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Land Yachting on the Beach at St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

On your marks… Get set and sail! Head to St. Andrews for a two-hour land yachting session. If you’ve never experienced sailing on wheels, then get ready for tons of fun as you whiz up and down the beach only a few inches from the ground. This exhilarating experience is undoubtedly something you don’t want to miss out on while you’re in St. Andrews. The key thing to master is how to stop as there are no brakes. Slow down by turning into the wind or easing the sail.

Where can I go land yachting in Scotland?

‘Blown Away’ offers a range of activities, including land yachting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing. They also cater to larger hen, stag, or corporate parties who are looking for something different to add to their bucket list. The two-hour session costs £55 per person or £45 for those under 16.

Land Yachting Guide

  • Sailing a land yacht is easier than sailing a boat. There are no waves or risk of capsizing or falling overboard.
  • Remember the sail is your accelerator. If your need to stop or gain control let go of your mainsail.
  • Land yachting is considered a safe sport in comparison to other action sports. Always wear a helmet.

St. Andrews, home to Scotland’s first university founded in 1413, is a great place for a day out and exploring. St. Andrews is most famously known as the “Home of Golf” and even if you don’t play you can watch golfers tee off on the Old Course. With lots of cafes and pubs to meet up in after a fun day at the beach, this is a great place to try this thrilling sport! West Sands Beach was the film location for the opening scene of Hugh Hudson’s, Academy Award-winning film, ‘Chariots of Fire’.

  • Master the basic skills in as little as 15-20 minutes
  • Receive a full demonstration of how to sail and then get out there to practice
  • Pre-booking is required and bookings are subject to change depending on the weather
  • Helmets are provided but please bring gloves and protective goggles
  • Please contact ‘Blown Away’ for special group rates and availability

Check out things to do nearby...

sand yachting st andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

Visit the World Golf Museum in St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

British Golf Museum in St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

Explore the Aquarium in St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

Enjoy a Bowie themed dining experience at Ziggy’s

sand yachting st andrews

Visit St Andrews Museum

sand yachting st andrews

Visit St Andrews Castle

sand yachting st andrews

Take a Food & Drink Tour of St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

Get spooked on a real Ghost Tour of St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

The Sproson Art Gallery in St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

The Fraser Art Gallery in St Andrews

sand yachting st andrews

Visit Jannetta’s Gelateria in St. Andrews

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Blown Away Experiences

This mobile outdoor experience company operates all over Scotland, and is regularly based in St Andrews’ West Sands.

Blown Away Experiences offer a variety of exhilarating beach based activities including beach kayaking and stand up paddling, one of the fastest growing watersports in the world and a favourite of celebrities including Jennifer Aniston and Pierce Brosnan.

Why not try your hand at land yachting? This thrilling activity involves racing your friends across the beach, a fantastic combination of sailing and motor racing.

Other activities include zapcatting, where you will be riding on inflatable catamarans across the water. The whole family will love the beach Olympics, an outdoor playground on the sand.

These activities are perfect for team building days, stag and hen parties, and families.

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sand yachting st andrews

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Fun for the family - sand yachting - Blown Away Experiences

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We weren't hopeful we'd get to go on the Land Yachts as there was no wind with us in Crail, but... read more

sand yachting st andrews

The weather was cold, windy and very wet…… Perfect conditions to get Blown Away. And we did, we... read more

sand yachting st andrews

Fun for the family - sand yachting

First time sand yachting. Went as a family. We were well looked after and had great fun. Was a holiday highlight for us and we’d definitely go again. Thank you

Great fun land yachting with the family. Jamie and Guy are nice guys who add a lot of fun and the kids thought they were very cool (but in need of a haircut 😂). Thanks Blown Away

Land surfing for my business colleagues - it was the perfect activity to end a 2 days work sessions. The staff were so friendly, learned each of the participants name - we were 25. The staff made sure we are safe and were very patient with those of us who needed extra practice.

People often use the word "Awesome" - But this is. As a child a few (?) years ago I would watch sand yachting on the beach and wished that I could have a go. And now I have. It was a fantastic day out, suitable for all ages and felt totally safe under the guidance of the guys from Blown Away who did everything they could to ensure everyone had a great time. Would I do it again? You bet I would.

My son did a Mon-Fri 2 hour school holidays surf school course. We are moving to Australia soon and I wanted him to get more comfortable with open water sports. We go on holiday to St Andrews every year and it was fantastic to find Blown Away when I googled (we also noticed advertising boards at East Sands near where we stay as well). Absolutely loved the online booking option which was added, as I’d had trouble getting through on the phone (having a lot of other admin to juggle at the moment!) - this made it super easy. I wonder in the future if it will be possible to mostly fill in the consent form online too, as that would probably save time on the first day of the course. We got there on Monday a bit stressed due to other issues, but staff were welcoming and calming and parking was a breeze nearby at that time of day, so it was a really great start. All necessary equipment is provided (we had bought some swim shorts to go under the wetsuit easily, as my son normally wears boardies). This was my son’s (aged 11) first experience of wearing a full wetsuit, and staff gave some guidance and help as to how to best put it on and adjust. Doing the course over the week definitely helped him get more comfortable and adept at this and I know this will help in the future in Australia too. The first day they did paddle boarding, which he absolutely loved. Tuesday-Thursday was surfing, which he found harder (as he suffers from mild dyspraxia/coordination issues), but he still enjoyed himself, and said how nice the instructors were. In our experience, if you have a ‘non sporty’ child, it’s crucial that teachers are understanding, encouraging and skilled - whereas a ‘naturally sporty’ child will do well and have a good time even under less good instruction (we’ve seen this in the past with skiing lessons outside of school, both good and bad!). So the fact that my son enjoyed himself and liked the week absolutely shows how good the Blown Away instructors are - my son would simply not have been positive about the experience (which was challenging for him) if this weren’t the case. He showed us some of the techniques that they learnt for standing up on the board, and although he had some bigger falls in the water (of course!), he wasn’t put off long term by that. On Friday they did rockpool adventuring, which he really enjoyed too. The only thing we would have liked would maybe have been doing some kayaking or more paddle boarding to break up to surfing, given he found that tricky and harder work, but understandably the week’s activities are dependent on the water conditions and it is a surf school, so you can’t really complain! 😂 The surf shack is brilliantly located on West Sands - you are near to Dooks for coffee/food, and one day I walked with my niece on the beach and could watch surf school at a distance. Parking is close and easy (except when the weather got really nice, but even then we didn’t have to park too far away). The length of time for the kids’ activities week of 2 hours was perfect too - not too long in the water or too much, but long enough to get a good lesson/session in (and for parents to go and do something else! If you are a golfer you could just pop over to the course without even moving your car). We bought some merchandise (towelling poncho, t shirt and a beanie) which are all nice quality. I’ve been recommending the course to other parents since I got home and my niece is excited to do it in a few years (age minimum is 8 years, which felt right - most children the week we did it seemed to be around my son’s age or a little older). My son wants to get a paddle board in Australia - we will definitely do more paddle boarding lessons there, and I think we will do some surfing lessons there too, which he will be more open to after this experience. It’s given him and us a lot of confidence and I would definitely try some of the adult sessions on paddle boarding and kayaking int he future - hopefully we’ll be back from Australia before too long to do so. Fantastic - thank you for a great week!

