Location: St. Andrews
Top Things to do in St. Andrews
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The 10 Best Things to do in St. Andrews, Scotland
St Andrews (Latin: S. Andrea(s); Scots: Saunt Aundraes; Scottish Gaelic: Cill Rìmhinn) is a town on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Dundee and 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Edinburgh. The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. According to some rankings, it is ranked as the third best university in the United Kingdom, behind Oxbridge. The University is an integral part of the burgh and during term time students make up approximately one third of the town's population. St Andrews has a population of 16,800 (in 2012).
Restaurants in St. Andrews
1. Eden Mill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,025 reviews
NEW DISTILLERY CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. UNFORTUNATELY WE'RE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO ACCEPT VISITORS. Just outside St Andrews, Eden Mill is Scotland's original single-site brewery & distillery. Since 2012 we've been brewing and distilling here, creating a unique and diverse range of beer, gin and whisky.
Reviewed By D361JDlisap - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
What a great afternoon we had blending our own gin and hearing the interesting takes of gin and the history of Eden Mill from Matthew who was very engaging and a fantastic host. Would absolutely recommend.
2. British Golf Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Tee off your visit to St Andrews at one of the most iconic golf locations in the world. The British Golf Museum is just 67 yards from the 1st Tee of the famous Old Course. Discover over 500 years of golf history, exclusive shopping and a wonderful Cafe all under one roof. A warm welcome is assured at this 5 star venue.
Reviewed By 757mariannec - Burnham, United Kingdom
Beautifully laid out, multi-media museum, view from 1st floor cafe over Old Course and West Sands absolutely stunning!!
3. St Andrews Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,949 reviews
St Andrews Cathedral is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. The cathedral grounds will be open Sun to Tues. The remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church, show how impressive it used to be. The museum houses an outstanding collection of early and later medieval sculptures and other relics found on the site, including the magnificent St Andrews Sarcophagus of Pictish date. The precinct walls are particularly well preserved. St Rule's Tower, in the precinct, is part of the first church of the Augustinian canons at St Andrews built in the early 12th century. There are splendid views from the top.
Reviewed By Romelle11 - North Easton, United States
Spent a few hours in St. Andrew and walked through the impressive ruins of the cathedral and cemetery.
4. University of St Andrews
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Founded in 1411, this university forms the centre of town.
Reviewed By kwagmeister - Newburgh, United States
The oldest university in Scotland shares St. Andrews town with the glorious Old Course, making the town a destination point for golfers and those of us who travel with them. Thank goodness for the interesting architecture and parklike grounds of the University, which makes for a lovely walk around town. The University is spread out across the town, with departments tucked in nooks and crannies and student housing just about everywhere. The presence of the University students adds youthful energy to this very old town. We ducked into a church at one point in our walk and found a university student choir rehearsing. Their voices were absolutely beautiful and filled the old church with such life. What a treat. Graduation is next week so there was a lot of sprucing up taking place, making the grounds and buildings all the lovelier.
5. The Swilcan Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 797 reviews
The famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf. The bridge was originally built over 700 years ago so shepherds could move their flock across the Swilcan Burn which meanders through what is now the 1st and 18th fairways. Today the Swilcan Bridge, with the 'Auld Grey Toun' providing the most beautiful of backdrops, is one of the most iconic settings in golf. So much more than a little stone crossing, the Swilcan Bridge is the history of the game, it's the magic moments, it's felt the footsteps of the true greats.
Reviewed By bbeatson
A must visit and photo opportunity for golf lovers. Sunday is the only day to visit and take pictures at this golf history site unless you are lucky enough to plat the Old Course!
6. Cambo Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Walled Garden and more near Kingsbarns in Fife. Reinstated Georgian Stables housing Visitor Centre, cafe, crafts and unique plants for sale. Learning hub for events and activities. Woodland walks to the award winning beach. Nature play area for little ones. Dog friendly everywhere.
