---
title: "Top 10 Things To Do in St Andrews, Scotland | Wimup"
description: "The ten best things to do in St Andrews, the home of golf: the Old Course on a Sunday, the cathedral and castle ruins, West Sands, the Himalayas putting green and the boat to the Isle of May, ranked and mapped."
url: https://wimup.com/city/st-andrews
type: City guide
updated: 2026-10-07
publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com)
---

# Top 10 Things To Do in St Andrews

St Andrews, United Kingdom · Europe · By Wimup Editorial, 12 min read

St Andrews is the home of golf and of Scotland's oldest university, a town of about 16,500 on a headland in Fife. Three medieval streets run from the West Port to the cathedral ruins, with the links and the West Sands on one side and the harbour on the other.

## Quick answer

Give St Andrews two days. Walk the Old Course if you are here on a Sunday, then follow the Scores past the R&A World Golf Museum and the Wardlaw Museum to the castle and the cathedral ruins. Cross St Salvator's Quad, putt the Himalayas, and end on the West Sands. Keep a day for the East Neuk or the boat to the Isle of May.

## Quick facts

- **Best months:** May · Jun · Sep
- **Ideal length:** 2 days, 3 with the East Neuk
- **Budget per day:** £200–260
- **Language:** English
- **Getting around:** On foot in town; the Stagecoach 99 bus to Leuchars station
- **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.visitscotland.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## The 10 best things to do in St Andrews

### 1. Walk the Old Course on a Sunday

Free · Golf Place

Golf has been played on these links for six centuries, and on Sundays the Old Course closes to golfers and opens to everyone else. Walk out to the Swilcan Bridge and the 18th green without a tee time or a green fee.

- **Time:** 1 to 2 hours
- **Cost:** Free on Sundays
- **Best at:** Sunday morning
- **Tip:** Stay off the greens; the other six Links courses still play on Sundays

Links: [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/old-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 2. Wander the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral

Landmark · The Pends

About 119 metres long, it was the largest church ever built in Scotland, consecrated in 1318 with Robert the Bruce present. The grounds are free; the gable ends and the graveyard above the harbour are the reason to come.

- **Time:** 45 minutes to 1 hour
- **Cost:** Grounds free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon light
- **Tip:** St Rule's Tower and the museum are closed for maintenance; check Historic Environment Scotland for tours

Links: [Historic Environment Scotland](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrews-cathedral/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 3. Look into the bottle dungeon at St Andrews Castle

Landmark · The Scores

The bishops' palace on the cliff was besieged in 1546 to 1547, when both sides tunnelled into the rock beneath it. The bottle dungeon, cut from solid rock under a tower, is the moment that stays with you.

- **Time:** About 1 hour
- **Cost:** Ticketed
- **Best at:** A clear day on the cliff
- **Tip:** Open daily; from October last entry is 3.15pm. The mine and countermine are currently closed

Links: [Historic Environment Scotland](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrews-castle/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 4. Run the West Sands

Free · West Sands Road

Almost two miles of unbroken sand backed by dunes and the links, and the beach of the opening scene of Chariots of Fire. It is a 15-minute walk from the centre, and an award winner for more than thirty years.

- **Time:** 1 to 2 hours
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Early morning or sunset
- **Tip:** Cross the dunes only at the marked access points; they are a protected conservation area

Links: [Fife Coast and Countryside Trust](https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/?p=5530&utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 5. Trace the game at The R&A World Golf Museum

Museum · Bruce Embankment

The former British Golf Museum reopened in 2021 after a full redevelopment, right behind the R&A clubhouse and the Old Course's first tee. Give it two hours: the game's story from the earliest clubs and balls runs right up to the modern Open.

- **Time:** 1.5 to 2 hours
- **Cost:** Ticketed, under-16s free
- **Best at:** A wet afternoon
- **Tip:** Save £1.50 a ticket by booking online 48 hours ahead

Links: [World Golf Museum](https://www.worldgolfmuseum.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 6. Cross St Salvator's Quad

Landmark · North Street

The heart of Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1413, with the chapel tower over North Street. The cobbled initials PH outside the gate mark where Patrick Hamilton was burned in 1528, and students step around them.

- **Time:** 30 minutes
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Term time, weekdays
- **Tip:** Enter the chapel through the cloister, not the street door; it can close for services and events

Links: [University of St Andrews](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/about/history/st-salvators/brief?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 7. See the university's treasures at the Wardlaw Museum

Museum · 7 The Scores

The university's museum on the Scores opens with its medieval maces and the story of Scotland's first university. Entry is free, and the terrace looks north over St Andrews Bay to the Eden Estuary.