sand yachting st andrews

It's been a while since I was last in a kayak. Now in my early 60s was wanting to get back...the team at Blown Away were brilliant, patient and super helpful. Had a brilliant afternoon...buzzin'! Thanks Guy & Ashley.

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Land yachting - St Andrews West Sands Beach

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Land yachting

Great beach for land yachting. About 2miles long with loads of space at low tide to allow dog walkers, yachters swimmers/paddlers etc to all enjoy themselves together without interrupting any one else’s fun. There are toilets at the halfway car park along the beach but the last couple of times I visited they were locked.

Google

St Andrews has the loveliest beach! The sand is lovely and we were there in the lovely weather. A must see.

A lovely beach and soft sands but be careful some of the dunes are unstable. There are signs and barriers to warn you. But a lovely place for a picknic on a nice day

Fabulous walk from the car park near St Andrews golf course. Walk out along West Sands beach and when you get to the Eden estuary turn left and walk around the golf courses, completing a 4 mile circuit back to where you parked.

This is a very large and sandy beach which is well known due to the fact the a scene from Chariots of fire was filmed on it.

A super pristine place for a relaxing time. It's free and ideal for a spot of food in a wicker basket. The beach is great but more for wading only.

Sand yachting

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sand yachting st andrews

St Andrews West Sands

Park your car at the huge car park near the Old Course or walk from the town centre past the Old Course and you’ll find this amazing stretch of beach. Two miles of sandy beach and sand dunes used by locals and visitors regularly for walking, running, playing, sand yachting, kite flying, horse riding, polo, volleyball and swimming. This is the beach used in the famous scene in Chariots of Fire. A great place for a family day out, especially as it’s so close to the town where you can find cafes, shops, restaurants or visit a museum, castle or cathedral.

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Balgove Farm Shop

West sands beach, the r&a world golf museum, st andrews old course, hamish mchamish statue, cromars fish and chips, st andrews cathedral, the pizza box balgove, topping & company booksellers, travellers journeys nearby, the mighty red squirrel, a day trip to fife's east neuk, exploring edinburgh in the haar, a stroll around dean village, welcoming the new year along the rugged cliffs of stonehaven, a discovery in the woods..., local inspiration, from fields to form: an insightful conversation with basketmaker anna liebmann, cultivating scottish willow and crafting timeless baskets, the drystone company: meet the drystone wallers from perthshire who are transforming outdoor spaces with traditional expertise and contemporary design, art and inspiration: unveiling the journey of tatha gallery with owner lindsay bennett, inside albys: edinburgh’s sandwich shop success story, agnes randolph and the siege of dunbar castle, a prince’s murder at falkland palace, meet sara, owner of castaway, things to do in dundee and angus, the battle for arbroath abbey, arbroath abbey and the declaration of arbroath, crawford priory’s ghostly menagerie, the defence of dunbar castle, fifty things to do in perthshire, fife’s hidden gems, lochend park, newhailes house, the jacobite garrison of the bass rock, tantallon castle and the 1st earl of douglas, st monans church, the coastal villages of fife, essential experiences dundee.

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sand yachting st andrews

The Captains Guide

West sands - st andrews.

sand yachting st andrews

St Andrews West Sands is the largest and best-known beach in St Andrew’s – amazingly one of the sunniest and driest places in Britain – located on the eastern coastline of the Kingdom of Fife.

Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire – West Sands extends for almost 2 miles of uninterrupted sand backed with dunes and the world-renowned golf course – the north end is popular with kite surfers and overlooks the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve, home to birds and seals.

West Sands is about a 15 minute walk from St Andrews town centre – there is plenty of car parking available – and zoning of the beach to keep sand yachts and families apart – plus the beach is popular for walking and running on as well as for swimming – shops and restaurants are close by and there are plenty of wet weather alternatives, including the British Golf Museum – if your into that sort of thing –  and the nearby castle and cathedral – lifeguards patrol the beach during the peak season.

sand yachting st andrews

Location/Contact

  • West Sands, St Andrews

Eat & Drink

Beach overview.

Type of beach : Sandy

Lifeguard service : Yes

Dogs friendly beach : No

Water quality ***

Kite Surfing

Sand Yachts

Everything a small university town has to offer

Cafe/restaurant

Sports and activities in St Andrews

Visit the local stables in St Andrews and head out on an afternoon trek across the beach.

Visit the local stables in St Andrews and head out on an afternoon trek across the beach.

Whilst some people visit St Andrews to relax and unwind, others use their holiday as the perfect time to participate in a new sport or activity. If you are interested in trying your hand at a new sport or activity in St Andrews, take a look at our recommendations below. Believe it or not there is far more to do than just play golf! There is a sport and activity to suit everyone, so you will not be disappointed.

Boasting beautiful scenery and a fantastic network of cycling routes, St Andrews is the perfect place to go bike riding. Not bought your bike with you? Don’t worry, you can hire one locally! A great bike rental shop can be found on South Street. There are various different cycling routes for you to take across St Andrews and Fife that have been established as part of the Kingdom of Fife Cycleways network.

Horse riding

Explore the beautiful countryside of St Andrews by going on a horse or pony trek. Whether you are an experienced rider or have never got on a horse before, the team at Barbarafield Riding School caters for all levels of ability.

Land yachting

If you fancy doing something a little different, why not have a go at land yachting on St Andrews’ West Sands beach? Land yachting, also known as sand yachting and land sailing is the act of moving across land in a three wheeled vehicle, powered by wind through the use of a sail. Land yachting and other beach activities usually take place in a designated zone at the northern end of West Sands. Head to one of the local vendors and you will be able to book a land yachting session where you will be taught how to do it and may even get to participate in a friendly race or two!

Other popular beach activities include beach kayaking, zapcatting and traction kiting.

If you fancy catching a few waves whilst you are away in St Andrews, head to East Sands beach. There you will be able to join in with the local surfers. If you have never been surfing before and need teaching the basics, be sure to book a lesson at the local Oceanics Surf School.

West Sands in St Andrews is the perfect place to participate in adrenaline pumping water sports.

West Sands in St Andrews is the perfect place to participate in adrenaline pumping water sports.

Water sports

Water sports enthusiasts will be right at home in St Andrews. There are a number of fantastic water sports companies in the area including Blown Away, located at West Sands and East Neuk Outdoors and Elie Watersports, both of which are located just around the coast. All of these companies offer lessons and group activities in a wide range of water sports including windsurfing, canoeing, pedal boats, water skiing and dingy sailing.

If adventure sports are not for you and you prefer a relaxing walk in the sunshine, you will be pleased to know that there are so many beautiful walks you can go on in St Andrews. One of the most spectacular walks, in terms of scenery, is the Fife Coastal Path. For more recommendations, we suggest heading to the local tourism office or asking some of the locals whilst you are in the area.

With so many fantastic sports and activities on offer, you certainly won’t be short of things to do during your stay in St Andrews. Whether you are the adventurous type and love adrenaline pumping activities or you prefer the quiet life, there are sports and activities for everyone to enjoy in St Andrews. Enjoy the luxurious surroundings at St Andrews Coachhouses where you can decide how much or how little activity you wish to participate in during your holiday.

Whatever you decide to do we’d love you to stay with us at St Andrews Coach Houses .

Image credits: MokshaDolphin & bob the lomond

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St Andrews is a lovely sea-side town in rural Fife, situated on the East coast. This post explores some of the best things to do in St Andrews. Read the guide below before for our top things to do in St Andrews!

With its beautiful buildings and charming cobblestone roads, the town feels like an old soul with a young and vibrant heart.

St Andrews is best known for its utterly stunning coastline, fabulous golf links and excellent university. The town attracts a diverse array of visitors year round.

It may not be the most obvious location to visit – with its out of the way location and quiet seaside manner. But St Andrews has a lot to offer, much more than you may realise.

Still not convinced? Let us show you exactly what you won’t want to miss out on.

See below our wonderful list of the top things to do in St Andrews!

In This Post

Things to do in St Andrews

What do you look for when you want to visit somewhere new? Culture, beauty and fun activities all ages can enjoy?

You will find all this and more in St Andrews. This pretty little town by the sea will really surprise you.

Coming for a short time or a long stretch? Either way, you’ll have no issues filling your days with fun and interesting things.

Especially not if you take a look through our list of great things to do in St Andrews before you go!

St Andrews Cathedral

Exquisite 12th century cathedral ruins.

This crumbling relic was built in 1158 and was once the centre of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland.

The once grand cathedral – Scotland’s largest – fell into disuse following the 16th century outlawing of Catholic mass.

Today it is protected by Historic Environment Scotland.

Visitors will adore the splendid views from the top. It is free to visit, unless you wish to embark on a guided tour, which you can prebook.

It is definitely one of St Andrews must-see historical sites.

St Andrews Link

One of St Andrews’s greatest claims to fame is being ‘ The Home of Golf ’.

It’s no wonder, then, that golfers are spoilt for choice here. With several incredible courses to choose from, old and new alike.

The undisputed gem being, of course, the iconic Old Course.

The Old Course at St Andrews Links is widely considered to be the oldest golf course in the world.

Despite its impressive status, it has remained open to the public. Book ahead to assure yourself a spot to play on this magnificent sprawling green.

Stand on the shoulders of giants as you try your hand at this old and beloved green.

For the golf lovers amongst you, the chance to play here is truly not to be missed.

Swilcan Bridge

This famous stone bridge spans the Swilcan Burn between the first and eighteens fairways on the Old Course.

It is a relatively small bridge at only 30 feet long, eight feet wide and six feet tall. But is nonetheless recognised as an important cultural icon.

There is a long and fascinating history of the Swilcan bridge that you can learn about. If you are less interested in the history, maybe you’ll be more enticed by the imagery.

With its beautiful surroundings, the bridge makes for an excellent picture. Photographers and casual instagrammers alike are guaranteed to get a great shot.

British Golf Museum

As the birthplace of golf, St Andrews is the perfect place for a golf museum.

The museum opened in 1990. Inside they document the history of this glorious game from medieval times to present day.

These include men’s and women’s games, British and international, and both professional and amateur.

The exhibits include memorabilia, historic equipment, art work and much more.

The British Golf Museum is open seven days a week throughout the year and is an excellent day out.

St Andrews Castle

This beautiful ruin sits perched upon a rocky promontory and overlooks a sandy beach and the glistening North Sea.

Parts of this glorious old structure date as far back as the 13th century. Visitors can explore the underground 16th century siege mine and the eerie ‘bottle dungeon’.

The dungeon is among the most infamous castle dungeons in Britain and is said to have once imprisoned John Knox.

You are strongly encouraged, also, to visit the tunnel. Not for the fainthearted or the claustrophobic, this gloomy atmospheric tunnel is a fascinating feature of the castle.

An excellent day out for curious kids, interested adults, and history sleuths alike.

Wardlaw Museum

In association with the University of St Andrews, this fascinating museum tells the story of the university.

