TEN THINGS TO DO IN FIFE AND ST ANDREWS

VISIT THE OPEN

Golf plays a huge part in St Andrews. From 12-19 July this year the Old Course will present a spectacular and unique test for the world’s best players when they take part in the 144th Open Championship.

FEED THE PENGUINS

The aquarium is home to seals, lionfish, piranhas and sharks. You’ll find penguins, alligators and meerkats here too, and can even join in the penguin and meerkat feeding sessions. www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk

TOUR THE DISTILLERIES

Whisky-lovers won’t want to miss Eden Mill and Kingsbarns distilleries, with the former also brewing craft beers. Both are relatively new and offer tastings and tours. www.edenmill.com, www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

SCOTLAND’S SECRET BUNKER

Hidden beneath a Fife farmhouse is a tunnel that leads to what was Scotland’s best-kept secret for 40 years. Enter the Bunker and discover the twilight world of the Cold War. www.secretbunker.co.uk

EDWARDIAN MANSION

Hill of Tarvit, near Cupar, is one of Scotland’s finest Edwardian mansions and home to a splendid collection of antiques, furniture, porcelain and paintings by the likes of Sir Henry Raeburn. www.nts.org.uk

SCOTTISH DEER CENTRE

Home to 14 kinds of deer, Fife’s only wolf pack, a brown bear, otters, a wildcat and other rare species, this is a great place to get back to nature. There is also an adventure playground and a café. www.tsdc.co.uk

ANCIENT MONUMENTS

Explore St Andrews’ castle, cathedral ruins and church of St Regulus, where you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the 108ft tower for magnificent views of the town and its surroundings.

PLAY ON THE BEACH

St Andrews has two wonderful beaches, one being the magnificent West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was shot.

CAMBO GARDENS

Cambo Gardens in Kingsbarns is at its best in the summer months. Visit to see a Victorian walled garden with a modern twist. It’s dog-friendly and has a tearoom and woodland walks. www.camboestate.com/gardens/

A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE

The Byre Theatre, run by St Andrews University, is a vibrant hub for the town and is a focal point for the arts in north-east Fife. As well as a year-round programme of events, shows and music, there’s a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. www.byretheatre.com