St Andrews: Private Dark Side Guided City Tour

St Andrews is no stranger to darkness. The Private Dark Side Guided City Tour promises to uncover the town’s unsettling history, from tales of wild rabbits and local gangsters to the notorious Poisonous Sausage Massacre. Priced at Kč 3,734 for up to four participants, this 1.5-hour exploration delves into the region’s religious persecutions and ghostly encounters, inviting visitors to discover the chilling realities that lurk beneath St Andrews’ picturesque facade.

Key Points

• The private "Dark Side Guided City Tour" of St Andrews explores the town’s dark history, including the Rabbit War, poisonous sausages, and tales of crime and martyrdom.
• The 1.5-hour tour is priced at Kč 3,734 for up to 4 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Key sights include the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews Aquarium, University of St Andrews, St Andrews Castle, and St Andrews Cathedral.
• The tour reveals the unsettling past of St Andrews, such as the conflict between golfers and wild rabbits, as well as stories of gangsters, murderers, and religious persecution.
• The ghost of Tom Morris and the narratives of martyrs and executions add a haunting and historical element to the tour’s dark atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This private Dark Side Guided City Tour in St Andrews is priced at Kč 3,734 for a group of up to 4 participants.

The tour lasts 1.5 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve now and pay later.

Explore St Andrews’ dark history with a 1.5-hour guided tour that offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour starts and ends at 50 The Scores, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

It explores the dark history of the town, including stories about wild rabbits, poisonous sausages, and local gangsters and martyrs.

Itinerary and Sightseeing Highlights

The tour begins at 50 The Scores, the home of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Guests will explore key sights, including the St Andrews Aquarium, University of St Andrews, St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Cathedral, Saint Leonards Road, Parliament Hall, and Holy Trinity Church.

The main stop is a return to the starting point at 50 The Scores.

Highlights along the way include stories about wild rabbits overtaking the Old Course, a mysterious poisonous sausage massacre, historical events like the plague, and tales of gangsters, murderers, and martyrs.

Dark History Exploration

Although the tour of St Andrews may seem idyllic on the surface, the guide delves into the city’s dark past, uncovering a series of unsettling tales. From the Rabbit War to Al Capone’s connection, the tour explores the town’s macabre history.

| Dark Sights | Description |

|————-|————-|

| The Rabbit War | Wild rabbits overtaking the Old Course |

| Mysterious Poisonous Sausage Massacre | Historical events like the plague |

| Gangsters, Murderers, and Martyrs | Stories of crime and punishment |

| The Ghost of Tom Morris | Haunting tales of the past |

| Martyrs and Executions | Grim reminders of religious persecution |

Guests are enthralled as the guide brings these dark chapters to life, painting a vivid picture of St Andrews’ hidden history.

The Rabbit War

Ravaging the pristine fairways of the Old Course, wild rabbits had become a persistent nuisance in St Andrews. Known as the "Rabbit War," this bizarre chapter in the town’s history pitted golfers against the furry invaders.

Ravaging the pristine fairways of the Old Course, wild rabbits had become a persistent nuisance in St Andrews.

The conflict involved:

1. Thousands of rabbits burrowing in the greens, causing chaos and damage.

2. Golfers employing various tactics, including traps and ferrets, to combat the rabbit plague.

3. Heated debates and proposals to eradicate the rabbits, sparking debates about animal cruelty.

4. The town’s reputation as a premier golfing destination being threatened by the unruly rabbit population.

Despite the challenges, the resilient golfers of St Andrews ultimately prevailed, restoring the courses to their former glory.

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Al Capone’s Connection to St Andrews

Amidst the charming medieval streets of St Andrews, a surprising connection to the notorious gangster Al Capone emerged.

During the tour, visitors learn about the golf legend’s involvement with the infamous mobster. Apparently, Capone had a fondness for the seaside town and would visit regularly to enjoy a round of golf.

Local lore suggests he even had a summer residence in the area. Though the details remain shrouded in mystery, the guide shares captivating tales of Capone’s exploits and his ties to the quaint Scottish burgh.

This unexpected facet of St Andrews’ history adds an intriguing layer to the tour’s dark narrative.

The Ghost of Tom Morris

The ghastly specter of Tom Morris, the legendary golfer, is said to haunt the ancient fairways of St Andrews. Known as "Old Tom", he won the British Open a record 4 times and is considered the father of modern golf.

According to local lore:

The legendary golfer Tom Morris’s ghost is said to haunt the 18th hole of the Old Course, muttering about missed putts and errant shots.

1. Morris’s ghost is spotted on the 18th hole of the Old Course, where he played his final round.

2. He appears as a shadowy figure carrying his iconic leather golf bag.

3. The ghost is heard muttering about missed putts and errant shots.

4. Sightings often coincide with major tournaments, as if Morris is still competing.

Martyrs and Executions

St Andrews has a dark history of religious persecution, with several notable martyrs and executions.

In the 16th century, many Protestant reformers were put to death for their beliefs. Cardinal Beaton, a Catholic archbishop, was assassinated in 1546 by Protestant conspirators.

Later, two Protestant preachers, George Wishart and Walter Mill, were burned at the stake for heresy.

The town’s St Andrews Cathedral was the site of these gruesome events, serving as a grim reminder of the religious intolerance that once gripped the region.

These macabre tales add to the Gothic allure of St Andrews’ past.

Guided Experience and Important Information

On the tour, participants are provided with a local, expert guide who conducts the experience in English.

This private group experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for ages 12 and up.

The meeting point is the Martyrs Memorial on The Scores, where the guide will be wearing an orange jacket.

Feedback from previous customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.7/5 rating based on 3 reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable tour experience.

The key details for the tour are:

1. Private group experience

2. Conducted in English by a local, expert guide

3. Wheelchair accessible

4. Suitable for ages 12 and up

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Tour Guide Be in Costume During the Tour?

According to the tour details, the guide will wear an orange jacket during the tour, but there is no indication that they will be in costume. The tour focuses on the dark history of St Andrews rather than a theatrical experience.

Can the Group Size Be Increased Beyond 4 Participants?

The group size can’t be increased beyond 4 participants for this private tour. The pricing and itinerary are set for a group of up to 4 people, and the tour isn’t available for larger groups.

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Photography is permitted during the tour. The tour description doesn’t mention any restrictions on taking photos, so participants are free to capture the sights and stories shared by the knowledgeable local guide throughout the 1.5-hour private walking experience.

Will the Tour Include Visits to Any Pubs or Taverns?

The tour doesn’t include visits to pubs or taverns. It focuses on exploring St Andrews’ dark history and key sights like the university, castle, and cathedral. The guided experience is private and suitable for ages 12 and up.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour’s duration is fixed at 1.5 hours and cannot be extended. However, the tour includes a wide range of dark historical sights in St Andrews, so the allotted time should be sufficient to explore the key highlights.

The Sum Up

The St Andrews: Private Dark Side Guided City Tour offers a captivating exploration of the town’s unsettling history. Delving into tales of wild rabbits, local gangsters, and notorious events, the tour provides an engaging and informative look at the darker aspects of St Andrews’ past. With flexibility in cancellation and a guided experience, this tour promises a unique and insightful journey through the city’s shadowy legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: