8 Amazing Things To Do in St Andrews, Scotland

St Andrews, Scotland is known the world over as the ‘Home of Golf’, but there is much more to the city than a single sport. Visiting an ancient castle, seeing the ruins of an old cathedral, stepping inside a historic chapel and strolling in the quaint Old Town are a few of the spectacular Things To Do in St Andrews, Scotland!

Even though we’re far from being golf enthusiasts, we were lured to St Andrews and the East Coast of Scotland by the idyllic seaside setting and intriguing history.

Perched on the eastern tip of Fife overlooking the North Sea, St Andrews served as the religious center of Scotland from the 6th century until the Scottish Reformation. Now marked with remains of the past and incredible architecture, the picturesque town beckons travelers for a visit.

 

St Andrews, Scotland: Things To Do in a Day

St Andrews is an ideal day trip destination from Edinburgh or even Glasgow. We made the journey to St Andrews from nearby Dundee. (More details about how to get there later in the article.) 

Our one day in St Andrews was just enough time to tick off the most popular sights. The full day sightseeing adventure was highlighted by top attractions and epic coastal views. That said, we could have easily spent a weekend in St Andrews, leisurely enjoying the sandy shoreline and epic coastal walks.

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8 Things To Do in St Andrews, Scotland

We are showcasing the best things to do in St Andrews in one day – but share more ideas for those staying longer, too. Our list is also organized to be a self-guided walking tour. We provide a map at the end of the article that will help you find your way.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our St Andrews Travel Guide to plan your trip to Scotland!

 

#1 See the Old Course and Swilcan Bridge

One of the top activities in St Andrews is to swing by the 18th hole of the Old Course. Ranking as the oldest golf course in the world, the ‘Grand Old Lady’ was established in the year 1552.

Even though it is a public course, the Open Championship (one of the four Majors) has been hosted at the Old Course a record 30 times. Golf’s greatest players – from Old Tom Morris (a St Andrews local and considered to be the first professional golfer) to Bobby Jones (who established Augusta) to Tiger Woods (who needs no introduction) – have played here.

The Swilcan Burn, a waterway that runs through the course, is crossed by a 700-year-old stone footbridge. The structure is a signature feature of the links – and many professional and amateur golfers have posed atop it for a prime photo op.

We heard that tourists are able to pop out to the bridge for photos in between groups teeing off, too. However, our trip coincided with the AIG Women’s Open and the course was fenced off from the public. Hopefully, you will have better luck!

Top Travel Tip: The Official Old Course Pro Shop is situated on the south side of the 18th hole. It’s a great place to pick up St Andrews souvenirs!

 

#2 Walk along West Sands Beach

A gorgeous 2-mile stretch of coastline, West Sands Beach is a must-see! Sitting on the north side of the Old Course (where the Swilcan Burn spills into the sea), the east-facing shore follows the entire length of the peninsula.

The wide and flat beach is great for taking long walks, playing games and building sandcastles. On sunny summer days, you can even go for a swim (but the water felt far too cold for us to consider taking a dip!).

The shore is accessed via walkways between the grass-covered sand dunes that run along the top of the beach. On our visit, we stuck to the southern end, but the northern section is popular with kite surfers and ends at the Eden Estuary, which is home to a variety of birds and seals.

Fun Trip Tip: The opening scene from Chariots of Fire was filmed in St Andrews on West Sands Beach (even though the movie is set in Kent, England).

 

#3 Wander through the Wardlaw Museum

With exhibits that cover an array of topics, the Wardlaw Museum (also known as the Museum of the University of St Andrews or MUSA) is a fascinating space.

Gallery 1 covers the history of the University of St Andrews – the first in Scotland – and we found it to be the most intriguing. The one-room gallery features artifacts and memorabilia from its inception to modern-day student life.

The other galleries point to significant people, research and discoveries that are linked to the institution. Another highlight is the viewing terrace. The upper level, open-air balcony allows visitors a unique vantage point over the sea.

Budget Travel Tip: There is no charge to visit the Wardlaw Museum. It’s one of the best free things to do in St Andrews!

 

#4 Step inside St Salvator’s Chapel at the Quadrangle

Marking the heart of campus, St Salvator’s Quadrangle and Chapel are two St Andrews attractions that are not to be missed! 

