St Andrews, United Kingdom: travel guide
The home of golf, a ruined cathedral and wide North Sea sands
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.
About St Andrews
St Andrews is a small town on the Fife coast of Scotland, known around the world as the home of golf. The Old Course runs along the edge of town beside the beach, and golfers and spectators alike come to see its famous links.
The town is also Scotland's oldest university seat, with a ruined cathedral and castle perched above the sea. You can walk the West Sands and East Sands, explore the harbour and narrow medieval streets, and visit the nearby Tentsmuir beach and forest. Cafés and small independent shops line the main streets.
St Andrews suits golfers, history lovers and those looking for a quiet seaside town. Late spring to early autumn offers the longest days and the best chance of calm weather by the coast.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- EDI
Last updated
Top places to visit in St Andrews
Old Course at St Andrews
Activity · 4.9 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
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 £8 (≈ ₹1,010)
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 £8 (≈ ₹1,010)
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
oldest-university · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
golf-museum · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
aquarium · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
royal-palace · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
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
nature-reserve · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
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
botanic-garden · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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 to St Andrews
Nearest airport: Edinburgh (EDI), about 56 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about St Andrews
- What are the top-rated places to visit in St Andrews?
- The highest-rated places in our St Andrews guide are Old Course at St Andrews, St Andrews Cathedral Ruins, West Sands & East Sands Beaches, St Andrews University Tour, St Andrews British Golf Museum.
- Where should I stay in St Andrews?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in St Andrews: City Centre (within the Walls).
- How do I get around St Andrews?
- Ways to get around St Andrews covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to St Andrews?
- The nearest airport to St Andrews has the code EDI.