A small and picturesque medieval town. Famous for its cathedral, the largest in Scotland but now only ruins, and for its University, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the UK’s most prestigious where Prince William and Kate studied and met. It’s also famous for being the home of golf with its beautiful golf links and its stunning scenery and sandy beaches.
A small and picturesque medieval town. Famous for its cathedral, the largest in Scotland but now only ruins, and for its University, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the UK’s most prestigious where Prince William and Kate studied and met. It’s also famous for being the home of golf with its beautiful golf links and its stunning scenery and sandy beaches.
Things to see and do in St. Andrews:
St Andrews University
St Andrews University was founded in 1413. It was Scotland’s first university. It’s one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world.
How to get there: it’s 180m from the Bus Station on Market Street.
St Andrews Cathedral
Constructed in the 12th century but now in ruins, St Andrews Cathedral was the largest and most magnificent medieval church in Scotland. This site was used for worship since the 8th century AD when the relics of St Andrew (Scotland’s patron saint) are said to have been brought to it.
Visit its museum to learn more about the cathedral and see some objects and relics. Also visit St Rule’s tower for spectacular views.
Opening hours:
1 Apr – 30 Sep daily 09.30am – 5.30pm
1 Oct – 31 Mar daily 09.30am – 4.30pm
How to get there: it’s 850m from the University of St Andrews. Walk down Market Street towards East, when you get to the end of the street, turn right then immediately left on South Street. On the end of South St turn right.
St Andrews Museum
It tells the story of St Andrews from early medieval times to the present day. It is a small, local archive collection that relates to the community of the people of St Andrews. Temporary exhibitions, talks, concerts and children’s workshops are regularly held.
Free admission.
Opening hours:
Apr – Sep daily 10am – 5pm
Oct – Mar daily 10.30am – 4pm
How to get there: it’s 300m from University on St Andrews on Market Street. From there walk west, pass the roundabout, the street name will change to Doubledykes Road. Turn the second right.
The Old Course Golf Links
This is the oldest golf course in the world, where the game was first played back in around 1400. The Old Course has been host to 27 Opens! It remains a public course and welcomes any golfer with a handicap of 24 or under (36 for ladies).
If you love golf or just want to give it a try, here is a complete list of the beautiful golf courses in St Andrews.
You can check prices and book online.
How to get there: from City Road, head north towards the sea. Turn left on West Sands Road.
The British Golf Museum
Awarded a 5-star attraction by the Scottish Tourism Board. Imaginative exhibitions, hands on activities and stunning multimedia displays bring to life over 500 years of golfing history.
Opening hours:
Jan – Mar daily 10am – 4pm
Apr – Oct Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5pm & Sun 10am – 5pm
Nov – Dec daily 10am – 4pm
Last entry to the museum is 45 minutes before closing.
How to get there: it’s on the east end of the Old Course link on Golf Place.
St Andrews Aquarium
On the cliffs of St Andrews, with beautiful views of its famous sand beaches. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of maritime species with beautiful fish and mammals; from black tip reef sharks to seahorses, seals and meerkats. The daily interactive demonstrations include seal feeding at 12pm and 3pm, and a rockpool ramble at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm
Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm
Closed on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
How to get there: it’s 350m from the British Golf Museum. Head south and then left on The Scores, pass St James Church on the left and you will see the Aquarium.
How to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh:
By train and bus. From Edinburgh Waverley Station take a train to Leuchars Rail Station. Get out of the station on Station Road, turn left and get bus number 99. It will take you to St Andrews Bus Station which is centrally located near St Andrews University. The journey takes around 1h20.
Tours
Have a look at our tour that will take you to St. Andrews and Fishing Villages of Fife.
*Please note that opening hours may change without notice. The links on this post will take you to each attraction’s official website, please visit them before planning your trip.
Share on social media
