offer more than basic self catering. Better interiors. More usable space. Strong outdoor areas or views. And a setting that adds something to your stay.
For many stays, yes. They give you more space, more privacy, and more control over how the trip works. Hotels still suit short or service-led stays, but cottages are often the better option for couples, families, golf trips, and longer weekends.
Yes. Coastal cottages and sea view stays are one of the strongest parts of this market around St Andrews and the East Neuk. These properties tend to be in high demand, especially for peak dates.
Yes. Many luxury cottages work well for families, and larger properties are available for group stays. The main thing is choosing a layout that suits the group, not just the number of guests. Find properties for large groups here.
Yes, a number of properties welcome dogs. Find our dog friendly accommodation here.
When you book direct with Short Stay St Andrews, you get the best available rates with no extra fees, plus the support of our local team who know every property personally.
Help Before And During Your Stay
Best rate guaranteed
Local support From our team
Holiday Extras
Add extras to your booking and make your holiday feel even more personal
Seasonal Offers
Discover our latest seasonal offers and enjoy more from your next stay
Gift Vouchers
Give someone the chance to enjoy a relaxing break, a special celebration or a memorable stay
Sign up for local inspiration, property updates and exclusive offers, and we’ll send you a 5% discount code to use on your next direct booking.
