It may be winter but don't let that stop you from exploring the beautiful Kingdom of Fife. November is packed with plenty of things to do, just grab your hats and gloves and come and explore before the year ends.
St Andrews Farmers Market
The farmer's market provides visitors an opportunity to experience locally produced food and drink, chat to the makers and enjoy attractions like cookery demonstrations, local crafts and family entertainment. Taking place on Market Street in the centre of the St Andrews between 9am and 2pm on Saturday 2nd November, each one brings a variety of different stalls holders and entertainment.
St Andrews Winter Lights Switch On
Later the same evening, the switch on of the St Andrews Christmas lights takes place from 4pm. Church Street is the venue for this annual event which marks the official start of the festive season. There will be live music and activities for the whole family to enjoy and many of the shops will stay open until late into the evening to begin your Christmas shopping.
Savour St Andrews - Chef Taster Lunch
The very popular Chefs Taster Lunch, part of Savour St Andrews is an opportunity to enjoy demonstrations by many of the region's local chefs including our very own sous chef, Shona Laing on Sunday 3rd November. The event takes place in the Hall of Champions at the Old Course Hotel between 12 noon and 3pm. Visitors to the taster lunch will be able to enjoy a variety of dishes, see the chefs at work, ask questions and learn about ingredients and techniques. Tickets are just £5. There will also be samples of artisan soft drinks and speciality coffees. Tickets can be purchased at the door, booking isn't necessary. Children under 1 will be given free tickets for three dishes.
Rufflets sous chef Shona Laing
Bonfire Night
5th November is of course bonfire night and there are no shortage of bonfire parties and firework displays taking place throughout Fife. The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther hosts their annual event from 7pm, meanwhile at Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy the event gets underway at .30pm and at the Buckhaven Braes at 6.30pm.
Bowhouse Food Market
These have become an integral part of the food scene in the East Neuk of Fife. It's an opportunity for visitors to the area to meet some of the local suppliers and buy the great produce, or even taste some great things being made in the pop-up street food area. The next market takes place over the weekend of 9th and 10th November at the Balcaskie Estate just outside St Monans. Click here for more information.
One of many vendors and street-food traders you can enjoy at the Bowhouse Food Market
An evening with Doddie Weir in St Andrews
If you are a fan of Scottish rugby or just enjoy an inspirational speaker, then you may want to join Doddie Weir at the Hope Park and Martyrs’ Parish Church on 27th November at 6.30pm. Known for being ‘on the charge like a mad giraffe’, Doddie Weir is a giant in the world of Rugby. Having played for Scotland 61 times, he swiftly became a fan favourite at Murrayfield, and was the first recipient of the Famous Grouse Scotland Player of the Five Nations Award. In 2017, Doddie was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, and he has since worked tirelessly to support research into the disease. He continues to defy the expectations of his doctors, and charge as confidently forward as he has throughout his career. Information and tickets are available here.
Savour St Andrews Dinner
Top chefs and food and drink businesses from in and around St Andrews are once again joining forces to offer a real flavour of the town. The eighth annual St Andrew’s Day Dinner will take place in the Ballroom at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa on Thursday November 28th featuring a group of outstanding chefs and businesses all helping to raise money for student bursaries at Fife College and SRUC Elmwood Campus. To buy tickets for this exciting event just click here.
St Andrew’s Day Hoolie
The town of St Andrews is celebrating St Andrew’s Day in style on Saturday 30th November. There will be ceilidhs, parades, a huge fireworks display on West Sands Beach, food & drink, music as well as a festive artisan market taking place at Madras College Quadrangle. Click here for updates and more information.
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club
To mark St Andrew’s Day on the 30th November, the R&A Golf Club throws open its doors to the public. The iconic building will be open for guided tours, allowing golf fans the opportunity to explore one of the game’s most fascinating buildings, famous for looming large over the first tee of the Old Course. As well as the office of the chief executive of the R&A – the building also contains an extraordinary collection of paintings, map, trophies, medals, clubs, balls and other historically significant artefacts. Admission to the building is between 10am and 5pm and is free of charge, with all ages welcome.
Picking up gifts for under the tree
Christmas markets kick off in early November with the Byre’s famous Christmas Fair returning on Saturday 9th November, and in mid-November the Cambo Christmas Makers Market takes place in the Stables Visitor Centre on 16th and 17th November. In the courtyard meanwhile Cambolicious is a small, family orientated festival showcasing the best in Scottish craft beer and cider. Two weeks later on 30th November and 1st December Hill of Tarvit Mansion House hold their Christmas Fayre in the magical setting of the mansion house featuring wonderfully creative presents from local producers.
