Welcome to St Andrews! Quaint cobbled streets meet towering cathedral ruins, chilled-out pubs and cafes perfect for switching off, and beaches all to yourself. Imagine miles of coastline and crystal blue sea, and the warm welcome of friendly Fife folk, washed down with a warming local whisky. Find your next getaway to St Andrews and the surrounding area here.
When you think of St Andrews, Scotland, you might immediately picture golf courses and historic universities, but it is so much more. It is the headline act among a fantastic line-up of coastal villages throughout Fife. Whatever the weather, it is the premier Scottish seaside holiday destination, offering the perfect blend of wild beach and cosy town, all within easy strolling distance.
Top Things to Do in St Andrews
There is an endless array of activities to fill your days. Here are some of our top picks:
Beautiful Beaches St Andrews boasts three stunning beaches. West Sands, famous for the opening sequence in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, extends for almost two miles. It’s perfect for dog walking or trying watersports with the fantastic Blown Away surf school. East Sands is a great family beach with lifeguards, perfect for swimming and grabbing a treat from the beloved Cheesy Toast Shack. Finally, tucked between the castle and cathedral is Castle Sands, a peaceful spot featuring an old tidal pool.
Wonderful Walks For a woodland walk, the Lade Braes is breathtaking, especially with autumn leaves or spring bluebells. You can extend your walk towards Craigtoun Country Park for a picnic or miniature railway ride, or visit the beautiful Botanic Garden. For coastal views, the East Fife Coastal Path towards Kingsbarns is lined with gorgeous gorse bushes—look out for the Rock and Spindle volcanic plug! Adventurous hikers can even try the Elie Chain Walk at low tide.
Excellent Eateries
- Breakfast: Head to Taste for delicious coffee and irresistible pastries, The Cottage Kitchen for perfectly cooked eggs, or Northpoint for indulgent pancakes topped with bacon, maple syrup, or Nutella.
- Lunch: Try the Italian deli Rocca for a customized toasted ciabatta, or pick up sushi and Bini bowls from CombiniCo to eat in St Mary’s Quad. For a high-end sit-down affair, The Seafood Ristorante offers fresh local produce with an Italian twist and amazing bay views.
- Dinner: For a special Scottish Supper, 18 at Rusacks offers exquisite flavors set against the Old Course backdrop. Blackhorn is perfect for an informal, classic double cheeseburger, while Little Italy provides candlelit, affordable Mediterranean classics like pizza and risotto.
Must-Visit Places in St Andrews (Cathedral, Castle)
At the heart of St Andrews, tourism is its distinct skyline, steeped in history. You simply cannot visit St Andrews without exploring its iconic 12th-century ruins. The magnificent St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle stand as dramatic monuments to the town’s medieval past.
As you walk up and down the cobbled streets of the ‘auld grey toun’, you will discover a treasure trove of other historic landmarks. Take a moment to admire Blackfriars Chapel, the remains of a Dominican friary, or snap a photo with the statue of Hamish McHamish, the much-loved ginger cat who used to roam around the town.
Golf in St Andrews: The Old Course and its History
St Andrews is known the world over as the ‘home of golf’, and the game continues to dominate the landscape and culture. The iconic Old Course is the oldest course in the world, dating back to 1552 when Archbishop John Hamilton signed the ‘Golfer’s Charter’. As the game grew, the town proudly boasted that the ‘Grand Old Man of Golf’, Old Tom Morris, was one of its own.
Today, it is a golfer’s paradise with seven courses owned by the St Andrews Links Trust, plus highly renowned courses nearby like Kingsbarns and Elie. Follow in the footsteps of famous golfers, do battle with the Road Hole, and pause for a photograph on the Swilcan Bridge. Don’t miss the famous Dunvegan Hotel for a drink amidst a wealth of golf memorabilia, or Auchterlonies for souvenir merchandise. For fun family activities, try crazy putting at The Himalayas.
The University of St Andrews
Beyond the greens, the buildings of the University of St Andrews are beautifully spread around the town. Formally constituted in 1413, making it the third oldest university in the English-speaking world, its presence gives the town a vibrant, youthful energy.
The two university quadrangles, St Salvator’s (colloquially known as ‘Sallies’) and St Mary’s, are both well worth a visit. The university has named royals amongst its student population, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. A plethora of student traditions—from academic families and dips in the sea, to red gowns, pier walks, and torchlit processions—bring these ancient streets to life.
Getting to St Andrews
Despite feeling like a secluded coastal haven, getting here is wonderfully straightforward, making it an easy addition to any St Andrews travel guide. The nearby station of Leuchars is just a 10-minute drive or bus ride away, offering direct trains from Edinburgh and London. If you are driving, St Andrews is easily accessible via scenic routes through Fife, with regular bus services connecting it to major Scottish cities.
Best time to visit
The actor, writer, musician, and comedian Billy Connolly famously said, “there are two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter”. Without doubt, St Andrews has its fair share of cool and crisp winter days complete with occasional, picturesque blankets of snow. The winter months provide the perfect climate for a cosy getaway or a romantic hot tub holiday—crack open some bubbly and enjoy a relaxing soak by the sea!
Throughout the summer months, residents and holidaymakers alike are treated to wonderfully long hours of daylight. It is much drier than the western coast of Scotland, offering plenty of mild, sunny days perfectly suited for beach trips, rounds of golf, and walks galore.
Plan Your Visit to St Andrews, Scotland
All in all, St Andrews really is the premier destination where you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodation like our park lodges at the Stewart resource and St Anne cottage, or a property with a hot tub for ultimate relaxation, we have you covered.
Premier Stays Fife specialize in finding immaculately presented, cosy boltholes perfect for snuggling up after a day on the Links or shopping through the quaint old streets.
Check out our availability or last-minute deals on our website, and book now to avoid disappointment! We look forward to welcoming you.