- **Time:** About 1 hour
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Any afternoon
- **Tip:** It sits on the Scores between the castle and the links, so it fits any walk between them

Links: [Wardlaw Museum](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museums/wardlaw-museum/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 8. Putt the Himalayas

Golf · West Sands Road

The Ladies' Putting Club laid out its green in 1867, and the hilly ground added in 1893 gave it its nickname. A round costs £4 for adults and £2 for under-16s, and it is the cheapest way onto the links.

- **Time:** 45 minutes
- **Cost:** £4 adults, £2 children
- **Best at:** A summer evening
- **Tip:** Open daily April to October; book online in summer, some times are held back for walk-ups

Links: [St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club](https://standrewsputtingclub.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 9. Slow down in St Andrews Botanic Garden

Nature · Canongate

Eighteen acres beside the Kinness Burn, with glasshouses, a rock garden of more than 2,500 alpines and over 8,000 plant species. Under-18s and students go free, and so does everyone on the first Friday of the month.

- **Time:** 1 to 1.5 hours
- **Cost:** Ticketed
- **Best at:** Spring and early summer
- **Tip:** About ten minutes on foot from the centre via Viaduct Walk. Open daily from 10am; last entry 30 minutes before closing

Links: [St Andrews Botanic Garden](https://www.standrewsbotanic.org/visit?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 10. Sail to the Isle of May for puffins

Day trip · Anstruther Harbour

The May Princess leaves Anstruther, about ten miles south, for the island nature reserve at the mouth of the Firth of Forth. Allow five hours, with two and a half to three ashore; puffins nest from April to mid-August.

- **Time:** 4.5 to 5 hours
- **Cost:** Ticketed
- **Best at:** May to July
- **Tip:** Sailings run 1 April to 30 September and depend on tides and weather; book ahead

Links: [Isle of May Ferry](https://www.isleofmayferry.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best golf courses in St Andrews

Seven more courses beyond the Old, from Old Tom Morris's New to a clifftop links.

1. **New Course** (18 holes · St Andrews Links): Old Tom Morris laid it out in 1895; it gave the Old its name. [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/new-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Jubilee Course** (18 holes · St Andrews Links): Opened in 1897; it began as a 12-hole course for women and beginners. [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/jubilee-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Eden Course** (18 holes · St Andrews Links): Harry Colt's 1914 design, and the first Links course to open on Sundays. [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Castle Course** (18 holes · Kinkell): The seventh Links course, opened in 2008 on the cliffs south-east of town. [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/the-castle-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Strathtyrum Course** (18 holes · St Andrews Links): A shorter course from 1993, laid out to complement the championship ones. [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/strathtyrum-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
6. **Balgove Course** (9 holes · St Andrews Links): Nine holes and 1,520 yards, used for junior coaching and families. [St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
7. **Kingsbarns Golf Links** (About 10 km · Kingsbarns): A 2000 links on the coast south-east of town, co-host of the Dunhill Links.

## Best restaurants in St Andrews

Six kitchens, most of them built around the seafood landed on this coast.

1. **The Seafood Ristorante** (Seafood · Bruce Embankment): A glass box over the bay, cooking Scottish seafood the Italian way since 2004.
2. **Haar** (Tasting menu · Golf Place): Dean Banks' seafood tasting menu, two floors above the Old Course. [Haar](https://www.haarrestaurant.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Ondine Oyster & Grill** (Seafood · The Scores): Roy Brett's seafood, added to the Michelin Guide in 2025.
4. **The Adamson** (Brasserie · South Street): Brasserie in the old post office on South Street, with two AA Rosettes. [The Adamson](https://www.theadamson.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Forgan's** (Scottish · Market Street): Scottish produce in a former golf-club workshop, with ceilidhs at weekends.
6. **Clarets** (Modern Scottish · Bruce Embankment): The Rocca Group's room above the golf museum, looking over the Old Course.

## Best bars & cafes in St Andrews

Six places for a pint, a pie or an ice cream, most of them older than you would guess.

1. **Jigger Inn** (Golfers' pub · Old Course Hotel): A former stationmaster's lodge by the 17th fairway of the Old Course.
2. **Jannettas Gelateria** (Ice cream · South Street): The same family has made ice cream on South Street since 1908.
3. **The Criterion** (Pub · South Street): A family-run South Street pub known for its Cri Pie.
4. **Central Bar** (Pub · Market Street): A listed Victorian pub with an island bar and old brewery mirrors.
5. **The Dunvegan** (Golfers' pub · Pilmour Place): A golfers' bar a short walk from the 18th green, walls lined with champions.
6. **Taste** (Coffee · North Street): A small coffee stop on North Street, close to St Salvator's.

## Best beaches & walks in St Andrews

Four ways onto the coast beyond the West Sands.

