Beaches

5 Spectacular Attraction And Things To Do In St. Andrews

St. Andrews

Being one of the oldest cities in Scotland dating back to the medieval era, there are plenty of amazing things to do in St. Andrews. There are numerous tourist attractions that can be explored either with family, friends, or even when you are on a solo trip. The beautiful city of St. Andrews is globally popular for being the home of golf and houses the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. 

Apart from Golf, the city also features several other attractions such as medieval castles, a cathedral, plenty of museums, and also St. Andrews University. The good thing about St. Andrews is that it can be easily accessible from the Scottish capital “Edinburgh” which is just 50 km meter northeast away from the city. 

With a wide range of places to visit and things to do in St. Andrews, let’s have a look at the top 5 things you should not miss on your tour to the magnificent city. 

Top 5 Things To Do In St. Andrews

1. Play Golf At St. Andrews Oldest Golf Course

Golf Course St. Andrews

Before exploring the city of St. Andrews, start your tour by visiting the oldest golf course in the world i.e St. Andrews Links. Although the Golf club was established in 1750, the first game was played here in the early 1400s. The modern golf which we know was invented on the same golf course in the 15th century. 

As you visit the Royal Golf club, how can miss playing golf here which is one of the top-rated things to do in St. Andrews. Here you can choose from the 10 unique courses The tourists visiting here are advised to book their tickets in advance as the place is usually crowded. 

Timing: 24 hours 

Entry Fee: £60

Location: Beach House, Golf Place, St. Andrews, Fife

2. Visit One Of The Oldest Castle In Scotland “St. Andrews Castle”

St. Andrews castle

St. Andrews Castle was established in early 1200 and it served as a home to various historical figures. At present, the castle is mostly ruined but still considered one of the most notable historical sites not only in St. Andrews but also in Scotland. A visit to this medieval castle is one of the most exciting things to do in St. Andrews, especially for history geeks. 

Apart from the ruins of the Castle, the place also has a ruined tunnel dug dating back to 1546. The dug is open to the public and here you can also explore the prison cell where Cardinal Beaton was kept. Don’t forget to take a tour of the visitor center that features informative elements of the castle accompanied by an audio guide. 

Timing:

  • April 1 to September 30 – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • October 1 to March 31 – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

Entry Fee: 

  • Adult – £9.00 and  £12.00(with cathedral)
  • Children – £5.40 and  £7.20(with cathedral)
  • Senior Citizen – £7.20 and  £9.60(with cathedral)

Location: The Scores, St. Andrews, Fife

3. Explore The Museum of St. Andrews University

St. Andrews University Museum

Being the first University of Scotland, the University of St. Andrews has a museum that features a collection of teaching and research dating back to the early 15th century. The museum has a collection of over 115,000 artifacts as well as specimens that holds global significance.

There are three recognized collections that have National significance naming Heritage, Scientific instruments, and chemistry. The collection that the museum houses are generally used for teaching students and support during academic projects. 

Timing: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Location: North Street, St. Andrews, Fife

4. Visit The World Famous Beach “West Sands Beach”

West Sand Beach

West Sands Beach is the most popular beach in St. Andrews which was also featured in the 1981 movie “Chariot of Fire. The beach spans up to 2 miles and links with dunes and the famous golf course of St. Andrews. Spend some of your time at this beach with your family with a lot of activities and things to do.

The beach is just 15 minutes walk away from the city center and also offers a parking facility. After spending some time at the beach, you can either explore the nearby shops or have a bite at some of the popular restaurants. Other tourists attractions to explore near the White Sands beach include St. Andrews Castle, the medieval cathedral, and the golf museum. 

Timing: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Location: PC Block 1, West Sands Road, St Andrews

5. Spend A Day At Loch Lomond And The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond St. Andrews

Loch Lomond And The Trossachs National Park is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Scotland with several things to do and explore. It is one of the two national parks in the country and spans an area of over 1800 square km. Loch Lomond is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Scottish Highlands which you should not miss. 

The place is easily accessible from the city of Edinburgh which is 1.5 hours drive away and also from Glasgow city which is just 45 minutes drive away. Start your day at Loch Lomond by spending some time near the lake where you can enjoy numerous activities such as kayaking, cruise tour, paddle boarding, and wakeboarding.

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year except for Winters

Things Do in Loch Lomond: 

  • Bird of Prey Center 
  • TreeZone Aeriel Adventure 
  • Hiking and Trekking 
  • Visit Sea Life Center 
  • Boat and Cruise Tour
  • Spot Wildlife 

Ideal Duration: 2 days 

Location: West Dunbartonshire/Argyll and Bute/Stirling

Also Read: Top 5 Places And Things To Do In Aberdeen, The Flower Of Scotland

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