You can browse through a wide selections of the university’s historic and artistic collections. These amount to over 112,000 interesting artefacts.

The museum is also home to a ‘Learning Loft’ thats hosts workingshops, and a viewing terrace. From the terrace you can enjoy stunning panoramic over St Andrews Bay.

St Andrews Aquarium

This underwater wonderland is a delight for both kids and kids at heart.

Come and view some of the most beautiful, interesting and even dangerous creatures of the underwater world.

There is so much to see! A vast range of strange creatures from British sharks to lobsters, spiders to lionfish, poison dart frogs to piranhas.

Not to mention the adorable meerkats and the stars of the show – the seals!

Get nice and close to the action with interactive demonstrations. These include seal feeding, penguin feeding, reptile and snake handling sessions and fun informative talks.

Of all the fun things to do in St Andrews with the kids, this excellent aquarium is definitely a top pick.

Check the opening hours before planning your trip.

Craigtoun Country Park

Just a stone’s throw away from lovely St Andrews, this stunning parkland awaits.

The park its open all days and is a brilliant place to spend time together, especially if you’ve brought kids along.

Try out the crazy golf and the little train that takes you for a ride all around the park.

There’s also rowing boats, bouncy castles, and pedal cars available on days with good weather.

There’s even a little cafe with hot and cold food, teas and coffees and – of course – ice cream!

No doubt it’s one of the top things to do in St Andrews for families looking to enjoy the day together.

West Sand Beach

Visible from the Old Course, this stunning sandy beach stretches on for miles.

The beach is beautifully maintained and runs alongside the clear glassy water of the North sea.

Locals and visitors alike are drawn to it year-round with their families, partners and dogs. It’s a brilliant beach for all to enjoy.

Loads of fun activities such as kite flying, sand yachting, polo, and volleyball take place here.

Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the mood for a beach day.

St Andrews Botanic Garden

This gorgeous 18-acre botanical garden is located on the banks of the wooded Kinness Burn.

The living treasure of the garden is home to plant displays which blanket rock and scree hillsides. Also ponds, woodland, and herbaceous borders.

Inside of a huge glasshouse hold alpines, desert plants and tropical exotics bloom.

If you visit between April and September you are invited to enjoy two fully immersive experiences. These are the Tropical Butterfly Experience and the Pollinator Challenge.

Looking for things to do in St Andrews as a couple? You really can’t go wrong with a visit to a botanical garden.

St Andrews Museum

It’s all here at St Andrews museum!

The gorgeous old victorian mansion where the exhibits reside sits nestled into the grounds of Kilnburn Park.

Here you can learn all about the towns fascinating past from the 12th century to current day. See the story unfold through an array of displays, objects and images.

There is also a programme of rotating exhibits, meaning that there is always something new to see.

Admission to the museum is free, which makes this the perfect budget-friendly, fun-filled day out.

Blackfriars, St Andrews

Blackfriars is the modern name given to the Dominican friary of St Mary’s.

These eerie remnants of a medieval monastery have existed in St Andrews since the later Middle Ages.

It is a fascinating historical site that is well worth a visit.

St Andrews Preservation Trust

There are other, perhaps grander museums on this list of things to do in St Andrews. But this charming little museum does its own thing and is a breath of fresh air.

The museum features interesting items such as an old fashioned shop and chemist.

The building itself was once a fishermans cottage, so learning the history of the area here feels very authentic.

Past visitors rave about the lovely little garden, part of which is a sensor garden. It is beautifully maintained, full of gorgeous plants and flowers.

This museum is a true gem and is not to be missed on your visit!

St Andrews Harbour Trust

This is a working harbour, thriving and full of character.

The harbour hosts traditional fishing boats but there are also opportunities for boat tours that you can take.

If that doesn’t entice you, the views might. Past visitors have remarked that the location is photogenic is any weather.

Bell Pettigrew Museum

This museum of zoology stands is packed full of treasures and wonders.

Sir David Attenborough himself has commented on the museums importance. It stands as a reminder of the immense value of the study of the natural sciences.

Come and check out the fantastic exhibits!

Located within the historically beautiful Rusacks Hotel, Blendworks will walk you through the gin making process.

They’ll also clue you in on the history of gin and offer up a blind tasting and nosing to help you discover your perfect botanicals for your own gin.

You get to sample your concoction before committing to a recipe, so you don’t need to play it safe with your choice of flavours.

Give your gin a name and get started hand blending and bottling your triumphant new creation. They will even save your recipe so you can order it again!

This is an incredibly fun activity – just for the grownups.

Earlshall Castle

This restored 16th century courtyard castle has been described as one of the best kept of its kind in Scotland.

It sits nestled on 34 acres of stunning grounds near the village of Leuchars.

This old and impressive building makes for a pretty romantic spot. I highly recommend a leisurely stroll around the grounds together, especially on a nice day.

The West Port

The West Port is an old stone gateway that absolutely deserves a place as one of these top spots for a picture.

Visitors have commented on how the gate looks just like the archetypal castle gate. Come and see for yourself – and snap a great photo while you’re at it.

A truly magical site that visitors young and old will adore. This mysterious place is said to be haunted by fairies and other creatures of Celtic legend.

The areas surrounding the Dunino Den have a distinctly otherworldly atmosphere.

This eerie woodland is home to an ‘altar stone’ and a well, which sits atop the den. The well is said to be the site of human sacrifice.

There are stairs carved into the cliff which lead down into the den. The cliff walls feature Celtic crosses and symbols, carved ancient and modern day worshippers.

Certainly one of the strangest locations of our list of things to do in St Andrews – also my personal favourite.

The Tentsmuir Sands

Tentsmuir Sands is a wide expanse of immaculate white sand backed by grassy dunes.

Remains of wartime defences are still scattered on the beach and the surrounding forest from the Second World War.

Come and you might just see some grey or common seals basking in the sun on the sandbanks. Also plenty of birdlife and even some adorable red squirrels.

It’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

St Athernase Church

Still in use as a Church of Scotland parish church, this Romanesque old church is a pleasantly peaceful spot to visit.

