Location: St. Andrews
Top Things to do in St. Andrews
What to do and see in St. Andrews, Scotland: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. St Andrews Links
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,570 reviews
Recognised the world over as the Home of Golf, St Andrews Links has borne witness to over 600 years of golfing history. That the game evolved and developed into its final form here has never been in question. Golf has been played on the famous Links since as early as the 1400s, and it was here in 1764, when the 22 hole Old Course was reduced, that today's 18-hole round was established, becoming the standard for golf courses the world over. One golf course has now become seven, and many of golf's most dramatic moments have occurred here. The Links has played host to the game's greats as well as those enthusiastic amateurs for whom the chance to play St Andrews' hallowed turf is a dream come true. As well as seven courses, the Links also manages four shops, three clubhouses and a Golf Academy - all open for the public to enjoy.
Reviewed By DriverDee - San Diego, United States
If your into golf this was a trip of a life time. Ive had the opportunity to play at great courses around the country. I play Torrey Pines in San Diego on a regular basis. St.Andrews by far has been the best golf and overall trip I've ever done. Play all the courses at St.Andrews, the staff the restraints the accommodations where all top notch and very reasonable. plan a year in advance and you will not be disappointed.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Holy Trinity Church (Town Kirk)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By giuseppecincin - Rosyth, United Kingdom
A must place when you go to St. Andrews. In the centre of the city, lovely to visit inside and outside, not busy this time of the year, very interesting and suggestive.
6. Kelpies Maquettes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Mumbles_604 - Doraville, United States
These two smaller heads went on a world tour. One can stand happily Inbetween them and get a great photo with the Falkirk Wheel in the background. Make sure you find them on your way out and grab a selfie or a formal photo!
7. St Andrews Baptist Church
8. Hamish McHamish Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By thetravellingmanUk
During a trip to St Andrews yesterday with my daughter, we visited the statue of Hamish McHamish. The bronze statue is situated in Logies Lane, just off South Street. Hamish McHamish was a ginger cat who lived in St Andrews. The publication of a book led him to national and international prominence. He had a following on social media, and was even featured on BBC Television's 'The One Show'. Hamish lived from 1999 to the 11th September 2014. His statue, by David Annand, was unveiled on the 5th April 2014, around 5 months before Hamish died. Hamish was owned by Marianne Baird, but after attaining the age of one, he preferred living the life of a nomad. He was fed and watered at various homes in the town. Most of his time was known to have been spent around homes and businesses in the South Street area of St Andrews. These animal statues and stories are always very popular, as well as being touching, and instantly remind me of similar statues such as Greyfriars Bobby and Wojtek the soldier bear, both in Edinburgh, as well as Bamse the St Bernard dog in Montrose.
9. 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.
10. Gavin Douglas Memorial Plaque
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