Sallies Quad, as it’s called by students, has long been a part of the university landscape. The sublime architecture that surrounds the green space, however, only dates to the 19th century. The colonnaded portico on the south side of the square provides entrance to the exquisite St Salvator’s Chapel.

We nearly missed it, only taking note of the entryway when we saw others exiting. Bypassing the chapel would have been a huge mistake – the interior is absolutely striking!

Dating to the mid-1400s, the fine Gothic design features stained-glass windows, carved wooden choir stalls and the crumbling remains of Bishop Kennedy’s tomb.

Afterwards, be sure to step out to the front of the church on North Street. Look for the PH initials marked in the sidewalk.

It denotes the spot where Patric Hamilton, an early Protestant Reformer, was burned alive – and stepping on it is said to bring back luck. Above the archway on the belltower, find the face in the stones. Legend states that it appeared after Hamilton was burned. 

Don’t Miss: After visiting The Quad and Chapel, spend some time walking through campus. Start off in the beautifully landscaped space bedecked with colorful flowers that fronts St Salvator’s Hall. 

 

#5 Admire St Andrews Castle

Eerily stunning, the castle in St Andrews sits in ruins on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Although the crumbling site is a far cry from its former glory, the shell stands as a symbol of the power and wealth that once was.

Prior to the Reformation, the castle housed Scotland’s most prominent bishops. Kings were honored visitors at the heavily fortified structure. Meanwhile, the dungeon served as a jail, imprisoning women accused of witchcraft and, later, Protestant preachers.

The history of the castle – from supremacy to shambles – is enthralling, making it one of the top St Andrews tourist attractions. A timeline of events is detailed throughout the space and is further enhanced with an audio guide. Tickets are required to enter.

With so much to see in a day, we skipped the interior and admired it from afar. The best viewpoints are from south of the castle along the elevated sea wall.

Travel Tip: Castle Sands is a small, sheltered beach down a steep staircase. Below are rock pools, sea glass and sensational views. 

 

#6 Explore the Old Harbor, East Sands and Fife Coast

Dating to the 13th century, the sleepy St Andrews Harbour was once thriving with trade. Although a small fishing fleet is still based here, it mainly houses leisure watercraft. On Sundays during the school year, it is tradition for students to parade from service at St Salvator’s to St Andrews Pier. It’s supposedly quite the spectacle!

Stretching to the south is East Sands, another St Andrews beach that attracts both locals and visitors. Less than a mile in length, this beach can often feel more ‘crowded’ than its West Sands counterpart.

Active travelers looking for St Andrews things to do can walk the Fife Coastal Path. The section from Boarhills to St Andrews is especially scenic, featuring the iconic Buddo and Spindle monoliths. We believe the best way to complete the 6-mile trek is to take bus #95 from St Andrews to Boarhills and then walk back.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the tides, as certain parts are not passable at high tide!

 

#7 Roam the Remains of St Andrews Cathedral

Strolling through the ruins of the former cathedral is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in St Andrews. Towers stand like silos above a sea of graves and foundation stones mark the outline of the original building.

Built in 1158, the Cathedral of St Andrews fell to ruins after the 16th century Scottish Reformation. Today, the grounds are open to the public and are free to visit. Informative plaques help shine light on the history of the site and provide details about the church.

While exploring, make sure to get an up-close look at St Rule’s Tower (which pre-dates the cathedral) and wander through the old graves. The most notable tombstones commemorate two famous St Andrews golfers, Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris.

Tip for Your Trip: The museum at St Andrews Cathedral (which was under renovation during our visit) exhibits a selection of artifacts and Medieval statues discovered on the grounds. 

 

#8 Meander St Andrews Old Town

A fun way to experience St Andrews is by simply strolling through the Old Town. Rather than following a strict route, we recommend rambling and letting your instincts lead the way.

We started our walk on Market Street. Highlights of the cobblestone lane are Bouquiniste Books (an absolute treasure trove for bibliophiles), the Whyte-Melville Memorial Fountain and Islander (maker of handbags and one of many boutique shops in St Andrews).

South Street is home to St Andrews Town Hall (check for current exhibitions) and Holy Trinity Church. Some of the interesting things to see in St Andrews on South Street are the embellished West Port Gate (the only surviving medieval entrance), Blackfriars Chapel and St Mary’s Quad.

