Things to do in St Andrews

World famous for its golf and its historic university, St Andrews in Fife is a captivating Scottish town with attractive architecture, an alluring coast, and a fascinating past. Things to do in St Andrews, Scotland, are plentiful and eclectic. When we say there’s something for everyone, it’s not just hyperbole; we defy you to visit and not find something that piques your interest.

A majestic castle, sprawling golf courses, and even an aquarium – you’d better grab a pen because you’ll want to make a list to get the most out of your holiday in St Andrews. In between all the sightseeing, make sure you leave time for some rest and relaxation too, as the walks and beaches in this area are simply beautiful. And if you don’t feel like cooking after all that exertion, there are plenty of places to eat in St Andrews.

With so many St Andrews attractions to squeeze into your itinerary in including the town's seven famous golf courses, you’ll be pleased to return to one of our comfortable holiday cottages to recharge your batteries. Start your St Andrews adventure today …

Holiday cottages in St Andrews

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• Attractions in St Andrews
• Beaches in St Andrews
• Walks in St Andrews
• Places to eat in St Andrews
• Shopping in St Andrews
• Map of things to do in St Andrews

Attractions in St Andrews

Upon arriving in St Andrews, head for the Visit Scotland iCentre, the go-to place for information on the best things to do in St Andrews and beyond. You’ll find brochures on all the places listed below, as well as canny advice from clued-up locals.

St Andrews Castle

The dramatic ruins of St Andrews Castle occupy a stunning location on a headland to the north of the town. Beneath the austere outer shell lies a terrifying castle dungeon, hewn out of the rock and known as the bottle dungeon due to its shape. Woe betide any unfortunate soul who found themselves in this dank, dark and desperate place.

Peer into the formidable prison, explore the remains of the castle walls, listen to the audio tour and test your knowledge with the castle quiz. If you have a particular penchant for castles, take a look at our article on beautiful castles to visit in Scotland for more inspiration. 

St Andrews Cathedral

A spectacle to behold, St Andrews Cathedral is now just an impressive ruin, having once been Scotland’s largest cathedral. Home to a fascinating array of relics and ancient sculptures, the site is a top spot for history buffs. Climb up St Rule’s Tower (if open) to be rewarded by spectacular views from the top, then head back down for a sombre walk around the graveyard.

The side of the cathedral is right on the coast, and you can just wander right in to explore the ruins at your leisure. It’s one of the best free things to do in St Andrews if you’re looking for something to fill your time on a dry day.

St Andrews Museum

Housed within a beautiful Victorian mansion and surrounded by scenic Kinburn Park, St Andrews Museum is home to an intriguing collection of temporary exhibitions. This free attraction in St Andrews is perfect for families, with a regular programme of talks, concerts and children’s workshops.

There’s a cafe – Sweetpea at the Museum – for refreshments during your visit, and the A-Z exhibition of St Andrews (until December 2024) will give you a well-rounded insight into its history – a great introduction to the town.

The R&A World Golf Museum

No renowned golfing town would be complete without a museum dedicated to its sport, and St Andrew’s is no exception. The R&A World Golf Museum sits within putting distance of the prestigious Old Course. There are no fusty and boring displays here; the immersive galleries are complemented by fantastic technology and interactive experiences to keep all members of the family engaged.

The story of over 400 years of golf is told in an interesting and comprehensive way, covering everything from equipment and fashion to the origins of the game. A shop and a rooftop restaurant, The Niblick, with golf course views, complete the offering.

Old Course – St Andrews Links

Over 600 years ago, the first ever game of golf was played here at Old Course in St Andrews; fast forward six centuries and the links course remains the most iconic golf course in the world. Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are famous landmarks within the course, which to this day can be played by visitors and members alike.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket though – there are no fewer than seven courses under the umbrella of St Andrews Links, one of which, Balgove Course, offers nine holes perfect for families and beginners.

St Andrews Aquarium

One of the best things to do in St Andrews for families is a visit to the aquarium. The family-friendly St Andrews attraction is swimming with aquatic creatures of all kinds, as well as a few land animals for good measure. Kids will love getting nose-to-nose with thrilling critters such as sharks, piranhas and crocodiles, and the loveable meerkats and marmosets are sure to elicit an ‘ahh’ or two.

The lovely setting in the cliffs overlooking St Andrews Bay offers a scenic backdrop to your magical underwater experience. You can be assured of an exciting visit to the only family-run aquarium in Scotland.

