St Andrews Botanic Garden

I love these gardens, don't get me wrong they are not 'Kew Gardens, RHS Wolsey or Edinburgh Botanics' and more info throughout the site would be really useful. No, I like that they are a reasonable size, the water feature (a pond) has some benches to sit on and relax with some shade there too. There are enough walks and more seats all over the gardens so it's not all a case of sitting around the pond. The rockery has a gentle rise (not a hill as my amazing fiancé suggested it was!) and is a good spot from which to look over the site. A pity the shop had next to nothing in it and surprisingly no plants or garden 'stuff' for sale. The café is twee and, whilst not offering much has a sufficient amount for a snack but you might want to take something to munch yourself. The staff have never been anything other than very nice and willing to talk. I work overseas but absolutely love going to the gardens when I am home in Fife and heartily recommend this to anyone seeking a peaceful spot with beautiful surroundings. Oh and there are some birds at the pond who are a delight to watch. Update..... An autumnal visit on the first Fri of the month in Nov 22. I went on the first Fri because entrance is free which is a great saving for an old so and so like me. Was it worth it, yes, unreservedly so as well. The colours were, of course, superb but as much as that are the continuing improvements throughout the site. The children's play area is a superb location with a large 'Spiders Web' to climb up to a viewing platform, climbing frame, a large woodland glade seating area and many more items which will keep the children occupied. The huts for pausing in that are dotted around the site have been cleaned and a fresh lick of paint applied making them seem better. The wood is still rotten in them and the one in the herb garden, my favourite needs a new floor as the existing one has holes in it and is a trip hazard. The greenhouse housing succulents has much going for it, airy and with seats to rest and view the beautiful plants it's a must to call in and learn at the same time. It was a lovely sunny day, about 11⁰c in the sun so sitting with a coffee in its full light was very peaceful. That said it's crying out for a covered cafe or larger covered area to sit outside and enjoy 'kaffee und Kuchen' when it's not sunny. I'm sure it's both commercially viable and necessary. Oh, final selling point, the single multi use (men's, women's, disabled, baby changing room) toilet was very clean with skate loo rolls to hand. This site is a must any day of the week/month so enjoy it all. I've not proof read this, I know I should but hey - live life on the edge eh?!!😉👍