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Had a walk round Cambo estate this morning . The wind had dropped and the sun was shining great to be out and about . Lots of specialised plants for sale .We took the upper path along the river and met the sow with piglets clearing ivy from the ground . Snowdrops all the way down to the shoreline and back up on the other side of the river .There are lots of wee waterfalls and the place is very scenic
7. St Andrews West Sands Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 753 reviews
Reviewed By robboaberdeen
Great expanse of sand when tide was out,, you can walk for miles and the scenery and views are terrific.. Really enjoyable.
8. Craigtoun Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 604 reviews
Craigtoun Park is a 47 acre park only 2 miles from St Andrews. The park itself is open 24/7 and it's a great day out for the whole family. During the season try the Rio Grande Railway, Crazy Golf, Putting and Puffin' Billy - the road train that takes you round the whole park. There are also rowing boats and pedalos, bouncy castles and pedal cars for the little ones, weather permitting. The cafe is open daily during the high season and Wednesday - Sunday out-with. It serves hot and cold food, teas and coffees and, of course, ice creams. As of September 2020, the paid for attractions are open at weekends only. For full details of all opening times, prices and event dates, please visit our website.
Reviewed By MalcolmMMitchell - St. Andrews, United Kingdom
Craigtoun Country Park is located 3 miles to the West of St Andrews and is next to the Duke’s Golf Course and the Headquarters of Scottish Golf. As I write this in the first week of June, 2020, lockdown is just starting to ease. There are, however, 52 acres in the Park containing wonderful flora and fauna and plenty of space for social distancing for all. Two organisations are involved in the running of the Park - Fife Council looks after the Park itself and Head Gardener Pamela and her colleague Stevie do a fantastic colouring job on all the flowerbeds and shrubs and the Friends of Craigtoun operate all the rides and attractions and these are currently non - operational due to the pesky virus. It’s such a shame because these volunteers do a magnificent job normally, but these are not normal times! Usually, there are carriages drawn by a tractor “Puffing Billy,” a miniature train called “Rio Grande,” trampolines, rowing boats and pedallos and one can circumnavigate the Dutch Village on the loch with all the ducks, swans and coots beside you. You simply purchase a family ticket from the Ticket Office at a very reasonable price and this is not time specific. The Friends are co-ordinated by inspirational Chairman Kyffin Roberts ( known to all as Kuff ) and he is very ably assisted by the lovely Mandy in the Office, together with about 30 volunteers. ( They’re always looking for more, so if you have time on your hands for 2021, please get in touch! ) Even without the the various rides and attractions, there is a zip wire, a play park with slides and lots of picnic tables. 2020 looks like a non-active year, but as soon as unlockdown kicks in, do take the family to Craigtoun Country Park. You’ll be glad you did!
9. St Andrews Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
St Andrews Botanic Garden is a beautiful living treasure in the heart of historic St Andrews. Inspirational plant displays cover rock and scree hillsides, ponds, woodland and herbaceous borders. Botanical and geographic garden displays and huge glasshouses hold alpines, desert plants and tropical exotics. From April to September we have a fully immersive Tropical Butterfly Experience and Pollinator Challenge. Enjoy our shop and coffeeshop or bring a picnic. Free family activity sessions included with entry daily through the holidays.
Reviewed By Paddy_16__10 - Irvine, United Kingdom
Really enjoyed visit to gardens - really enjoyed Butterfly house - the greenhouse roof is lower so you are able to see the beauty of the butterflies and the staff were amazing too.
10. St Andrews Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,124 reviews
St Andrews Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. St Andrews Castle is the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century. On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the city's castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews and the focal point of the church in medieval Scotland. Explore the underground 16th-century siege mine and counter-mine, and the 'bottle dungeon', one of the most infamous castle prisons in medieval Britain, which was cut out of the solid rock. John Knox and George Wishart may have been imprisoned in this dank and airless space, and this is where its believed Cardinal Beaton’s body was kept when he was murdered in 1546.
Reviewed By Surrfred
This is one of two incredible ruins in town.Right on the water there is a museum building that gives you a good history of the castle.This building also has a small gift shop where you buy your tickets.I loved the atmosphere of the ruins with the sea right right there.Just a great place to meander around and take in.
