StAnza takes place in St Andrews from 12 to 14 March 2027. Choose your accommodation around the programme you want to attend and the journey back after the final reading.
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St Andrews KY16 9LA, is the central reference point for planning. Check the new programme for any other venues before deciding that one accommodation location suits the whole weekend.
A base in St Andrews can make it easier to attend an evening event without immediately continuing to a railway station. Accommodation elsewhere may suit your wider plans, but compare the complete return journey before booking.
Quick answers
- Festival dates: 12–14 March 2027.
- Main venue: Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St Andrews KY16 9LA.
- Rail: Leuchars, with a separately planned onward connection.
- Choosing a base: compare the complete journey after your final reading.
Staying in St Andrews
Start by looking at the property’s full address and the route to your chosen festival venues. A broad description such as “St Andrews accommodation” can cover different kinds of journey.
| Base | Distance to the main venue | Way to the venue | Getting back after evening events | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Andrews centre | Check the exact property address | Compare the route to Byre Theatre | Check the actual final journey before booking | A stay centred on the main festival setting |
| Abbey Street and the Byre approach | Check the exact property address | Compare the route to Byre Theatre | Check the actual final journey before booking | A different base if its daily journey suits your programme |
| Wider Fife | Check the exact property address | Compare the route to Byre Theatre | Check the actual final journey before booking | A different base if its daily journey suits your programme |
If you want to walk, check the actual route instead of relying on a map’s straight-line distance. Consider whether it suits you with luggage, whether you expect to return to the room between events and how comfortable you will be making the journey after an evening reading.
A central stay can help if you want a break during the day. However, check the property’s terms before depending on access to your room before check-in or after checkout.
Ask about late entry if you plan to stay for evening events. Make sure you understand any key collection, door code or reception agreement in advance.
For a shared trip, compare room layout as carefully as location. Decide whether everyone wants the same arrival and departure dates and whether the booking offers the privacy and flexibility you need.
The right accommodation is the one that supports the weekend you want. A convenient address is valuable, but so are suitable access, a comfortable room and conditions you understand before paying.
Choosing accommodation around the Byre
The Byre’s main address is on Abbey Street, and it also has an entrance from Byre Close off South Street. Use the entrance that suits your journey and any access agreement you have discussed with the venue.
When comparing accommodation, look at the route to the theatre as well as the distance shown by a booking service. If you have difficulty walking or standing, ask about the details that affect you.
A shorter journey may give you more freedom between events. You might return to leave books, change clothes or rest before an evening reading. Decide whether those are things you will want to do before paying extra for a location.
Check the other venues in your programme too. A room that is convenient for the Byre may still require a separate plan for an event elsewhere.
If you are arriving by taxi, keep the property’s full address and contact number with you. Do the same for the festival venue if you plan to go there before checking in.
Staying beyond the town
An out-of-town base may suit someone travelling by car or combining the festival with other plans. It can also be an alternative when the accommodation you want in St Andrews is unavailable.
Compare the full daily journey. Add parking, the walk to the venue and the return after the final event, instead of judging the choice only by the outward drive.
Without a car, check the services running when you need them. A helpful daytime connection may not offer an equally convenient evening return.
If a taxi is essential, obtain a plan from an operator before booking the room. Ask about availability for the specific dates and times, how to reserve and where collection would take place.
Do not choose a distant base on the assumption that transport can be sorted out later. Settle the journey and accommodation together so that your ticket choices remain comfortable.
Arriving by rail
The festival’s travel information directs rail passengers through Leuchars. Plan the transfer to St Andrews, then decide whether you will go to your accommodation or straight to the festival.
If your first event is before check-in, ask the property about leaving luggage. Check the answer before depending on it, especially if your bag would be awkward to carry through the day.
For departure, compare checkout with your last session and your onward train. You may need luggage storage, a return to the accommodation or a direct journey from the venue.
Allow time for the connection to Leuchars. A train departure is not a deadline you can meet by leaving the theatre shortly beforehand.
If another person is travelling separately, share the accommodation details and agree who will hold any keys or booking information. A little coordination can prevent a late arrival from becoming complicated.
One night or a full weekend?
Let the programme guide the length of the stay. A single night may suit events on two adjacent days; a longer booking can give you more freedom if your interests are spread across the weekend.
Check the timing of the first session you want. An early event may make arrival the previous evening more comfortable, especially if the rail journey involves several connections.
Consider the final day too. An afternoon session may fit a relaxed departure, while a later reading could make another night worth investigating.
If you book before the programme is announced, read the cancellation conditions closely. Record the deadline and reconsider the booking when you can see the event timetable.
Avoid assuming that the published festival dates mean you need to arrive before the first day and leave after the last. Choose the stay that fits your visit.
Access and room details
Ask about the specific room being offered. Describe the access you need from the street or parking area through to the bedroom, bathroom and any dining space.
Check steps, lifts and the route within the building. If a bathroom feature matters, ask a direct question instead of relying on a general accessibility description.
Explain whether you use a wheelchair, need to minimise walking or require help with luggage. Clear details make it easier for the property to answer helpfully.
The Byre has level entrances, a lift and wheelchair seating, but accommodation needs a separate conversation. Confirm both parts of the visit before committing to a booking that depends on them.
If you need transport between the property and venue, check vehicle suitability and pickup details with the operator as well.
Breakfast, meals and the festival day
Compare breakfast times with your first event. If you need to leave early, ask whether another option is possible.
Check what is included in the room price. For self-catering accommodation, look at the actual facilities instead of assuming every unit offers the same equipment.
Plan dinner around the evening programme. Leave enough time to eat and return to the venue without rushing.
The Byre describes drinks and snacks in its visitor information. Check what will be available on your date if you hope to use a short interval for refreshments.
Tell the relevant provider about dietary requirements that need preparation. A direct answer is more helpful than an assumption based on a sample menu.
Questions about your stay
What should I confirm?
Before confirming, check the full price, the room type, arrival details and cancellation deadline. Read any parking, deposit or payment conditions.
How do I depart?
Make a note of what matters most to you: the route to the venue, suitable access, room configuration or an arrival time. Confirm those details directly.
Keep the accommodation contact with your festival tickets and transport information. If your arrival changes, let the property know instead of assuming a late check-in will be straightforward.
Finally, look through the whole weekend once more. Make sure your first event, last reading, checkout and return journey fit together. The StAnza festival guide has official programme links and theatre access information.
A well-chosen stay gives you time to enjoy the poetry and the pauses around it, with the practical details already settled.
Named places to stay
Compare these properties by their own published addresses. Check the room, cancellation terms, access and the complete festival journey before paying. No availability or walking time is promised.
Rusacks St Andrews
Rusacks St Andrews: Pilmour Links, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JQ.
Hotel du Vin St Andrews
Hotel du Vin St Andrews: 40 The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AS.
The Albany Hotel
The Albany Hotel: 56–58 North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AH.
Sources
Checked 28 October 2026: