Although relatively small, St. Andrews is world-famous for being the place where golf was invented and for its prestigious university (the third oldest university in the English-speaking world). That said, there’s more to it than just golf and university, there’s also centuries of medieval history. Best of all, the best things to do in St. Andrews are scattered throughout this cozy little town.
After living in St. Andrews for many years and studying at the University of St. Andrews, I have come to appreciate how wonderful this city is. He is one of the best places in Fife to visit on a day trip from Edinburgh or on an extensive Scottish road trip.
Yes, it may be small, but it has a lot of effect.
So I wrote down some of my favorite places to visit so you can make the most of your time. You’ll have a great time visiting St. Andrews. enjoy!
1.) St. Andrew’s Cathedral
St Andrews Cathedral may be in ruins, but it is one of the oldest buildings in St Andrews. Founded in 1158, it has a history of about 1,000 years.
Visiting the cathedral, just outside East Sands (to the east of town), is one of the best things to do if you want to explore medieval history in St Andrews. As you know, this was (and remains) the largest church building in Scottish history.
Without going too far into history, during the Reformation Henry VIII began separating the Church of England from the Roman Catholic faith. This left St Andrew’s Cathedral in ruins during his 1500s.
Although the cathedral is now in ruins, there is still quite a bit of its grounds and walls to see and explore. While you’re here, be sure to stroll around the East Wall and visit St. Ruler Tower.
It takes about 30 minutes to explore the site, but it’s never too crowded.
Are you coming from Edinburgh? Book a St Andrews and Fife village day tour We’ll take you through some of Fife’s most beautiful locations. Even if you’re short on time, it’s easily worth using because they plan all your transportation and timings for you.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
2.) University of St. Andrews
I know I’m biased as I studied in St Andrews, but I think you should explore some of the historic university buildings in St Andrews. After all, as I said before, this university is her third oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Founded in the 1400s, the university’s buildings are scattered around St. Andrews (not on one large campus). This makes it easy to find important places and history while walking around the city.
Please come and visit us. St. Mary’s QuadIt’s right off South Street. At the center of the quadrangle here is a hawthorn tree planted by Mary Queen of Scots in the 1500s.
Mary, Queen of Scots lived in St. Andrews for a while, and it is said that she decided to remarry while she was there. It is also said that Mary, Queen of Scots, helped (partially) in establishing the university’s library. She decided to part with her extensive selection of Latin books.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit the historic Principal’s House in St. Mary’s Quad.
Afterwards, be sure to stop by the Chapel of St. Salvator, founded in 1450. It’s truly incredible to see.
Finally, if you want to learn more about the University of St. Andrews (and its artefacts), be sure to visit Wardlow Museum and Belle Pettigrew Museum, located in the town center with free admission.
3.) St. Andrews Botanic Garden
Don’t expect a Kew Gardens style botanical garden here. Still, it’s worth a quick visit.
Established in 1889 by the University of St Andrews, it features a large collection of exotic and locally grown plants and is free for students to enter.
Although small, the scenery here is great, with gardens all around and a small riverside setting to see the various plants and flora collected over the past centuries. There are different “areas” dedicated to different species that are easy to walk around and explore.
However, please be careful, St Andrews Botanic Garden It’s small so I wouldn’t actively visit it unless I was passing by Canongate or really interested in botany.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
4.) St. Andrews Castle
Visiting this castle on the town’s rugged coastline is one of the best things to do in St. Andrews to explore the town’s long history.
Although in ruins, it is a great way to step back in time to the 13th century.th Century and learn about this medical castle overlooking the coast.
While you’re here, be sure to check out the Bottle Dungeon, one of the oldest prisons in this part of Scotland. You can also see some of the surviving sage tunnels, which date back to the 1500s. These were built underground in St Andrews itself and are incredible to see, although quite claustrophobic.
You’ll have to pay a small entrance fee, but it’s well worth it when visiting St. Andrews.
5.) West Sands Beach
St. Andrews has some great beaches, but West Sands is my favorite. The new course (golf) runs its entire length and follows the beak of the land from the Old Course Clubhouse to the mouth of the River Eden.
If you also want to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the city, this is definitely one of the best things to do in St. Andrews. I walk here every other day and love it.
You may also recognize parts of West Sands. It has become world-famous as a place. runner of flame The 1981 film featured this beach in its opening scene.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
6.) Walk around St. Andrews
Well, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in St. Andrews is to take a walk around the city. The Scores and South Street are usually considered the ‘old town centre’, with lots of small cafes, shops, pubs and restaurants.
Please stop by when you are out for a walk. central bar(This was an old watering hole when I was studying here). It’s a proper pub if that’s your thing and also serves delicious fish and chips.
Another dinner spot is Forgan’s on Market Street. It’s very close to the central bar so it’s worth eating in the evening. Their shepherd’s pie is so delicious.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
7.) St. Rule Tower
At St. Andrew’s Cathedral, heading to the top of St. Rule’s Tower is one of the best things to do in St. Andrews while exploring the eastern part of town.
St. Ruler Tower stands on the ruins of a castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral and is hard to miss. This church is older than the ruins of St. Andrew’s Cathedral and was built in the early 1100s. About 1000 years ago!
Additionally, there is a vast cemetery within the grounds of the tower, which is also worth seeing as an archaeological site. The views from this 33 meter high tower are spectacular. However, be prepared for some steps to reach the top. Well, 168 for that matter.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
8.) St. Andrews Golf Course
Located on the western edge of St. Andrews, you can’t miss this world-famous golf course. If you go for a walk in West Sands, you can easily find new and old trails.
If you like the game, green fees are between £150 and £250 (estimate). The course is great, although a little steep. After all, this is where golf begins… on this very course! By the way, this is the oldest golf course in the world.
Now, I wouldn’t say my handicap is that low…I mean, I’m not that good at golf. But it’s well worth playing a round while you’re here, and you can easily rent golf clubs in town.
The best is St Andrews Old Course It’s open to the public and anyone can participate, so it’s definitely one of the best things to do when visiting St. Andrews.
Book this to make your life easier Guided tour of St. Andrews It is run by local professional caddies who walk these courses every day. It’s a lot of fun and worth booking to get a good history of the town.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
9.) PH Sign
As you stroll North Street, keep an eye out for the cobblestones of PH ( This point on Google Maps). As you can see, these cobblestones are where Patrick Hamilton was burned at the stake in his 1528 year. He refused to renounce his Protestant beliefs and lost his life just when he was 24 years old.
Hamilton’s initials were then inlaid into the cobblestones and can still be seen today, with “PH” painted on the cobblestones. And if you look up above the university gates, you might spot a creepy face in the bricks. According to local legend, this is the face of Hamilton, but it’s up to you to make sense of it.
Nowadays, it is said that there is a curse that if a student walks on the PH sign, he will fail his degree. I never wholeheartedly stepped on it for that very reason!
Read more: Best places to visit in Fife
10.) Butts Wind
After admiring the cobblestones of PH, be sure to stroll down the affectionately named Butts Wind. It’s a small alley that runs from North Street to The Scores.
It’s a short 2 minute walk, but it’s well worth the trip. After all, you can easily find the Wardlaw Museum at the end.
Read more: Recommended tourist attractions in Scotland
11.) St. Andrews Port
Yes, St. Andrews Harbor is small, but it is located at the beginning of East Sands. This is also a great beach to visit, especially around sunrise. If you’re an early bird, head to the pier and stroll around the area and the beachfront itself.
The view of the sun rising over the North Sea is spectacular.
moreover, The Cheese Toast Shack For breakfast. No doubt they make equally mouth-watering and delicious mac and cheese toasties.
Trust me, take a bite here! This is one of the best things to do in St. Andrews and is something of a local institution.
Read more: Best places to visit in Fife
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