St Andrews Sightseeing Tip: Be sure to walk the quaint side streets, like Bell, Church and Baker Lane (where there is a delightful little garden). Also, wander down Logies Lane, which is a bit of a hidden gem. The narrow pedestrian passage connects Market and South at Holy Trinity Church. Don’t miss the statue of the legendary cat, Hamish McHamish!

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More Things To Do in St Andrews, UK

We filled our day trip to St Andrews with the prime sights, but there are a few more attractions to consider. Those staying longer might want to include these on their Scotland Itinerary.

 

Museums

Detailing more of the area’s history, St Andrews Museum occupies a lovely Victorian estate. The exhibits share a timeline of St Andrews through artifacts and artworks. It’s free to visit (but closed on Sundays).

The Bell Pettigrew is a small, natural history museum featuring taxidermied animals. It’s also free and especially fun for kids.

Two ticketed attractions in St Andrews are the R&A World Golf Museum and the Aquarium. The later is home to hundreds of fish species, penguins and (oddly) a family of meerkats.

 

Gardens and Outdoor Space

St Andrews Botanic Garden offers a serene atmosphere. It’s one of the best places to go in St Andrews to escape the crowds. A small fee is required for entry.

The nearby Craigtoun Country Park is an outdoor adventure center that is especially fun for families. Some activities (like Go Karts, the Bouncy House and Crazy Golf) require a ticket, but there are trails and playgrounds that are free.

 

Things To Do Around St Andrews

We have outlined what to do in St Andrews, but there are nearby spots worth seeking out, too! The coastal villages of East Neuk, which is along the southern edge of the Fife Peninsula, are an excellent place to spend an afternoon.

The old fishing towns of Elie, St. Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail are located within a 10-mile span. Find more tips about these gems in our East Coast Scotland Itinerary.

The city of Dundee is one of the places near St Andrews that is easy to visit. The top attraction is the V&A Museum, which hosts a dazzling permanent collection, as well as remarkable rotating exhibits. We share more in our guide of Things To Do in Dundee. 

Those looking for things to do near St Andrews that relate to the history of Scotland should head for Perth. The small town once reigned as the capital of the country. The Perth Museum houses an ancient Scottish relic, the Stone of Destiny. Nearby, the Scone Palace welcomes visitors to learn about Scotland’s royal heritage. Read our Guide to Perth, Scotland for additional sights.

The small village of Stonehaven is a delightful place to visit! The town itself has just a handful of attractions, but the nearby Dunnottar Castle is sublime. In fact, hiking to it is one of our favorite Aberdeenshire Coastal Walks. 

Aberdeen, located 75 miles north of St Andrews, is the third-largest city in Scotland. It boasts a maritime past and extravagant granite architecture. Find top tips for visitors in our article, Things To Do in Aberdeen. 

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St Andrews Food and Drink

Part of planning a trip to St Andrews is figuring out where to eat! We are highlighting a few top restaurants and some fun pubs for your visit.

 

Saints Sizzle

Tucked away along the shoreline near the St Andrews Aquarium, Saints Sizzle is a fabulous hamburger restaurant.

We stumbled onto it after spending time on West Sands Beach – and the burgers were utterly satisfying! Go for the Fried-Onion Cheeseburger with Pickles and Mustard – and pair it with smashed Rosemary Fries. (They also have plant-based patties for vegetarians)

 

Forgans Restaurant

Housed in a former golf club factory, Forgans was recommended to us by locals. Not only do they serve delicious Scottish Fare (try the Cullen Skink), but on Saturday evenings, they host ceilidhs, a traditional dancing event.

 

Jannettas Gelateria

Established in 1908, Jannettas is a family-owned gelato shop. They make unique flavors using local ingredients and rotate their offerings by season. You will have plenty of time to figure out what to order, because there is nearly always a long line!

 

Pubs and Bars

There is no shortage of places to imbibe while visiting St Andrews. Several great bars and pubs are found along South Street, which is where we ended of our day trip.

St Andrews Brewing Co is a top pick for fans of craft beer. Brewed locally, the tap room offers a cozy interior and outdoor space, too. (We recommend the refreshing Pale Ale.)

Scottish owned BrewDog also has a tap room on South Street (Hazy Jane is our go-to). A bit further east, The Rule offers a wide range of beers alongside fun cocktails as well as live sports.

