10 Best Things To Do In St Andrews
What is St Andrews Most Famous For?
Experience the best things to do in St Andrews, where Scottish history comes alive through historic ruins, world-renowned golf courses and vibrant botanic gardens. Begin your explorations with a panoramic view of landmark ruins from an ancient tower or shop for unique finds at the heart of the city’s historic district. Relax at a sidewalk cafe or savour craft beers at a local brewery.
Perfect your golf swing on an iconic course overlooking the North Sea. Immerse yourself in tranquil green spaces or start your day by catching a sunrise at the beach, where you can watch vivid colours unfold across the sky and shorebirds scurry along the coastline.
What are the best things to do in St Andrews?
1. St Andrews Links golf course
Centuries old golf course with ocean views
Ideale per: Storia, Foto
Known as ‘The Home of Golf’, the origins of the famous St Andrews Links golf course date back to the 15th century. It attracts golfers of all skill levels with 7 public courses steeped in tradition and natural beauty, including its iconic Old Course with its Swilcan Bridge, which is believed to be over 600 years old.
The Jubilee Course features dunes and well-placed bunkers, while the Eden Course offers an exhilarating course that uses its natural rolling landscapes. The Castle Course offers stunning views of the North Sea and St Andrews Bay from its rolling fairways. Warm up at the driving range, offering 60 floodlit bays, indoor practice areas and a short game area.
Posizione: 13 The Links, St Andrews KY16 9JB, UK
Orario di apertura: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 11 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 479799
St Andrews Links golf course
2. St Andrews Cathedral
Cathedral ruins with an intact stone tower
Ideale per: Storia, Foto, Budget
After more than a century and a half of construction, the magnificent St Andrews Cathedral was consecrated in 1318 in the presence of King Robert the Bruce. It fell into ruins after the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. Begin your visit to the cathedral by climbing St. Rule’s Tower for magnificent views of the ruins, village and surrounding coastline.
Explore the museum to marvel at stone carvings and the St Andrew’s sarcophagus, a revered piece of Medieval art. Don’t miss the remaining sections of the south wall of the nave, the cathedral’s west front and the graveyard, where the ancient headstones tell the story of local people and their connection to the cathedral’s history.
Posizione: The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL, UK
Orario di apertura: Friday–Monday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Tuesday–Thursday)
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 472563
St Andrews Cathedral
3. St Andrews Castle
Iconic fortress that helped shape Scotland’s history
Ideale per: Storia, Foto, Budget
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea, St Andrews Castle, once the residence of Scotland’s leading clergymen, played a pivotal role in Scottish history. During your visit, uncover fascinating stories of the castle’s significance during the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Scottish Reformation.
Learn about the religious tensions that culminated in the siege of 1546–1547 and explore the mine and countermine tunnels dug by opposing sides during the conflict. Visit the Sea Tower to peer into the infamous bottle dungeon and check out the deep pit cut from solid stone that’s regarded as Scotland’s most notorious castle prison. Outdoors, admire the Hamilton Facade, the castle’s impressive frontage. An audio guide is included with admission.
Posizione: The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AR, UK
Orario di apertura: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 477196
St Andrews Castle
4. West Sands Beach
Beach strolls and colourful sunrises
Ideale per: Foto, Budget
Venture to West Sands Beach for a wander along its expansive shoreline. Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire, this 2-mile beach immerses visitors in coastal splendour with uninterrupted coastal and dune views. Visit the beach at dawn to join early morning joggers, take a refreshing swim or watch a breath-taking sunrise.
As the first light peeks above the horizon, watch the sky’s changing colours reflect on the water’s surface, illuminating the surrounding landscapes. Beachcomb for treasures while keeping an eye out for shorebirds like orange-billed oystercatchers, common sandpipers and black-headed gulls as they gather near the water’s edge, creating a captivating and tranquil scene.
Posizione: 70 Market St, St Andrews KY16 9NU, UK
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 472021
West Sands Beach
5. Ghost tours
Intriguing tales and an immersive walking tour
Ideale per: Storia, Avventure, Viaggi alternativi
Discover the fascinating past of St Andrews on a guided ghost tour and hear legendary tales of the supernatural, including the ‘Grey Lady’, who roams the marketplace. Explore the paranormal realm along South Street while listening for the ethereal tunes played by a ghost piper.
Will you see the ghost of Bishop Lamberton wandering the St Andrews Cathedral ruins after sundown? Or hear the footsteps of monks who once walked along the medieval passageway at the Pends? Finally, along East Scores, look out to the North Sea for ghost galleons said to be forever at sail. There are several ghost tours ran by various companies, so be sure to research the best one for you.
