Things to see and do in st Andrews
St Andrews is the town named after and reported to be the resting place of the apostle Andrew. If you are lucky enough to have some time to spend in St Andrews, this post is for you.
St Andrews is widely known around the world for being the home of golf. St Andrews also has one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world.
We have curated a list of all the best things to do in St Andrews. This is a list of things to do alone, in a small group, with family or even in the rain!
what to do in St Andrews - our list
Golf in St Andrews
A trip to St Andrews would never be complete without a visit to the historic golf courses. We offer luxury golf tours to the golf courses in St Andrews and around Scotland. Please have a look at our golf tour page and contact us if you would like some more information.
The Old Course
The Old course , also known as the old lady is thought to be the oldest golf course in the world. This golf course dates back to the 15th century and is still in use today. The old course hosted The Open Championship as recently as 2022. To play a game of golf on the worlds oldest golf course costs from £135 to £295.
The New Course
The new course is known as “the oldest new golf course in the world”. Built in 1895 this course is an 18 hole Par 71. Built by “Old Tom Morris” the new course is known to be the best kept secret in golf.
World Golf Museum
The R&A world gold museum is a tribute to the game with artefacts dating back from the 15th century. Easily accessible by from the town centre, the British golf museum is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
Things to do in the rain in St Andrews
St Andrews museum
St Andrews museum is a Victorian mansion centred in mature park grounds. Closed for renovations until spring 2023. St Andrews museum will feature a new café and eatery, shop and exhibitions showcasing art and sculpture from the local area and greater fife area.
Bell Pettigrew Museum
The Bell Pettigrew museum is an Edwardian museum located in St Andrews University. The museum was founded in 1912 and was described by sir David Attenborough as “packed full of treasures and wonders”. A master piece of taxidermy specimens, fossils, skeletons and all things in the natural world can be found at the Bell Pettigrew Museum.
Scottish fisheries museum
Showcasing the history of the fishing industry and the history of the communities that once and still thrive upon fishing. The museum itself is a charitable trust which became a national institution celebrating the fishing industry. The museum features exhibits with historic photographs and paintings, they also boast a fleet of 22 boats!
St Andrews cathedral
Built in 1158 and used by the medieval Catholic Church up until it was destroyed in a protestant uprising in 1559. St Andrews Cathedral now sits as a magnificent ruin with some ancient graves amongst its grounds. The Cathedral enjoys a seaside position, so is perfect for those wanting to take in a bit of sea air and history at the same time.
Things to do in St Andrews for families
St Andrews aquarium
You can find sharks, seals, penguins, marsupials, spiders, snakes and more! St Andrews Aquarium are Scotland’s only family owned large scale aquarium. The aquarium is great to visit with your family whilst in St Andrews.
Barbarafield riding school
Around a 20-min drive from the centre of St Andrews is Barbarafield riding school, offering horse riding in a private 300 acre plot. Children as young as 5 years old can ride upon ponies and horses. “Hacks” can be purchased per hour or 1/2 day for riding on your horse of choice. Barbarafield riding school offers fun for all the family whilst enjoying your time near St Andrews.
Great places for walks in St Andrews
Cambo Gardens
Cambo Gardens, St Andrews is a beautiful walled garden that has on-site facilities and is perfect for taking leisurely strolls in the fresh sea air of St Andrews. The garden has been owned by the same family for over 300 years and features an on-site cafe for a break from your nature rambles.
Kingsbarns beach
If you still have time for your walk after Cambo Gardens and the weather is just right, you may enjoy a stroll along Kingsbarns beach. A 2 mile stretch of golden sand is perfect for a leisurely stroll after enjoying a bite to eat from the nearby Cambo Garden Cafe. To see more beaches around St Andrews and Edinburgh have a look at our best beaches near Edinburgh post!.
Craigtoun Country Park
Craigtoun Country Park is a 47 acre estate just 4 miles outside of St Andrews. Craigton is a fantastic place to take the family. Famous for offering a range of great value family fun including, boating, putting and crazy golf to name a few. Craigtoun has a wide range of activities including a go kart track and even a “Puffin Billy road train” that young children can ride on. If you have a young family and are in St Andrews, Craigtoun should be on your itinerary.
Dunino Den
On the outskirts of St Andrew sits our last entry of our list and one of the more unusual ones. Dunino den is an ancient place of mystery. Marked with Celtic symbols chiselled into the stone and faces carved out of the red stones. Dunino Den can be an strange place but take care when climbing the steps to the sacred well as there is no guard rails here to prevent you from falling!