All summer the church is open to the public, and by arrangement throughout the rest of the year.

Inside you’ll find preserved relics, including a 9th century cross-slab. Also, three very elaborate 16th century memorial stones.

Kinshaldy Beach

Located just outside of St Andrews is this lovely beach, a perfect day out for families, friends or couples.

Three miles of white sand means there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Avoid swimming too far out in the sea though, as the fast moving tide can be strong.

Just behind the beach are benches and barbeque stations. There are also marked walks and cycle routes through the surrounding forest.

Looking for things to do in St Andrews that everyone from granny to the baby can enjoy?

Look no further. You really can’t go wrong with a relaxing beach day.

Dura Den is a bit further out than many of the more local things to do in St Andrews. Still, it’s well worth the little bit of extra effort to reach it.

It is a small, 3 km-long wooded gorge not far from Cupar. The narrow cleft runs from Kembank to the north and along to Pitscottie to the south.

Ceres Burn, a small clear stream, flows along the course of the gorge. This includes little waterfalls near the midpoint.

It is an incredibly peaceful place to wander together and just be.

Scotland’s Secret Bunker

Just six miles from St Andrews lurks Scotland best kept secret.

The RAF Troywood is a relic from the cold war conflict. It lies buried 100ft underground, with an entrance hidden in an innocuous little farm house.

The ‘R3’ style ROTAR bunker was built in 1953 by the RAF. They build it in response to the very real danger of nuclear war with the USSR.

It is a truly fascinating piece of history – don’t miss your chance to come and see it!

Cambo Gardens

These gorgeous gardens are a part of the Cambo estate. They remain open for the public to enjoy year round.

Here you can wander through enchanting gardens and woodlands, then down to the award-winning beach.

Have a gander at the beautiful plantlife, fresh flowers and local crafts in the Tack Room shop. They also display a heritage exhibition.

And, for the little ones, there is the Lost Elf Village play area abf Glingbobs woodland trail.

The gardens are free to enter for carers and under 16’s. So it’s a fun and budget friendly way to spend an afternoon.

Kingsbarns Distillery

This top notch whiskey distillery opened its doors in 2014 and has been going strong since.

Kingsbarns is a small distillery that punches above its weight, offering an exhibition, tasting rooms, shop and cafe.

Every day they run tours that take you through the fascinating history of whiskey a Kingsbarns, the method of production and end with an opportunity to taste.

Of all the great things to do in St Andrews, this is one for the whiskey lovers.

And, good news, they stay open all year!

Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust

Want to learn more about the history of the Scottish fishing industry? This independent charity run museum has it covered.

Discover the stories of the industry and its people – from the earliest recorded times right up to the present day.

They’ve got a range of modern and traditional displays, interactive displays and dioramas.

Fishing enthusiasts should not miss out!

More things to do in The Kingdom of Fife

  • Things to do in Anstruther
  • Things to do in Burntisland
  • Things to do in Cupar
  • Things to do in Dunfermline
  • Things to do in Leven

Graham Grieve

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Land yachting combines the grace of sailing with the adrenalin buzz of motor racing – imagine yourself sitting a few inches from the ground and racing your friends and family across the sands at top speed. It requires no previous sailing experience and the basic skills can be mastered within 15-20 minutes.

Land yachting combines the grace of sailing with the adrenalin buzz of motor racing – imagine yourself sitting a few inches from the ground and racing your friends and family across the sands at top speed.

Why not let the whole family enjoy our beach fun and try out our Twin Landyachts. Children aged between 5 – 12 can ride along side an adult in the latest addition to our fleet on our Landyachts built for two. First, you’ll both receive a full demonstration of how to sail a land yacht and how to stop.

 “Sit on top” Kayaking at the beach. Built for 2 people these flat bottomed easy to manoeuvre boats are a fun way to surf the waves at the beach. Kitted out with approprate safety gear, enjoy paddling at the glorious West Sands, St Andrews. Easy to master and great fun for all ages.

Stand up paddle boarding is one of the newest and fastest growing watersports in the world. St Andrews, Scotland is an ideal location to discover this fun and exhilarating experience. Originating in the Hawaiian Islands,stand up paddleboards (SUPS) are a favourite with celebrities in California such as Piers Brosnan Robert Downie Jnr and Jennifer Aniston and is recognised as one of the best sports for working core muscles, upper body and legs.

Ride the waves with Blown Away! Get your “surfs up” with Blown Away Surf School and you’ll be riding the waves with style in no time . The perfect experience for beginners looking for an introduction to surfing, or catching a quick surfing fix! At the new Blown Away Surf School.

SUPer Tankers  XL STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING MONSTER SUP IN ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND 8 MAN XL SUP IS A TOTALLY UNIQUE AND BRAND NEW ACTIVITY IN ST ANDREWS SCOTLAND. Our huge SUPer Tanker Paddle Boards are a totally unique activity and have evolved from the rapid growth of Stand Up paddle boarding around the world.

William and Kate go sailing on the sand in land yachts

sand yachting st andrews

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge raced each other in land yachts when they returned to St Andrews 20 years after meeting in the university town.

William and Kate renewed their sporting rivalry, performing figures of eight in the wind-powered buggies on the West Sands beach at the coastal Scottish town.

In crash helmets and casual clothes, they joined six teenage carers trying out the sport on a day course organised as respite from their normal duties looking after family members.

sand yachting st andrews

The session, arranged by Fife Young Carers, was hosted by a local company, Blown Away.

A young carer is defined as a child or young person whose life has been affected by looking after a family member with a physical disability, illness addiction or mental health issues.

In 2019, 6,785 young people in Fife identified themselves as young carers, equating to approximately one in eight young people in the region.

The charity, which has operated since 1995, supports 597 young people, with the figure rising monthly.

sand yachting st andrews

The Cambridges quickly got the hang of the sail-powered buggies.

But it was William who proved the winner when they raced head-to-head across the rain and wind-lashed beach.

Always so competitive, he had been determined to get his technique right to ensure maximum speed.

“I want to go faster. I need to make sure I’ve got the right angle,” he told twins Jamie and Guy McKenzie, who run the land yachting business.

