StAnza: Itineraries
Whether you are coming to StAnza for the weekend or just for the day, by road or by rail, there's lots to do and see. Here are some suggestions for how to enjoy what StAnza and St Andrews have to offer.
Download a Map of St Andrews to take with you.
I. A day out with friends from Edinburgh by rail, Saturday 17 March
- Depart Edinburgh Waverley around 9.00am
- Arrive St Andrews late morning
- Have a coffee at Greyfriars
- Wander down to the Harbour, or along the West Sands
- 1.00pm: Poetry Café: lunch and verses in The Byre Studio Theatre
- 1.45pm: Time to check out the shops or galleries including Fisher & Donaldson for speciality breads and cakes
- Dine at Kingarroch at the Byre with the poets
- 8.00pm Poetry Centre Stage with Jackie Kay and Christopher Reid
- Time for a drink in the bar before heading back to Leuchars
- 10.42pm: Depart Leuchars (Ask at Festival Desk by 2.00pm if you want us to arrange a taxi from the Byre Theatre to Leuchars Railway Station at a special concession rate of £5 per person)
- 11.55pm: Arrive Edinburgh Waverley
II. Family daytrip, Sunday 18 March
- Free parking at the Harbour or off Pilmour Links
- Take a walk along the West Sands
- Try your luck at the Shop Window Competition (entry forms at the Festival Desk in The Byre)
- Lunch at Zest
- Don't miss Split Screen, poetry inspired by TV and film at 2.15pm in the Byre
- Time for an ice-cream at Jannettas
- And a wander round town before it’s time to go home.
III. Lunch plus, 18 March
- Book lunch at The Fairmont
- After lunch, drive into town (free on-street parking on Sundays)
- 3.30pm - Time to check out the shops or galleries
- Don’t miss Luvians Bottle Shop
- 5.00pm - Psycho Poetica - a compelling re-telling of the classic film
- Before you drive home, enjoy some free Poetry Theatre in Kingarroch at the Byre
IV. Enjoy a Festival weekend from Newcastle by rail
- Friday 16 March: Depart early afternoon from Newcastle Central
- Arrive St Andrews at about 4.30pm just in time for Five O’Clock Verses
- 6.15pm: Grab a bite at the Quiet Open Mic at Zest Juicing and Coffee Bar
- Full festival day on Saturday
- Sunday 18 March, have a lazy lunch at Kingarroch at the Byre after the Masterclass
- Take in Karen Dunbar in Denise Mina's play A Drunk Woman Looks at the Thistle
- Depart Leuchars around 6.00pm
- Arrive Newcastle around 10.00pm
V. Travel from London by rail to enjoy the whole festival
- Wednesday 14 March: Depart from London Kings Cross
- Arrive St Andrews for the Festival Launch
- Dinner, sample one of the town’s many restaurants
- 7.30pm: a choice of two evening events.
- 9.45pm: relax in Kingarroch at the Byre with poetry and chat
- 14-17 March: a range of festival events each day with time out to explore the town
- Sunday 18 March 10.00pm: see the Festival out in style at the Festival Finale Party
- Monday 19 March: Depart from Leuchars for Kings Cross
Disclaimer: All times are estimated as at March 2012. Leuchars is the railway station for St Andrews and buses run into the centre of town up to three times an hour, taking about 15 minutes. For up to date rail times and services, check online at www.nationalrail.co.uk