St Andrews, United Kingdom: travel guide
A small but storied Scottish coastal town, St Andrews is the home of golf, Scotland's oldest university, a ruined cathedral, and bracing North Sea beaches. It inspired the sport now played in 100+ countries.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- EDI
Top places to visit in St Andrews
Old Course at St Andrews
Activity · 4.9 rating · about 5 h
The birthplace of golf — the most famous golf course in the world. The 18th hole's Swilcan Bridge, the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, and the entire town facing the course make this a pilgrimage for golfers worldwide.
St Andrews Cathedral Ruins
Church · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · entry GBP 8
The magnificent ruins of what was once the largest cathedral in Scotland (1158–1559). The skeletal nave walls and St Rule's Tower, with its 33-m climbable staircase for panoramic coastal views, are deeply atmospheric.
West Sands & East Sands Beaches
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 2 h
West Sands is the vast golden beach featured in the opening of 'Chariots of Fire'. East Sands is smaller and more sheltered. Both offer bracing North Sea swims, rock pools, and views of the ruined cathedral.
St Andrews Castle
Fort · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · entry GBP 8
A dramatic clifftop castle ruin, residence of the Archbishop of St Andrews, with a remarkable bottle dungeon cut into solid rock and a mine-and-countermine tunnel system from a 1546–47 siege.
St Andrews University Tour
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 2 h
The University of St Andrews — Scotland's spectacular oldest university (1413), with the iconic St Salvator's Quad, the historic United College, and the famous William and Kate connection.
St Andrews British Golf Museum
Museum · 4.7 rating · about 2 h
The R&A World Golf Museum — St Andrews's spectacular museum dedicated to the home of golf, with the iconic 700+ years of golf heritage, the famous Open Championship trophies.
St Andrews Aquarium
Wildlife · 4.5 rating · about 2 h
The St Andrews Aquarium — the spectacular 1989 aquarium with the iconic seals (resident in the harbour), the famous meerkats, and the family-friendly attraction.
St Andrews Falkland Palace
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 8 h
A day trip from St Andrews to Falkland Palace — the spectacular 16th-century Royal Palace of the Stewart kings, with the iconic Real Tennis Court (the world's oldest still in use).
St Andrews Tentsmuir Beach
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 8 h
A day trip from St Andrews to Tentsmuir Beach — the spectacular Fife coast National Nature Reserve with the iconic 7km sandy beach, the famous seal colony, and the rich birdlife.
St Andrews Botanic Garden
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
The St Andrews Botanic Garden — the spectacular 18-acre university botanic garden, with the iconic Cactus House, the famous winter garden, and the rich Scottish botanical heritage.
Where to stay in St Andrews
- City Centre (within the Walls) about GBP 120 per night
Chester is best experienced from inside the medieval walls. Walk to the Cathedral, the Rows shopping galleries, and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Hotels
- The Scores Hotel St Andrews 4-star · GBP 130 to GBP 450 per night
Where to eat
- Haar Restaurant St Andrews Scottish, Seafood, Modern European · about GBP 90 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.