“Wahoo,” he screamed as he pulled away from Kate who at one point made up ground. “I’m catching you!” she shouted, laughing.

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At one point they appeared to be heading for a head-on collision but William steered away at the last minute.

The royal couple had spent a romantic night in St Andrews, where they met as first-year students, ahead of today’s engagements. But they appeared to have forgotten how brisk the late spring nights can be on the east coast of Scotland.

“I opened the window last night and it was so cold,” Kate told the carers as they chatted on the sands before trying out the land yachting.

You guys do really well. You should be very proud of yourselves, guys.

The Duke of Cambridge to a group of teenage carers

She and William talked to the six teenagers, aged between 13 and 18, about their lives looking after sick parents or siblings and how they balance their responsibilities with school work and trying to do ordinary things that teenagers do.

Kate, who was wearing a jumper by Highlands firm Campbell’s of Beauly, asked if their friends at school realised the challenges they face.

“Is it hard for them to relate to what you are doing?” she asked, “Do you think people in general are understanding?”

As they talked about their lives, she asked: “Do you find it hard to find time for yourselves and do things?”

One of the boys told her he had been on a yacht last year and had taken it in turns with others to cook for the crew. Kate, who worked on yachts when she was a student, asked: “Did you get seasick?

“I did but your body gets used to it,” he replied.

sand yachting st andrews

William praised them for the care they gave their loved ones. “You guys do really well,” he told them, “You should be very proud of yourselves, guys.”

Kirstie Howell, service manager for Fife Young Carers, said it was important the young people the organisation helps got the chance to get away from their responsibilities and enjoy normal pleasures.

“It’s a chance for these young people to get away from their care roles and just allowing them to be young people again,” she said.

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Believe it or not, land yachting has been around in more primitive forms since ancient Egyptian times - it seems that adventurous souls have been experimenting with extreme sports for some time! Land yachting is like an ingenious fusion of motor racing and sailing, done on beautiful sandy beaches all over the UK! Harness the power of the wind as you sit in your land yacht, inches off the ground, and hurtle along the beach at speeds of up to 40mph, safe in the knowledge that no brakes is no problem, as you will have received expert instruction, and will be fully in control!

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Introduction to Land Yachting in Romney Marsh

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Catch Kate if you can! Competitive Duchess of Cambridge is all smiles as she dons her trusty Barbour jacket and Chloe boots to go land surfing with Prince William at St Andrews where they first met 20 years ago

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined young carers to go land yachting on West Sands Beach, St Andrews 
  • Kate, 39, dressed down in £310 See by Chloe boots, a £159 Barbour jacket and a cap for the engagement 
  • The couple beamed as they raced each other along the shore in the wind-powered vehicles 

By Stephanie Linning For Mailonline

Published: 05:37 EDT, 26 May 2021 | Updated: 12:10 EDT, 26 May 2021

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Competitive Kate Middleton was in her element as she and Prince William went head-to-head in a land yacht race in St Andrews today. 

The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, beamed as she steered the wind-powered go-kart down West Sands Beach - just a short drive from the university where she and William met as students 20 years ago. 

Kate, who was dressed down in her favourite  £159 Longshore Barbour jacket, £310 See by Chloe boots and a £115 Campbell's of Beauly Fairisle Jumper, appeared unfazed by the strong winds and wet weather, and beamed as she shot past her husband. 

At one point the Duchess's back wheel was lifted into the air by the force of the wind - but not even that was enough to stop Kate from smiling.    

Scroll down for video 

There she blows! The Duchess of Cambridge had her land yachting kart lifted off the sand in a safety demonstration

There she blows! The Duchess of Cambridge had her land yachting kart lifted off the sand in a safety demonstration

Kate, who was dressed down in her favorite $225 Longshore Barbour jacket, $440 See by Chloe boots and a $163 Campbell's of Beauly Fairisle Jumper, appeared unfazed by the strong winds and wet weather, and beamed as she shot past her husband. At one point the Duchess's back wheel was lifted into the air by the force of the wind - but not even that was enough to stop Kate from smiling.

Thrilled: The couple beamed as they crossed West Sands Beach, St Andrews, despite the bad weather

Head-to-head: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sailed down the sand at West Sands Beach, St Andrews, this morning

Head-to-head: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sailed down the sand at West Sands Beach, St Andrews, this morning

The Duchess of Cambridge today

Casual Kate: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dressed down in jeans, jackets and boots for the land yachting session. At one point Prince William placed a hand on his wife's back (right)

And she's off! Competitive Kate was in her element as she took on her husband in the land yacht race on the blustery beach

And she's off! Competitive Kate was in her element as she took on her husband in the land yacht race on the blustery beach 

Ready to race: William and Kate

All good! Smiling Kate waved at the young carers who joined them in the session. Right, Will gives them a thumbs up

Pulling ahead! The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she overtook her husband in their land yachting race

Pulling ahead! The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she overtook her husband in their land yachting race 

... Wills takes the lead! The Duke of Cambridge had his game face on as he edged in front of Kate on the sandy course

... Wills takes the lead! The Duke of Cambridge had his game face on as he edged in front of Kate on the sandy course

Sharing a joke: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met young carers living around Fife and workers from Blown Away

Sharing a joke: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met young carers living around Fife and workers from Blown Away

In her element: Sporty Kate was thrilled to get involved in the activity on West Sands Beach, at St Andrews

In her element: Sporty Kate was thrilled to get involved in the activity on West Sands Beach, at St Andrews

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The royal couple were joined by a group from Fife Young Carers, which helps young carers maintain their well-being through a range of outdoor activities, workshops, and residential trips. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke to young carers about the challenges they have faced during the pandemic. 

The Duke and Duchess also heard about the charity’s work to raise awareness of the role of young carers in the local area, including introducing a 'Young Carers Authorisation Card' scheme in schools, pharmacies and other medical settings. 

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The card helps young carers easily identify themselves, without having to repeatedly outline their circumstances and personal stories to those in the local community. 

The session was hosted by Blown Away, a local company who are the only commercial land yachting company in Scotland, and host sessions in St Andrews and other iconic Scottish locations.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled to St Andrews from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, where they are staying while on their week-long tour of Scotland. The couple will return to London tomorrow. 

