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This beach has over 5 miles worth of deserted golden sand, barring the small gatherings to be found near the car park. It is backed by dunes and Tentsmuir Forest which offers miles and miles of walking and cycling all on the the flat.
Kinshaldy Beach is on the North Sea coast of Fife, just north of Leuchars and only about 5 miles from the Tay Bridge and Dundee and 4 miles south to St Andrews.
A visit to the lovely sandy beaches and old fishing villages of what King James called 'The Golden Fringe' of Fife is always well worth the trip, especially on the weekends of 2nd and 9th June, when over 30 professional artists open their studios to all.
Half hour's drive from St Andrews (station, Leuchars) or an hour from Edinburgh. Details of open studios: www.eastneukopenstudios.org, or telephone for illustrated brochure, 01333730249
St Andrews is on the east coast of Scotland, in the county of Fife, north of Edinburgh.
It is best known for golf and the university (of which Prince William is a graduate). However you can visit St Andrews Castle, walk on the long golden beach and visit the nearby Neuk of Fife with its quaint fishing villages.
A blue flag beach of nearly two miles of sand and dunes. You can ape Chariots of Fire and go for a run (the opening scene was filmed here) or just have a leisurely walk. Kite flyers are in abundance on windy days, at the point where the beach curves, near the estuary of the River Eden.
Bring your own bucket and spade, however; there's a merciful shortage of tacky beach shops.
St Andrews
www.fife.gov.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=F34F9DCE-399D-4C02-97A10D6AC5118C4C
Inside a rather dour, grey building is The Grill House, a bright and vibrant Mexican-influenced restaurant.
The Grill House is always full - they do a fantastic £4.95 lunchtime menu which changes regularly and their evening menu is crammed full of delights such as pizza, chilli, fajitas, steak and Mexican stew ranging from £6.50 to £14.00.
The atmosphere is friendly and informal and the decor is warm amd inviting so it can't fail to cheer you up on a dark and dismal winter day.
The Grill House, Inchcape House, St Mary's Place.
Tel : 01334 470500
www.grillhouserestaurant.co.uk
Bonkers is a great gift shop that is wonderful for browsing. It sells jewellery, soft toys, quirky gifts, cards and lots more.
Bonkers, 80 Market Street.
Tel: +44 (0) 1334 473919
www.bonkers-standrews.co.uk
A St Andrews institution. Jannetta's is an ice cream shop dating from 1908. They make fifty-two flavours of ice cream and they are all wonderful, so much so that people queue along the pavement at the first sign of warm weather in early Spring.
31 South Street, near the corner with Abbey Street.
www.jannettas.co.uk
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