When a trip to Scotland comes to mind most of us think of the hour-and-a-half hop on the train to Edinburgh for a spot of shopping, drinks, or a gander at the Christmas Markets. But lying further North a naturally stunning, tranquil world awaits.

St Andrews, famous for its golf courses and university where Kate and Wills met, is a historic town seemingly plonked in the middle of nowhere. A 15-minute drive out of the town centre and you’re surrounded by countryside.

Our accommodation was to be the country resort of Morton of Pitmilly, near the village of Kingbarns just seven miles south of St Andrews. First opened in 1990, Pitmilly was named the best self-catering accommodation experience in Scotland at the Scottish Thistle Awards earlier this year.

It was a three-and-a-half-hour drive up the coast for the catch-up getaway with my mam. The last time I’d journeyed this far north I was about four-years-old, strapped into my car seat and most likely asking ‘Are we there yet?’, every five minutes. In a total role reversal, it was me in the driving seat this time.

The Northern Echo: Bramble Bank in the foreground.Bramble Bank in the foreground. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

Arriving at Morton of Pitmilly in typically Scottish rain we went to check in. After a bit of confusion trying to find a reception desk, we rang the owners and were told we’d find our accommodation open with the keys on the table – trust levels you only find in the country.

Our home for the next two days was ‘Bramble Bank’, a spacious and homely three-bed cottage. All the rooms were en-suite with one giving beautiful, uninterrupted views over the North Sea. At least I presume it was a beautiful view, as I could just see through the haze of rain and fog for most of our stay. The rooms were all clean and cosy with towels provided.

The Northern Echo: The view was impressive when the weather finally cleared.The view was impressive when the weather finally cleared. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

Pitmilly has everything you need for your break including a full kitchen, area with a food stall providing a variety of ‘pop-up’ offerings changing throughout the week, and an ‘honesty pantry’ to help yourself to groceries.

The Northern Echo: The massive living and dining area in our accomodation.The massive living and dining area in our accomodation. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

The Northern Echo: The bedrooms were comfortable and cosy.The bedrooms were comfortable and cosy. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

Desperate to get out of the grim weather we decided to head to the pool. This can be booked out for an hour-long slot for your exclusive use. There’s also a sauna and steam room for those less keen on taking a dip. It’s a great facility you won’t get opting for an Airbnb-style rental instead, and just what I needed after the long drive.

The Northern Echo: The pool is booked out for hour-long slots meaning you never have to share with other guests.The pool is booked out for hour-long slots meaning you never have to share with other guests. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

For the sportier types among us Pitmilly has its own indoor and outdoor tennis courts, gym and games area. You can also take a walk around the resort’s grounds and farm, although, not to make up excuses for failing to do either, I’d forgotten my running trainers and the weather was awful for most of our stay.

Having relaxed in with a sauna and returned to Bramble Bank we decided to head out to try some of the local culinary delights. The resort really is ideally located to explore the city, coast, countryside or local golf courses.

After parking up in St Andrews we found ourselves at Forgan’s, a beautifully furnished restaurant, with a menu to match. I opted for the duck breast while my mam chose a fish dish.

Perusing the menu, a certain dessert jumped out at me… Deep Fried Mars Bar. I couldn’t come all the way here without trying the Scottish-delicacy (when in Rome, and all that) so once our meals were aside I ordered this strange-sounding creation served with ice cream and a strawberry. I’m not sure my tastebuds have ever been so confused. Biting into the crispy batter encasing a molten Mars Bar really does give a taste sensation I struggle to describe, although a relatively pleasant one when you forget how many calories are involved.

The Northern Echo: Forgan's in the heart of St Andrews was a culinary delight.Forgan's in the heart of St Andrews was a culinary delight. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

We headed off for a drink after finishing our meal, only to struggle to get in most places. St Andrews has a high student, and international student, population and the town's only nightclub had been shut down after being found to have RAAC just a few weeks earlier so the pubs and bars were busy.

If you really want to get a feel for the town, it’s worth exploring in the day when the shops, cafes and attractions including the castle are all open. St Andrews is a small town set on a beautiful bit of coast and perfect for a short break.

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One local secret (quite literally) we passed on the journey to the Pitmilly was Scotland’s Secret Bunker, and we decided to call in. 100ft underground and encased in thick concrete this would have been the Government’s command centre in the event of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. An innocent looking farmhouse conceals the entrance down to the bunker, kept secret for 50 years and now a museum, complete with command centre, dorms, broadcasting studio from where the BBC would have announced a nuclear attack, armoury, and a real cat. A totally unexpected addition to our itinerary we thoroughly enjoyed our visit, although sadly it is currently closed for winter and reopens on February 1.

The Northern Echo: Scotland's Secret Bunker is worth exploring.Scotland's Secret Bunker is worth exploring. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

After our two nights at Pitmilly, and with the weather eventually clearing so I could see that marvellous view over the North Sea, it was time to pack up and leave. Even though we were on a resort we hadn’t bumped into another guest during our stay – and there definitely were some with lots of cars parked up – giving that lovely private feel but with the extra facilities. In fact it’d be a great place to stay whether on a couples’ break, group trip or multi-generational holiday with so much to do and see, be it coast, town, or countryside, in every direction.

Morton of Pitmilly currently has up to 30% off midweek stays between now and December 21 and up to 20% off on weekends up until December 18. Book online here.

Normal weekend prices
3 nights in a one bedroom cottage prices from £405
3 nights in a three bedroom cottage prices from £840

Midweek prices
2 nights in a one bedroom cottage prices from £195
2 nights in a three bedroom cottage prices from £520