Challenge accepted: The Duchess of Cambridge beamed at Prince William as they prepared to set off on their land yachts

Challenge accepted: The Duchess of Cambridge beamed at Prince William as they prepared to set off on their land yachts

Catch me if you can! Kate beamed as she pulled ahead of Prince William during the land yachting challenge

Catch me if you can! Kate beamed as she pulled ahead of Prince William during the land yachting challenge

Ready to race! Competitive Kate looked in her element as she and Prince William tried their hand at land yachting

Ready to race! Competitive Kate looked in her element as she and Prince William tried their hand at land yachting 

Blustery day: At one point the Duchess of Cambridge's back wheel lifted off the sand as she turned

Blustery day: At one point the Duchess of Cambridge's back wheel lifted off the sand as she turned

Keeping control: The Duke of Cambridge remained calm as the kart was almost blown over by a gust of wind

Keeping control: The Duke of Cambridge remained calm as the kart was almost blown over by a gust of wind

Tight corner: The couple were challenged with steering the wind-powered vehicles through a series of cones

Tight corner: The couple were challenged with steering the wind-powered vehicles through a series of cones

Concentration: Kate had her game face on as she set off on her land yacht for the friendly race on West Sands Beach

Concentration: Kate had her game face on as she set off on her land yacht for the friendly race on West Sands Beach 

WEDNESDAY: Kate's trip to Scotland took a sporty turn as she went head-to-head with Prince William in a land yacht race in St Andrews. The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, beamed as she steered the wind-powered go-kart down West Sands Beach - just a short drive from the university where she and William met as students 20 years ago.

Getting the hang of things: The Duchess of Cambridge smiled as she set off down the beach in the land yacht

Don't topple over! Kate Middleton laughed as the instructor lifted up the Duchess in the safety demonstration

Don't topple over! Kate Middleton laughed as the instructor lifted up the Duchess in the safety demonstration 

Gone with the wind... The Duchess of Cambridge sped down the beach, which is close to St Andrews University

Gone with the wind... The Duchess of Cambridge sped down the beach, which is close to St Andrews University

Getting close! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge both tried their hand at the activity in St Andrews today

Getting close! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge both tried their hand at the activity in St Andrews today

Which way are you going? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed off in opposite directions on their land yachts

Which way are you going? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed off in opposite directions on their land yachts

Yesterday William and Kate spent several hours in Orkney, opening a new hospital in Kirkwall and visiting a marine turbine machine. They also stopped at the home of a local family, the Bichans, to hear more about life in Orkney over a cup of tea.

The visit is part of a broader royal charm offensive to help persuade Scotland to resist the demands of nationalists for independence. 

Prince William arrived in Scotland on Friday and has carried out a number of engagements focused on the environment, young people and mental well-being. 

The Duchess of Cambridge joined her husband on Monday and the pair have continued with a busy schedule of royal engagements. 

Important work: The royal couple were joined by a group from Fife Young Carers, which helps young carers maintain their well-being through a range of outdoor activities, workshops, and residential trips

Important work: The royal couple were joined by a group from Fife Young Carers, which helps young carers maintain their well-being through a range of outdoor activities, workshops, and residential trips

Beach day: The Duchess of Cambridge laughed while speaking to employees of activity company Blown Away

Beach day: The Duchess of Cambridge laughed while speaking to employees of activity company Blown Away

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a cap pulled down over her hair

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a cap pulled down over her hair (left). Right, the royal learns more about Blown Away

Quick sprint: The Duchess of Cambridge hurried across the rainy beach during the engagement this morning

Quick sprint: The Duchess of Cambridge hurried across the rainy beach during the engagement this morning 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today

Challenging conditions: The couple had to wrap up in several layers for the outing. Right, Kate wipes her eyes

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went for practicality over style in choosing their outfits for the beach enagement

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went for practicality over style in choosing their outfits for the beach enagement

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked on at a group of young carers taking part in the land yachting

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked on at a group of young carers taking part in the land yachting

On Monday the pair visited Turning Point Scotland, a social care charity in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.  

The couple learned about the support the organisation provides to those facing homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse. Later in the afternoon they visited the pioneering Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), and learned about the support it provides to community organisations across the country.

In the evening they were joined in the café kitchen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where they are staying, by Sikh Sanjog to prepare meals which will be distributed to vulnerable families across the Edinburgh community.  

Over the weekend William gave a deeply personal speech in which he described the 'special place' that Scotland had in his heart, a country which he said held both some of his 'happiest memories' and his 'saddest'. 

It was at Balmoral where he learned of the death of his mother Diana, in 1997. And it was at St Andrews where he met and fell in love with Kate Middleton. 

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IMAGES

  1. Land Yachting on the Beach at St Andrews

    sand yachting st andrews

  2. Best time for Land or Sand Yachting in Scotland 2024

    sand yachting st andrews

  3. Best time for Land or Sand Yachting in Scotland 2024

    sand yachting st andrews

  4. St Andrews Sand yaghting on West Sands Photograph by Caroline Trotter

    sand yachting st andrews

  5. Kate Middleton goes land yachting with Prince William on West Sands

    sand yachting st andrews

  6. Outdoor Activities, Landyachting St Andrews, Surf School Scotland

    sand yachting st andrews

COMMENTS

  1. Outdoor Activities, Landyachting St Andrews, Surf School Scotland

    Blown Away's awesome water-sports which include Surfing, Kayaking, Stand up Paddling and our Giant SUPs are based at our Shack on West Sands beach, St Andrews at the town end of the beach next to the cafe. We run our famous Landyachting at the far end of West Sands St Andrews, easily seen racing across the sand with their blue and white sails.

  2. Landyachting in Scotland, Outdoor Activities, Stag & Hen Parties, St

    Blown Away, Outdoor Activities and Adventures Scotland, Stag & Hen Group Days, Landyachting, Kayaking, Surfing, Paddleboarding and Gift Experience Vouchers, Outdoor Adventures and Gift Experiences in Scotland, St Andrews. Blokart, Land Yacht, Sandsailing, Kayak, Surf, Beach, West Sands Beach, Learn to surf, Learn to surf in Scotland, Scottish Surfing.

