Orkney Islands & Balfour Castle, Scotland

"Scotland really is a spectacular country with so much history"

Susan Eisenhower

 So far, my blog posts have been about places I have visited personally, however today's post is taking a slightly different angle by exploring the beauty of the Orkney Islands. I am yet to experience this island but hope to this summer. 

One of the prime attractions of Orkney is the rich archaeological heritage. The beautiful beaches, greenery, cliffs and wildlife are equally important too. The Orkney Islands lie just north of Mainland Scotland and is made up of around 70 islands, 18 of which are inhabited by about 21,000 people.

For visitors coming to the Orkney Islands, there are a wealth of visitor attractions ranging from archaeological sites, local museums, the Highland Park Distillery and St Magnus Cathedral.  

Travelling to Orkney is easier than you'd think, from Central Scotland there are flights, ferries, and coaches available weekly. 

Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews

“Luxury along the Scottish coastline”

Bordering the renowned 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, the Old Course Hotel overlooks the famous links courses, the West Sands Beach and the beautiful Scottish coastline. This prestigious AA Five Star-awarded hotel has 144 rooms including 35 suites and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading resorts. The Old Course Hotel features a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors, and French designer Jacques Garcia designed many of the hotel’s suites. Located just a short stroll from the historic university town of St Andrews, it’s a great vacation spot for golfers and non-golfers alike.

St Andrews is a former royal burgh on the east coast Scotland, and was named after Saint Andrew the Apostle. The town is home to the University of St. Andrews which is the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. St Andrews has a population of 16,680, making this the fifth largest settlement in Fife. St Andrews is also known worldwide as the “the home of golf”. This is partly because the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide, and also because the famous links is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches.

The Room Tariffs of the hotel range from £305 per room per night, right up to £1410 per room per night. These prices include Bed and Breakfast; and you really make the most of your money! Full prices are as follows:

Eden Parkland                –        £305

Old Course Room           –        £355

Eden Parkland Suite        –        £355

Old Course Suite              –        £780

Fairway Suite                   –        £780

Deluxe Suite                     –        £1360

Royal Ancient Suite          –        £1410