St Andrews Botanic Garden

An amazing 18 acres of lush green woodland, meadows, ponds and living laboratories await in this oasis in the heart of St Andrews. St Andrews Botanic Garden offers visitors the chance to step out of the urban environment and into a haven where nature and wildlife reign. It’s a peaceful spot, showcasing a variety of habitats and plants; a tranquil setting for a restful walk amongst the wildlife.

Activities and events are hosted here throughout the year, so whether you fancy yourself as a green-fingered gardener, or favour a relaxing evening of live music, keep an eye on their exciting programme.

Wardlaw Museum and Bell Pettigrew Museum

Two more museums in St Andrews are hosted by the university: the Wardlaw Museum and the Bell Pettigrew Museum. The latter houses treasures of natural history in the Bute Medical Buildings in town, while the former showcases the university’s work in art, history, science and natural history in a dedicated space by the coast.

Temporary exhibitions and interactive features make the Wardlaw Museum an engaging space for all, and the views of the sea from the terrace and garden only add to the attraction. Don’t miss the talking telescope which tells you all about the points of interest you can see from the site.

Scotland’s Secret Bunker

Set 7.5 miles out of town, but well worth a visit, is Scotland’s Secret Bunker. One of the most unusual things to do in St Andrews, excitement and thrills await at this attraction that is found at an innocuous-looking farmhouse. The innocent exterior belies the secret underground nuclear command centre below; a space that was designed for use by the government and military commanders in the event that a nuclear attack had been launched during the Cold War.

Beneath the ground are two cinemas, a cafe, a nuclear operations room, an RAF control centre and the Royal Observer Corps and dormitories. Visiting is a unique experience, as this subterranean secret hideout lies 100 metres below ground and is encased in 15 feet of reinforced concrete – not one for the claustrophobic!

Craigtoun Country Park

Also out of town, but one of the best attractions near St Andrews, is Craigtoun Country Park. The 47-acre park is a great destination for families, with a miniature railway, a road train, boating, putting, crazy golf, bouncy castles and pedal cars. Petrol heads can even put pedal to metal in the go-karts. A large adventure playground and an inclusive play area offer free family fun, as do the trampolines, a zip wire and trails.

When hunger strikes, you’ll find a satisfying array of hot and cold food, cakes, drinks and ice creams to help recharge your batteries for a wander through the more natural parts of the park. There’s a walled garden, a cypress avenue, a rose garden, a tranquillity garden and Japanese and Italian gardens to explore.

Beaches in St Andrews

When heading for a holiday in St Andrews, you’d better not forget your bucket and spade, because there are several beaches surrounding the town itself that are perfect for family days by the sea.

West Sands Beach

At almost 2 miles long, and famous for being a filming location in Chariots of Fire, spectacular West Sands Beach, north of St Andrews, is a dune-backed seaside paradise. Harbouring a plethora of scientifically important plants and animals, the dunes are part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Special Area for Conservation.

East Sands

St Andrew’s East Sands Beach lies to the south of the harbour. It’s a popular choice for families, with great facilities and a modest children’s play area on the seafront. The sandy beach has the pier and harbour at one end, and rock pools to explore at the other. When the tide is in, a slither of sand remains.

The coast path runs along the back of the beach, so it makes a nice stop if you’re passing through.

Castle Sands

Tucked in below the cliffs upon which towers St Andrews Castle, Castle Sands is a compact cove where an old tidal pool is exposed at low tide, perfect for wild swimming. Just a stone’s throw from town (within 200 metres), it’s a lovely space to take some time out and is one of Scotland's year-round dog-friendly beaches.

The sheltered sandy beach has rock pools, and sea glass can be found here, making it a haven for young treasure hunters. Given its size and proximity to town, it can get busy, so move on to East or West Sands to seek space if you need it. 

Walks in St Andrews

Perhaps you’ve got your four-legged friend in tow and you’re looking for walks to enjoy with them by your side, or maybe you’re on the hunt for challenging hikes to access some of the best views in the area. Below is our pick of some of the best walks in St Andrews, or you can check out long-distance routes The St Andrews Way and the Fife Pilgrim Way.

St Andrews Town and Gown walk

You needn’t leave the town to enjoy a scenic walk. St Andrews is a picturesque spot, packed with history, beautiful architecture, and of course, a splendid coast. This walk takes in the highlights, including the harbour and castle, following pavements and paths, making for a leisurely stroll when you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon of sightseeing.