  3. Land Yachting on the Beach at St Andrews

    Make your way to West Sands Beach, only minutes away from St. Andrews centre, to try land yachting on the coast. 'Blown Away' offers a range of activities, including land yachting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing. ... St. Andrews, home to Scotland's first university founded in 1413, is a great place for a day out and ...

  4. Blown Away

    Blown Away, St Andrews. 4,586 likes · 1 talking about this · 793 were here. A mobile outdoor experience company which specialises in beach based activities. these include Landyachting, Beach...

  5. Blown Away Experiences, St Andrews

    Fife. This mobile outdoor experience company operates all over Scotland, and is regularly based in St Andrews' West Sands. Blown Away Experiences offer a variety of exhilarating beach based activities including beach kayaking and stand up paddling, one of the fastest growing watersports in the world and a favourite of celebrities including ...

  6. Family Landyachting, Outdoor Activites for Kids, Double Karts,

    Children aged between 5 - 12 can ride along side an adult in the latest addition to our fleet on our Landyachts built for two. First, you'll both receive a full demonstration of how to sail a land yacht and how to be a good wingman before going out to practice controlling the sail and steering. You'll be given full tuition from your ...

  7. Fun for the family

    Blown Away Experiences: Fun for the family - sand yachting - See 162 traveler reviews, 63 candid photos, and great deals for St. Andrews, UK, at Tripadvisor.

  8. Land Yachting

    Reviewed 30 September 2018 via mobile. We were two adults and two kids aged eight and five for a land yachting experience. Blown Away has two-seat land yachts for adults to take kids. They're fantastic - you zip along the sand at great speed. It's easy to pick up how to do it but difficult to master, so there's plenty to try next time.

  9. Land Yachting

    Blown Away is well set up and have the perfect location. The West Sands Beach at St Andrews is a stunning setting and the land yacht was easy to use after a bit of tuition from the team. Thanks Guys. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

  10. Land yachting

    Review of St Andrews West Sands Beach. Reviewed 22 July 2018. Great beach for land yachting. About 2miles long with loads of space at low tide to allow dog walkers, yachters swimmers/paddlers etc to all enjoy themselves together without interrupting any one else's fun. There are toilets at the halfway car park along the beach but the last ...

  11. Land or Sand Yachting in Scotland

    Sand yachting enthusiasts flock to St. Andrews in Fife for an unforgettable thrill ride. The stunning location's perfect mix of windy conditions with awe-inspiring scenery is the ultimate sand yachting experience. Blown Away, a well-known company in St. Andrews, provides first-rate equipment so that thrill-seekers can enjoy sand yachting year ...

  12. Collections

    Sand yachting.University of St Andrews Collections. (2023). Retrieved 30 August 2023 from https://collections.st-andrews.ac.uk/series/sand-yachting/582786.

  13. St Andrews West Sands

    St Andrews West Sands. Park your car at the huge car park near the Old Course or walk from the town centre past the Old Course and you'll find this amazing stretch of beach. Two miles of sandy beach and sand dunes used by locals and visitors regularly for walking, running, playing, sand yachting, kite flying, horse riding, polo, volleyball ...

  14. Top 5 Land Sailing Spots in the UK

    This 2 mile stretch of white sand beach is ideal for sand yachting, as well as swimming, kite surfing, surfing, sailing and running - as in the famous film. West Sands Beach is the largest beach in St Andrews and is a family-friendly location, backed by the dunes leading to the town's world-famous golf courses.

  15. Blown Away Outdoor Activities and Adventures Scotland, St Andrews

    Blown Away. West Sands Beach- St Andrews. [email protected] | Tel: 07784 121 125. Name

  16. West Sands

    St Andrews West Sands is the largest and best-known beach in St Andrew's - amazingly one of the sunniest and driest places in Britain - located on the eastern coastline of the Kingdom of Fife. Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire - West Sands extends for almost 2 miles of uninterrupted sand backed with dunes and ...

  17. William and Kate go sailing in land yachts on West Sands beach in St

    William and Kate raced each other in land yachts on West Sands beach. In crash helmets and casual clothes, they joined six teenage carers trying out the sport on a day course organised as respite ...

  18. Sports and activities in St Andrews

    Land yachting. If you fancy doing something a little different, why not have a go at land yachting on St Andrews' West Sands beach? Land yachting, also known as sand yachting and land sailing is the act of moving across land in a three wheeled vehicle, powered by wind through the use of a sail.

  19. 27 Amazing Things to do in St Andrews for Tourists

    St Andrews Cathedral. Exquisite 12th century cathedral ruins. This crumbling relic was built in 1158 and was once the centre of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland. The once grand cathedral - Scotland's largest - fell into disuse following the 16th century outlawing of Catholic mass. Today it is protected by Historic Environment ...

  20. Outdoor Activities, Stag & Hen Parties, St Andrews, Gift voucher Scotland

    Our huge SUPer Tanker Paddle Boards are a totally unique activity and have evolved from the rapid growth of Stand Up paddle boarding around the world. Blown Away Outdoor Activities and Adventures Scotland. Stag & Hen Parties - Group Days. Landyachting, Kayaking, Learn to surf, Paddleboarding and Gift Experience Vouchers.

  21. William and Kate go sailing on the sand in land yachts

    PA Wire. Tony Jones May 26, 2021. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge raced each other in land yachts when they returned to St Andrews 20 years after meeting in the university town. William and Kate ...

  22. Land Yachting Experiences

    Land yachting, or land sailing, will work best where conditions are windy and the terrain is flat, meaning that beaches are really the ideal place to learn this exciting sport. ... and your bottom skimming the sand, in no time! Kent is a wonderful land yachting location, as the wide, flat, long beach at Camber Sands gives you plenty of space to ...

  23. Kate Middleton goes land yachting with Prince William at St Andrews

    Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined young carers to go land yachting on West Sands Beach, St Andrews Kate, 39, dressed down in £310 See by Chloe boots, a £159 Barbour jacket and a cap for the ...