1. **East Sands** (Free · Harbour): The sheltered town beach below the cathedral, by the harbour.
2. **Castle Sands** (Free · The Scores): A small beach below the castle with a tidal pool. No lifeguards.
3. **Fife Coastal Path** (Free · Fife coast): Around 117 miles from Kincardine to Newburgh; walk south from the harbour. [Fife Coast and Countryside Trust](https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/walks/fife-coastal-path/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve** (Free · Near Leuchars): Forest and dunes across the Eden Estuary, with seals on the sandbanks. [NatureScot](https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/tentsmuir-national-nature-reserve?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best history in St Andrews

Five more pieces of the medieval town, all within a short walk of each other.

1. **St Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden** (Museum · North Street): The Preservation Trust's house on North Street, reopened after a £1.8m redevelopment.
2. **St Andrews Museum** (Museum · Kinburn Park): The town's story in a Victorian mansion in Kinburn Park, run by OnFife. [OnFife](https://www.onfife.com/visit-explore/museums-galleries/st-andrews-museum/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **West Port** (Free · South Street): The 1589 town gate on South Street, modelled on Edinburgh's Netherbow.
4. **Blackfriars Chapel** (Free · South Street): A 1525 chapel, all that is left of the Dominican friary sacked in 1559.
5. **St Mary's College quad** (Free · South Street): A holm oak of about 1740 and a thorn said to be planted by Mary, Queen of Scots.

## Best streets in St Andrews

Three streets that hold most of the town between them.

1. **South Street** (Medieval street · Old town): From the West Port to the cathedral, past St Mary's College and Blackfriars.
2. **Market Street** (Shops and pubs · Old town): The middle street of the three, home to the Lammas Market every August.
3. **The Scores** (Sea views · Seafront): The clifftop road from the castle to the R&A clubhouse and the links.

## Best day trips in St Andrews

Five days out along the Fife coast and across the Tay.

1. **Crail** (About 16 km · East Neuk): The East Neuk's prettiest harbour, with a lobster and crab hut on the quay.
2. **Anstruther** (About 16 km · East Neuk): The Scottish Fisheries Museum and the Anstruther Fish Bar, both on the harbour.
3. **Pittenweem** (East Neuk · East Neuk): A working fishing harbour and St Fillan's Cave, tied to a 7th-century saint.
4. **Falkland Palace** (About 32 km · Falkland): A royal palace with a real tennis court of 1539, the oldest in Britain.
5. **Dundee and V&A Dundee** (Across the Tay · Dundee): Scotland's first design museum, by Kengo Kuma. The 99 bus runs to Dundee. [V&A Dundee](https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Festivals & annual events in St Andrews (2026)

- **StAnza** (March (30th festival in 2027)): Scotland's international poetry festival, in St Andrews and online.
- **On The Rocks** (April): A student-run arts festival, usually with a ceilidh at the castle.
- **Kate Kennedy Procession** (April): A spring pageant through the town, revived by the Kate Kennedy Club in 1926.
- **May Dip** (1 May): Students run into the sea at East Sands at sunrise, after a torchlit pier walk.
- **Lammas Market** (August): A medieval street fair that fills Market Street and South Street.
- **Alfred Dunhill Links Championship** (Early October): The pro-am played over the Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
- **St Andrew's Day festival** (Late November): A market, a ceilidh, a torchlit procession and fireworks for the town's saint.
- **The Open** (15 to 18 July 2027): The 155th Open returns to the Old Course, its 31st staging there.

## Must-try dishes in St Andrews, Scotland

- **East Neuk crab and lobster**: Landed at Crail and sold on the harbour in summer.
- **Fish and chips**: Haddock in batter; Anstruther Fish Bar won UK shop of the year in 2009.
- **Jannettas ice cream**: Made on South Street by the same family since 1908.
- **Arbroath smokie**: Hot-smoked haddock from just across the Tay, with protected status.
- **Cullen skink**: Smoked haddock, potato and onion soup.
- **Scotch pie**: A hot-water crust pie of minced mutton or beef; the Criterion bakes its own.
- **Haggis, neeps and tatties**: Haggis with mashed swede and potato.
- **Cranachan**: Whipped cream, raspberries, toasted oats, honey and whisky.