Posizione: Church St, St Andrews KY16 9NN, UK
Orario di apertura: Daily from 4 pm to 5.30 pm
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 479799
Ghost tours
6. Market Street
Shopping in the historic centre
Ideale per: Acquisti, Cibo, Vita notturna
Meander along Market Street for a memorable shopping experience in the historic heart of St Andrews, also known as ‘The Scores’. You’ll get to discover an eclectic blend of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, all tucked away inside historical buildings. Hunt for a classic souvenir in the form of a crystal whisky glass or traditional tartan throws.
Explore North Street or South Street then stop to savour local cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Indulge your tastebuds with haggis balls, a flavourful bite-size introduction to Scotland’s national dish, then delight your sweet tooth with sticky toffee pudding drenched in salted toffee sauce and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 472021
Market Street
7. Janetta’s Gelateria
Decadent gelato and creative treats
Ideale per: Coppie, Famiglie, Cibo
A beloved family-owned shop, Jannetta’s Gelateria has been serving up gelato to visitors and locals in St Andrews for generations. With more than 54 flavours to choose from throughout the year, you’re sure to find a favourite, or several.
Opt for classics like rich, creamy vanilla or decadent chocolate, or go for something a little more unique, such as mascarpone with crunchy almonds and cherry jam, pistachio or dark chocolate sea salt. Beyond traditional scoops, Janetta’s offers unusual creative treats like gelato sandwiches, baked Alaska and filled sourdough focaccias. For special occasions, we recommend their mouth-watering tiramisu cakes, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Posizione: 31 South St, St Andrews KY16 9QR, UK
Orario di apertura: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Telefono: +44 (0)1334 473285
Janetta's Gelateria
8. Botanical Gardens
Tranquil botanical garden with vibrant blooms
Ideale per: Coppie, Famiglie, Foto
Sitting beautifully on the banks of wooded Kinness Burn, St Andrews Botanic Garden is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts. Over 18 acres of enchanting woodland walks, verdant meadows and serene ponds are waiting for you. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty as you wander through the rhododendron glade bursting with colourful blooms.
The rock garden’s winding pathways are brimming with trees, plants and mosses that display the garden’s biodiversity, while the waterfall and shimmering pond paint a tranquil picture. Bring the family, as children can climb the Exploratree’s balancing beams, climbing steps and more. Enjoy a memorable family picnic in the meadow and don’t miss a visit to the poplar glade to spot native orchids.
Posizione: Canongate, St Andrews KY16 8RT, UK
Orario di apertura: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Telefono: +44(0)1334 461200
Botanical Gardens
9. Blackfriars
Friary ruins and intriguing Scottish history
Ideale per: Storia, Foto, Budget
The crumbling ruins of Blackfriars, a 16th-century chapel, offer an intriguing glimpse into St Andrew’s spiritual history. Built as part of the Dominican friary, it played a significant role in the town’s religious life until the Reformation in 1559.
The Dutch influence on the chapel’s large windows and the Scottish stone-vaulted ceilings is a highlight worth looking out for. The remnants of Blackfriars, the remaining walls of the chapel and its intricate stonework and arches provide a connection to St Andrew’s rich history. You’ll find the ruins amidst St Andrews’ bustling streets, so it’s an ideal sightseeing spot between shopping and dining.
Posizione: South St, St Andrews KY16 9EH, UK
Telefono: +44(0)1334 472021
Blackfriars
10. St Andrews Brewing Company
Innovative craft beers and delicious bites
Ideale per: Cibo, Foto, Budget
If you’re a fan of craft ale, head to St Andrews Brewing Company, which is renowned for its innovative beverages. Sample a diverse range of brews, including the refreshing tropical flavour of Yippee IPA, inspired by Bruce Willis and the Die Hard franchise with a crisp, bitter finish. You won’t want to miss a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the company’s heritage malts and the brewing process.
After your tour, enjoy your beer with delicious barbecue chicken wings, pepperoni pizza topped with mozzarella or a gourmet chicken burger coated with beer batter. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this lively brewery is one of the best destinations for craft beer enthusiasts.
Posizione: 177 South St, St Andrews KY16 9EE, UK
Orario di apertura: Daily from noon to midnight
Telefono: +44(0)1334 471111
St Andrews Brewing Company
Questo articolo include opinioni del team editoriale delle Go Guides. Hotels.com retribuisce gli autori per i loro scritti pubblicati su questo sito; i compensi possono includere spese di viaggio o di altro tipo.