Things to do in St Andrews
St Andrews is the perfect place to visit as it can cater for so many different trips from golfers to young families, there is plenty to do in town and nearby in the beautiful fishing villages.
For independent guidance, please call VisitScotland on 00 44 845 859 1006 . They can talk you through hotel and room availability and make a reservation for you. They can also provide you with a free brochure guide to Scotland.
Museum of St Andrews University
This museum really captures how St Andrews University has grown. Currently celebrating 600 years of history, the museum offers an interesting insight into Scotland's oldest university.
St Andrews Castle
Built in 1200, there is lots to see in this castle from the bottle dungeon to the tunnels build by those trying to break through the foundations in the 1600's to get at those hiding in fear inside.
British Golf Museum
For all golf lovers, this is a must do. See the history of golf come to life in front of your eyes. From the origins of the game to the modern greats such as Seve, this is an interesting experience with lots of fun things for the kids too. Every wanted to putt with a hickory putter? Now you can! Their website is particularly good if you wish to see some of the greats on video including James Braid or the infamous Doug Saunders putt.
Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
An iconic building that has remained largely unchanged for over a hundred years. Although a members only club, most visitors to St Andrews will want to have their picture taken by the building.
St Andrews Harbour
Built in 1656, this long stone pier is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the sea view. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy boat rides around St Andrews Shores.
St Andrews Cathedral
This used to be the largest cathedral in Scotland and was a site for pilgrim worship in the Middle Ages. Legend states that the bones of the Apostle and Martyr St Andrew were once here. Mary Queen of Scots visited several times.
St Rules Tower
Built close to 1500 years ago, the 108 ft tower has had at least three renovations. Offering stunning views over St Andrews, tickets to enter can be bought at the cathedral museum. Click here to see a panoramic view courtesy of Saint-Andrews.co.uk, one of the best guides to St Andrews.
Cathedral Graveyard
Old Tom Morris, Young Tom Morris, Willie Aucterlonie, Allan Robertson and many other golfing legends are buried here.
St Andrews Preservation Trust
This is a lovely little museum that really gives you a feel for old St Andrews. Admission is free
The Swilken Burn
For those on a golfing pilgrimage, a picture sitting on the bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course is a must. The best time to have your picture taken is on a Sunday when the course is closed.
Old Tom Morris Shop
Recently renovated by the Links Trust, this shop is simply beautiful. It has been brought back to the original stonework and has historic photos of Old Tom on the wall. Visitors can see the actual workbench Old Tom used to craft golf balls.
Old Tom Morris House
6 The Links, St Andrews Old Tom lived in this house from when he returned to St Andrews from Prestwick until his death. Old Tom's life is one of greatness and great tragedy. He outlived all his children and his son, four times Open Champion, Young Tom, sadly died on Christmas Day 1875. There are many great books about Old Tom available.
Two of note are Kevin Cook's Tommy's Honour and The Colossus of Golf by Dr David Malcolm and Peter E Crabtree.
St Andrews Museum
Everything you need to know about the history of the town is here to see. The museum also has a café and special artistic exhibitions throughout the year
West Port
This was the gateway into medieval city of St Andrews. Although modified in 1843, the gate dates back to 1589. It is one of the last remaining surviving city gates in Scotland.
Blackfriars Chapel
Built by Dominican Friars in 1525, the Cathedral was destroyed on the 11th of June 1559 by the same angry crowds that also destroyed the Cathedral following John Knox's incendiary speeches.
St Andrews University
The third oldest University in the UK and the oldest in Scotland, St Andrews University has a remarkable history. Founded in 1413, ex-graduates include Thomas Jefferson and Price William, Duke of Cambridge.
Hidden Gardens of St Andrews
There are many beautiful gardens in town which are open to the public. One to see is St Salvador's quad. Just off North St, this is a popular place to sit and have lunch outside. There is also a day in June when the private gardens of St Andreans are open to the public.
St Andrews Aquarium
Situated by the West Sands, the aquarium is a great day out for all the family. From reef sharks and octopus to piranhas and playful seals, there is lots to see and do. There is also a restaurant and a bar that looks over the sea.
St Andrews Botanic Garden
A beautiful garden to stroll around, the Botanic Garden has 8000 species of ferns, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees are grown here. Some are native to Scotland but most grow wild in other regions of the world, especially in the glasshouses.
Cairnie Fruit Farm and Maze
Cairnie Fruit Farm is a long established family run business in Cupar that produces top quality fruit for the supermarket soft fruit industry. Visitors are invited to Pick Your Own fruit, in a fun day out for the family. On offer is an abundance of Strawberries, Raspberries, Black/Redcurrants, Gooseberries, Tayberries, Brambles (2009) & Cherries (2012) all available to pick or to purchase ready-picked. The site also has a fun maze, café and a holiday cottage to let.
Himalayas Putting
A fun putting course that is open to everyone
Craigtoun Country Park
The country park is simply stunning and has lots of fun things to do for kids including rides and crazy golf. There is a picnic area, changing facilities and café.
Hill of Tarvit Gardens
The Hill of Tarvitt mansion house is surrounded by gardens and lawns. There are also woodland walks and trails. The house has art works by many historic artists including Raeburn and Ramsay.
Cambo Gardens
Celebrated for its snowdrop festival, Cambo Gardens at Cambo House in Kingsbarns is an enjoyable day out.
Coastal Path Walk
This walk takes you right along the cliffs of the Fife coastline. It is simply beautiful. The Crail to St Andrews walk is 14.5 miles. During the walk you will come inland and walk through forests and rivers. A must for any keen explorer.
Happy Hacker Golf Shop
This is a real treat for those who are fans of golf memorabilia. Situated just off South Street down Burghers Close, the shop is an Aladdin’s Cave of golf art, equipment, old books and more. Well worth a visit and the prices are great too.
Images at top of page credits: www.flickr.com/photos/visit-st-andrews