Points of interest along the way include the Old Course golf course; the obelisk – a memorial to the Protestant Martyrs; parts of the university; the castle; and you can take an optional detour out along the pier. The ruins of the cathedral and the delightful Georgian buildings which line the town’s streets lie at the end of the route.

Cambo Sands to Leuchars

Cover some rough terrain but be rewarded by spectacular vistas on this long ramble along part of the Fife Coastal Path which skirts the sea-facing edge of the county from Kincardine to Newburgh. Split up into manageable sections, each with its own distinctive highlights, you could fill an entire holiday itinerary tramping the well-loved trail.

The route we’ve picked out passes through St Andrews, with the section from Boarhills to St Andrews only walkable at low tide. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are advised as the path can get muddy, but landmarks such as Buddo Rock, the sights of St Andrews and the views of Eden Estuary Nature Reserve from Coble Shore are more than enough to motivate you to plod on.

Craigtoun to Lade Braes

Taking in the fabulous Craigtoun Country Park, with its array of activities and children’s adventure play areas, this walk is a section of the Fife Pilgrim’s Way, which traces the route pilgrims of old took to St Andrews to be near the bones of Andrew, the apostle.

Besides its historic links, this particular section is pleasant and scenic, involves glorious woodland, and can incorporate a walk around Craigtoun Country Park itself. At the very least, it’s a picnic-worthy spot to refuel after your walk.

Places to eat in St Andrews

One thing’s for sure: in St Andrews, you’ll never go hungry. There are so many places to eat in St Andrews that you couldn’t possibly try them all in the space of a week’s holiday – there just aren’t enough meals in the day! Take a look at our dedicated article about places to eat in St Andrews, or read on for three of the best below.

The Seafood Ristorante

If you’re looking for something a bit special, you’ll want to reserve a table at the Michelin guide-featured The Seafood Ristorante. Uninterrupted sea views are served up with its ocean-based suppers, which promise a treat for the tastebuds as well as a feast for the eyes.

The exquisite presentation of locally sourced sustainable seafood, cooked to perfection, is perfectly complemented by the beautiful location in the glass restaurant overhanging the beach in St Andrews Bay.

The Criterion

This family-run, local pub promises a warm welcome and a hearty meal on those evenings where you just need good, old-fashioned pub grub to satisfy your appetite. Their famous Cri Pies are the highlight of their menu, packed with your choice of delectable fillings including steak and ale; chicken, chorizo and sun-dried tomato; and butternut squash, goat's cheese and spinach.

Dogs are welcome, and there’s an inviting outdoor seating area, perfect for cradling a pint and people-watching for a few hours on a warm day. In fact, there are oodles of tipples to choose from: over 160 whiskies, more than 80 Scottish gins and a tempting selection of cask ales.

Cromars Fish and Chips

Sometimes, only a deep-fried dinner will do, in which case, you’ll be on the hunt for the best St Andrews chippy. You can’t really go wrong when it comes to fish and chip shops in St Andrews; there’s a lot of choice, from pubs and restaurants to takeaway chippies.

Cromars is a good shout; claiming to sell the best fish and chips in Scotland, they use fresh local ingredients to build their menu of chip-shop favourites, complemented by their popular milkshakes, and that Scottish favourite, the deep-fried Mars bar.

Shopping in St Andrews

When the urge for retail therapy strikes, know that there are lots of stores in St Andrews to suit all tastes. There are too many to focus on individual shops, so below is a round-up of some of the best establishments for a diverse range of needs.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in the festive season, Christmas shopping in St Andrews is a particular delight; you can pick out unique and thoughtful gifts for all your family and friends in just one day!

While you will find some big high-street chains, shopping in St Andrews is focused around small and boutique shops. Check out North Street, Market Street and South Street for the highest concentration of retail outlets.

Things to do in St Andrews on a map

View all of the things to do that we’ve mentioned above on the handy map below.

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Stay with us in St Andrews

St Andrews is a town with the best of all worlds – a fascinating history and old buildings, a beautiful coast, prestigious golf courses, wonderful walks, tempting eateries and independent shops (not to mention a raft of great St Andrews attractions). This delightful coastal corner of Scotland is waiting to welcome you with open arms, as are our cosy holiday cottages.

Travel as a group and stay in one of our large houses; enjoy an intimate holiday a deux in one of our cottages perfect for a couples’ escape; or pitch up with the kids at one of our family properties (pooch included!). Have a browse of our collection of St Andrews cottages.

Holiday cottages in St Andrews