Aikman’s Bar and The Criterion are fun traditional pubs. However, The Keys Bar on Market Street is best for sampling Scottish whisky. The Dunvegan and One Under Bar at Rusacks are top choices for golf geeks.

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Map of St Andrews, Scotland

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our St Andrews map below.

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Travel Tips for St Andrews, Scotland

Now that you are ready for your trip, we have a few final bits of info and advice to hopefully make your visit enjoyable and stress free.

 

How To Get There

St Andrews can be reached by bus or car. The city does not have a commercial airport or a train station. The closest international airport is in Edinburgh. 

The nearby Leuchars Train Station is an option for traveling to St Andrews by rail. Passengers will need to switch to a bus or take a taxi to get into town.

The St Andrews bus station sits on the western edge of town – just a short walk from the main attractions. Those making a day trip solely by bus will save money by purchasing the Day Rider Ticket instead of two singles or a return.

 

Edinburgh to St Andrews

The distance between Edinburgh and St Andrews is about 50 miles. We recommend taking the train from Edinburgh to Leuchars and then the #99 Stagecoach Bus into town. Total travel time will be about 1.5 hours.

 

Glasgow to St Andrews

The distance from Glasgow is about 75 miles. If traveling by train, switch in Dundee to the #99 Bus. It’s also possible to take a direct bus (Stagecoach X24) from Glasgow to St Andrews. Either way, the journey will take 2.5 to 3 hours.

 

Dundee to St Andrews

The distance between St Andrews and Dundee is only 13 miles. Bus route 99 makes frequent trips between the two in about 40 minutes.

 

Where To Stay

As a popular destination in Scotland, there are a number of hotels in St Andrews for visitors staying longer than a day.

Those looking to splash out should look no further than the posh Rusacks Hotel. Offering rooms that overlook the 18th hole of the Old Course, the lovely property features a fancy ambiance, exceptional rooms and excellent staff.

Budget-conscious travelers can find more affordable (but not cheap) rooms at Greyfriars Inn. The well-located hotel offers spacious rooms, comfortable beds and a good breakfast.

 

What To Bring to Scotland

Whether spending 1 Day in St Andrews or one week in the city, there are a few things you will want to take along. 

Durable Shoes: A pair of comfortable and versatile shoes are a must. Find your perfect pair using the tips in our article, Best Shoes for Traveling. 

Binoculars: There’s so much to see on the coast of Scotland. Bring a pair of binoculars so you don’t miss a thing!

Travel Camera: Capture the beauty of Scotland with a real camera. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel – which is a great option for travelers.

Weather Gear: Scotland weather can range from sunny to soggy…in a matter of minutes. Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed travel hat, a raincoat and an umbrella so that you are ready for whatever comes your way!

Day Bag: On sightseeing excursions, we carry zippered backpacks that are big enough to stow everything we will need for the day. We share several styles and options in our Guide to Travel Day Packs.

 

Planning a Trip to Scotland

For many travelers – like us – a St Andrews day trip is just one destination on a much longer vacation. Having spent months exploring Scotland, we have heaps of honest information to share!

• Edinburgh in 3 Days
• Famous Scottish Foods
• Things To Do in Glasgow
• What to See in Inverness & the Highlands
• The Best of Isle of Skye
• Visit the Villages of Portree, Dunbar and Plockton
• Walking the West Highland Way

 

Organize Your Scotland Trip

As you begin to make your travel plans, organization is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details!

 

Fun Facts about St Andrews

• In 1759, Benjamin Franklin was honored with a Key to the City and was given an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the university for his work in electricity.
• The Old Course is just one of seven golf courses at St Andrews Links. The others are New Course, Jubilee Course, Castle Course, Eden Course, Balgove Course and Strathtyrum Course.
• In 2001, Prince William met Kate Middleton at the University of St Andrews, where they were both studying.
• St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland (although, he was not Scottish himself). Relics of St Andrew were brought to the town in the 8th century.
• The town’s name does not include an apostrophe because it was named before they were part of the English language. There is also no period in the abbreviation of Saint.

 

Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

More UK Destinations

• 3 Days in London, What To Eat and How To Stay on Budget
• What To Do in Wonderful Windsor, Beautiful Bath and Bustling Bristol
• Things To See in Manchester and Birmingham
• Cardiff, Wales in One Day
• 3-Day Belfast Itinerary

 

 

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