St Andrews travel guide

Memory of St Andrews

“Looking out over the 18th hole of the Old Course as the evening light fades behind the Royal and Ancient Club House is an experience nothing short of spiritual…even if (like me) you’ve never even held a golf club!”

Pleasance, London

Credit: Visit St Andrews

You’ll discover one-off shops and award-winning food as well as ancient ruins, beautiful coastline and eye-catching architecture. Whether you’re visiting to play the Old Course, to discover the places where Prince William and Kate Middleton fell in love or just for a recharging break from normal life, St Andrews is an unforgettable experience.

Culture & heritage

St Andrews has been at the centre of Scottish life for nearly 1,000 years. It was a place of pilgrimage and a seat of power, then at the centre of the Scottish Reformation. St Andrews is recognised worldwide as the home of golf, and its university is the third oldest in the English-speaking world.

Shopping

Nowhere does boutique shopping at budget-friendly prices better than St Andrews. Independent stores of all kinds thrive here, from bookshops and shoe-shops to gift stores and jewellers. The majority of St Andrews’ few high street retailers can be found on Market Street; for boutiques try Bell Street and South Street; Golf Place is great for… golf of course!

Attractions

Credit: dmcneil

The beautiful ruins of St Andrews' Castle and Cathedral are well worth a visit. Make sure you climb to the top of St Rule’s Tower for a spectacular view. And don’t miss the British Golf Museum , the Museum of the University of St Andrews or St Andrews’ three award-winning beaches.

Sport

Credit: Evan Wilson Photography

Golf is St Andrews’ main sporting attraction, and with eleven courses in and around town, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. However, St Andrews is also a great place for beach and watersports: land-yachting, kite-buggying, surfing, canoeing and sailing are all popular.

Food & drink

St Andrews has a huge variety of well-loved restaurants with cuisines – and budgets - to suit every taste. Don’t forget to try some of the town’s local specialties: freshly-caught seafood, Anster cheese, ice cream, and local ales.

Music & nightlife

Try the Byre Theatre for music of all genres from classical to rock or the Younger Hall which hosts visiting ensembles such as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. For a livelier evening, try a local pub or bar, or head to nearby Dundee for clubbing.

Buy before you fly

To make your trip to St Andrew's easier, you can buy tickets to attractions, travel passes, and much more at our online shop, and avoid the queues. For great offers, go to VisitBritain Shop .