Summary
Despite its modest size, St Andrews is globally recognized as the birthplace of golf and home to one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Aside from its golfing heritage and educational prestige, the town boasts a rich medieval history that spans many centuries. Most notably, St Andrews presents a wealth of engaging activities and attractions throughout its delightful landscape.
Having resided in St Andrews for an extensive period while pursuing studies at St Andrews University, I have gained a profound appreciation for the remarkable qualities of this town. It stands out as one of the premier destinations in Fife for day visits from Edinburgh or as part of a broader Scottish road trip.
While small, St Andrews offers an abundance of memorable experiences.
To enhance your exploration, I have compiled a list of my favorite places to visit. Enjoy your time in St Andrews!
1.) St Andrews Cathedral
Although St Andrews Cathedral lies in ruins, it is one of the town’s most ancient structures. Established in 1158, it has endured for nearly a millennium.
Near East Sands (situated to the east of the town), the cathedral is an exceptional site for those wishing to delve into the area’s medieval heritage, representing the largest ecclesiastical building in Scotland’s history.
To skip over too much historical detail, it is pertinent to note that during the Reformation, Henry VIII instigated the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. This resulted in the plundering of St Andrews Cathedral, leading to its decline in the 1500s.
Although the cathedral is dramatically decayed, a significant portion of the grounds and remaining walls are available for visitation. While there, do not miss the opportunity to stroll along the Eastern wall and ascend St. Rule’s Tower.
A visit typically requires around 30 minutes to explore the site, which is frequently quiet and serene.
Are you arriving from Edinburgh? Consider participating in a St Andrews and Fife village day tour that conveniently showcases some of the most picturesque locations in Fife.
2.) St Andrews University
While it may seem biased due to my studies there, I strongly recommend exploring some of the historic university buildings in St Andrews. After all, it is the third oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Founded in the 1400s, its buildings are distributed across St Andrews rather than being confined to a singular campus, making it relatively simple to identify significant architectural sites while strolling through the town.
Be sure to visit St Mary’s Quad, situated just off South Street. Within the quadrangle’s center stands the hawthorn tree planted by Mary, Queen of Scots in the 1500s.
Mary Queen of Scots spent a portion of her life in St Andrews, and it is said that she even decided to remarry during her time there. Furthermore, legend has it that she contributed to the university by donating her extensive collection of Latin texts to establish a library.
Additionally, do not miss the historic Principal’s House located within St Mary’s Quad.
Moreover, make time to visit St Salvator’s Chapel, which was founded in 1450. Its architectural magnificence is remarkable.
Finally, for those interested in the University of St Andrews and its historical artefacts, I recommend visiting the Wardlaw Museum and the Bell Pettigrew Museum, both of which offer free entrance and are conveniently located in the town center.
3.) St Andrews Botanic Garden
Do not expect a sprawling garden similar to Kew Gardens; however, this botanical locale remains worthy of a visit.
Founded in 1889 by the University of St Andrews, this small garden features a diverse collection of both exotic and indigenous plant species, with free admission granted to students.
Despite its modest size, the scenery is captivating, offering various gardens and a serene riverside setting featuring an impressive array of plants and flora accumulated over the years. The garden consists of different sections designated for specific species, which are easily navigated on foot as you explore the grounds.
However, as a point of note, St Andrews Botanic Garden is quite small, and you might not wish to prioritize a visit unless you find yourself nearby or have a keen interest in botany.
4.) St Andrews Castle
Perched on the rugged coastline of the town, a visit to the castle grants insights into the lengthy history of St Andrews.
Despite its ruinous state, it offers a captivating opportunity to journey back to the 13th century and discover the stories of this significant medieval fortress overlooking the shore.
During your visit, be sure to explore the notorious bottle dungeon, one of the oldest prisons in Scotland, along with some of the surviving siege tunnels from the 1500s. This claustrophobic yet remarkable structure was built beneath St Andrews itself.
Though a nominal entrance fee is charged, it is undoubtedly a worthwhile experience while visiting St Andrews.
5.) West Sands Beach
St Andrews features some stunning beaches, with West Sands standing out as my top choice. This beach stretches alongside the renowned new golf course, extending from the Old Course Clubhouse to the mouth of the River Eden.
Visiting West Sands is undoubtedly one of the essential experiences if you wish to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding St Andrews. I frequently enjoyed walks along this beautiful stretch of shore.
Additionally, portions of West Sands are internationally recognized as the filming location for the iconic opening scene of the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
6.) Stroll around St Andrews
In my view, ambling through St Andrews is amongst the most enjoyable activities you can undertake. The region between The Scores and South Street is generally regarded as the ‘old town center,’ teeming with quaint cafés, shops, pubs, and restaurants.
As you wander through, I recommend visiting the Central Bar, which was my local haunt during my studies here. It’s an authentic pub that serves excellent fish and chips.
Another dining recommendation is Forgan’s on Market Street, located just before reaching Central Bar; you can expect an enjoyable evening meal there. Their shepherd’s pie is particularly delightful.
7.) St Rule’s Tower
When exploring the eastern part of the town, ascending St Rule’s Tower as part of your visit to St Andrews Cathedral ranks among the top activities.
The tower dominates the landscape and predates the cathedral ruins, constructed around the early 1100s; nearly a millennium ago!
The tower grounds present an array of notable grave markers, rendering it a remarkable sight, even in its derelict state. Standing at 33 meters tall, the view from the summit is breathtaking; however, be prepared for the ascent, consisting of 168 steps to reach the top.
8.) St Andrews Golf Course
Situated on the western edge of St Andrews, the internationally renowned golf course is an unmissable landmark. The new and old courses become visible as you approach West Sands for a leisurely walk.
If you are inclined to play a round, anticipate green fees ranging from approximately £150 to £250. Although the price may seem steep, the quality of this course is unparalleled, as it is recognized as the birthplace of golf—the oldest golf course globally.
Despite my personal struggles with golf, I wholeheartedly endorse playing a round during your visit. Golf clubs are readily available for rental in town.
Notably, St Andrew’s Old Course remains accessible to the public, making it one of the prime activities to engage in while exploring St Andrews.
9.) PH Sign
As you walk along North Street, be sure to keep an eye out for the PH cobblestones located at this location on Google Maps. This spot marks where Patrick Hamilton was executed by burning in 1528 for refusing to renounce his Protestant beliefs, tragically losing his life at the young age of 24.
His initials were embedded into the cobblestones, which remain visible, portraying the letters ‘PH’. Furthermore, if you glance upwards at the college gateway, you may spot an eerie face within a brick; local lore claims that this is the visage of Hamilton. Make of it what you will.
Local legend suggests a curse whereby any student stepping on the PH sign is destined to fail their degree. Personally, I never dared to tread on it for that very reason!
10.) Butts Wynd
After viewing the PH cobblestones, take the opportunity to traverse the affectionately named Butts Wynd, a narrow alley that connects North Street with The Scores.
Although it’s merely a two-minute walk, it is definitely worthwhile. At its end, you’ll find the Wardlaw Museum.
11.) St Andrews Harbour
Although St Andrews Harbour is relatively small, its location at the onset of East Sands makes it highly attractive. This area is another delightful beach to explore, particularly stunning at sunrise. If you rise early, consider walking along the pier and enjoying the beachfront.
The views are breathtaking as the sun rises over the North Sea.
Furthermore, consider grabbing breakfast at The Cheesy Toast Shack, which is famous for its delectable mac and cheese toast, both indulgent and scrumptious.
This establishment comes highly recommended as one of the premier experiences in St Andrews, regarded as a beloved local spot.
