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St Andrews is a town renowned for its historic university, medieval streets, and traditional buildings.
With its history dating back to medieval times, St Andrews was first known as a religious centre thanks to the iconic Cathedral and Castle dominating the coastline. As the town grew, so did its reputation, with the University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, playing a major role in establishing the area as a centre of education and culture.
Nowadays, it’s still known for its rich local history but also as the Home of Golf, as St Andrews is where the game originated. The famous Old Course – said to be the oldest golf course in the world – is on the edge of town, and golf enthusiasts can tee off on the same fairways as their heroes and experience the unique challenges of this iconic course.
The ideal base for your Scottish coastal getaway
Situated within easy reach of major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, St Andrews attracts worldwide visitors who want to experience the town’s unique charm and beauty before exploring the extended local area.
The stunning coastal location and picturesque streets make St Andrews a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation or golfing getaway. From the beautiful West Sands Beach to the walking and cycling routes along the coastal path, the live performances in The Byre Theatre and the several championship golf courses nearby, there is so much to see and do for all the family.
Explore our self-catering holiday accommodation in St Andrews today to find your stay.
Explore St Andrews
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How many days do you need in St Andrews, Scotland?
How many days you need to stay in St Andrews is entirely up to you and your preferences. For those looking to explore the local area and landmarks, a long weekend will likely be enough. If you want to take in a round of golf or two, then maybe extend your stay to a week. It’s best to research and give yourself enough time to see and do the things you want – St Andrews will welcome you no matter how long you stay.
Remember to consider the weather, as well. The best time to visit St Andrews is in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Due to lower tourist numbers, February, September, and October are usually good months to visit.
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Is St Andrews easy to walk around?
Yes, you can walk from the pier across the town to West Sands Beach in less than 25 minutes. The route takes you past many famous landmarks, including St Andrews Cathedral, the Old Course, and St Andrews Castle. It’s similar when walking inland with St Andrews Botanic Garden within 30 minutes of the beach.
For those needing transportation, you can get a local bus ticket for just £4.00 per day, with weekly tickets and wider area tickets available, too. Find out more on the Stagecoach and Local Bus Operator websites.
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What is special about St Andrews?
What sets St Andrews apart is the rich and varied local history and wide-ranging appeal. From its status as the Home of Golf to the prestigious university, charming medieval streets, scenic coastline and more – this combination of history, culture, and natural beauty makes St Andrews a truly unique destination.
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Is St Andrews expensive?
St Andrews can be an expensive town to live in, but if you’re a tourist visiting for a shorter time, it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Exploring St Andrews on a budget can be done with planning and by taking advantage of low-season accommodation deals. Local walks and sightseeing landmarks are often free, and attractions like St Andrews Cathedral and Castle have small entry fees for specific areas.
Food choices are vast, with a wide range of local cafes, restaurants and pubs to suit all budgets – check out our Guide to the Top 10 Places to Eat Out in St Andrews for more information.