## St Andrews transport & airports

- **Trains to Leuchars** (Rail): St Andrews has no station. Leuchars, about 5 miles away on the Edinburgh to Dundee line, is the stop; the 99 bus takes about 20 minutes into town. [ScotRail](https://www.scotrail.co.uk/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Stagecoach 99 bus** (99): Up to every 10 minutes between St Andrews bus station, Leuchars station and Dundee, now on electric buses. [Stagecoach](https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-scotland/service-99-goes-electric?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Edinburgh Airport** (EDI): About 50 miles away. Stagecoach 787 runs to St Andrews bus station up to every two hours, around the clock, in about 90 minutes. [University of St Andrews travel](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/visiting/travel/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Dundee Airport** (DND): About 15 miles away, around 30 minutes by car, with direct flights from London. [University of St Andrews travel](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/visiting/travel/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## St Andrews at a glance

- **Country:** United Kingdom (Scotland)
- **Region:** Fife, on the North Sea coast between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth
- **Population:** 16,460 (2022 census)
- **Founded:** Burgh chartered between 1140 and 1153
- **University:** Founded 1413, Scotland's first
- **Language:** English
- **Currency:** Pound sterling (£)
- **Time zone:** GMT, BST (UTC+1) in summer
- **Calling code:** +44, area code 01334
- **Airports:** Edinburgh (EDI), about 50 miles; Dundee (DND), about 15 miles
- **Power:** 230V, Type G plugs
- **Emergency:** 999 or 112

## Interesting facts

- A charter of 1552 is the earliest written record of the townspeople's right to play golf on the links.
- The R&A began in 1754 as the Society of St Andrews Golfers, founded by 22 noblemen and gentlemen.
- The Chariots of Fire beach run was filmed on the West Sands in 1980, though the film sets it in Kent.
- Students avoid the PH set in the cobbles outside St Salvator's, where Patrick Hamilton was burned in 1528.
- Legend says St Rule brought relics of St Andrew here from Patras, which gave the town its name.

## St Andrews travel FAQ

### How many days do you need in St Andrews?

Two. One for the Scores, the castle, the cathedral and the museums, one for the links, the Himalayas and the West Sands. A third day buys the East Neuk villages or the boat to the Isle of May.

### Can you walk on the Old Course?

Yes, on Sundays. The Old Course closes to golf every Sunday and the public can walk it, including out to the Swilcan Bridge. Keep off the greens. The other six Links courses play on Sundays.

### How do you get a tee time on the Old Course?

Book ahead through St Andrews Links, or enter the daily ballot, which closes at 2pm two days before play for groups of two to four. There is no ballot on Fridays because the course is closed on Sundays. Bring a handicap certificate.

### How do you get to St Andrews by train?

Take the train to Leuchars, about 5 miles away on the Edinburgh to Dundee line; there is no station in St Andrews itself. The Stagecoach 99 bus runs up to every 10 minutes and takes about 20 minutes into town.

### When is the best time to visit St Andrews?

May, June and September, for long days without peak prices. July and August are the busiest and dearest, and rooms go fast around the Dunhill Links in October and the Open, which returns in July 2027.

## Nearby guides

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- [All of Europe →](https://wimup.com/europe): 105 cities

Part of the [United Kingdom guide](https://wimup.com/country/united-kingdom.md) · [Europe](https://wimup.com/europe.md)

## Sources

- [St Andrews tourism board](https://www.visitscotland.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Walk the Old Course on a Sunday: St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/old-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Wander the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral: Historic Environment Scotland](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrews-cathedral/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Look into the bottle dungeon at St Andrews Castle: Historic Environment Scotland](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrews-castle/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Run the West Sands: Fife Coast and Countryside Trust](https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/?p=5530&utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Trace the game at The R&A World Golf Museum: World Golf Museum](https://www.worldgolfmuseum.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Cross St Salvator's Quad: University of St Andrews](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/about/history/st-salvators/brief?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [See the university's treasures at the Wardlaw Museum: Wardlaw Museum](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museums/wardlaw-museum/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Putt the Himalayas: St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club](https://standrewsputtingclub.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Slow down in St Andrews Botanic Garden: St Andrews Botanic Garden](https://www.standrewsbotanic.org/visit?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Sail to the Isle of May for puffins: Isle of May Ferry](https://www.isleofmayferry.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [New Course: St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/new-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Jubilee Course: St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/jubilee-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Eden Course: St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Castle Course: St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/the-castle-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Strathtyrum Course: St Andrews Links](https://standrews.com/golf/courses/strathtyrum-course?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Haar: Haar](https://www.haarrestaurant.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [The Adamson: The Adamson](https://www.theadamson.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Fife Coastal Path: Fife Coast and Countryside Trust](https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/walks/fife-coastal-path/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve: NatureScot](https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/tentsmuir-national-nature-reserve?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [St Andrews Museum: OnFife](https://www.onfife.com/visit-explore/museums-galleries/st-andrews-museum/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Dundee and V&A Dundee: V&A Dundee](https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Trains to Leuchars: ScotRail](https://www.scotrail.co.uk/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Stagecoach 99 bus: Stagecoach](https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-scotland/service-99-goes-electric?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Edinburgh Airport: University of St Andrews travel](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/visiting/travel/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.