Things to do in St Andrews

Nestled on the rugged east coast of Scotland, looking out over the North Sea, St Andrews is a town that blends history, charm, and a touch of royal romance. Just under 2 hours from Edinburgh, this small seaside gem in The Kingdom of Fife is best known as the birthplace of golf and the home of Scotland’s oldest university, where Prince William and Catherine Middleton first met as students in 2001. It was also voted one of the happiest holiday destinations in Scotland in our 2025 survey of 12,000 holidaymakers.

St Andrews wears its history proudly, with medieval ruins, cobbled streets, and weathered stone buildings that seem to whisper stories from centuries past. The town is compact and walkable, its heart lined with an eclectic mix of independent shops, cosy cafés, traditional pubs, and artisan boutiques that are a pleasure to walk around.

Whether you’re teeing off on the legendary Old Course, wandering along the dramatic West Sands beach, or simply exploring the nooks of its winding lanes, St Andrews offers something for every kind of traveller. Read on to discover the top attractions and things to do in St Andrews.

Why is St Andrews so famous?

St Andrews is famous as the birthplace of golf, home to the legendary Old Course dating back to the 15th century, making it a top destination for golf breaks in Scotland. It’s also known for its historic university, where Prince William and Kate Middleton met, and its charming coastal setting rich in medieval history and culture.

Is St Andrews in Scotland worth visiting?

Absolutely! St Andrews offers a unique blend of history, stunning coastal scenery, world-famous golf, and charming streets filled with independent shops and cafés. If you're looking for things to do in St Andrews, whether you're a history buff, a golf enthusiast, or just seeking a beautiful, welcoming town, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Top 8 things to do in St Andrews

St Andrews is a delightful destination that offers something for every traveller. Often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Scotland, this charming town is full of character and history. To ensure you experience the very best things to do here, we’ve curated a list of the top 8 must-do activities. From history to leisure, these highlights capture the essence of St Andrews perfectly.

Tee off at St Andrews Golf Course

The Old Course at St Andrews is the most famous golf course in the world and widely regarded as the birthplace of the game. With records of play dating back to the 1400s, it’s steeped in history and tradition, and golfers from across the globe come to walk its legendary fairways. For any golf enthusiast, playing here is a bucket list experience like no other. Its greens are impeccable, course spoilt with spectacular coastal views, and the clubhouse serves up some great grub.

Explore underwater at St Andrews Aquarium

The St Andrews Aquarium is a family-run attraction on the cliffs overlooking St Andrews Bay and West Sands, featuring over 120 species, including British sharks, tropical fish, penguins, seals, and meerkats. Children (and parents) can enjoy a spot of light education during the daily feeding talks, where you can learn all about some of the coolest underwater creatures. The varied mix of marine life, reptiles, spiders and more makes exploration fun and surprising for everyone. It’s ideal for families on holiday and set in a dramatic coastal location, perfect for combining your visit with a beach walk or short town wander.

Tread historic ground at St Andrews Castle

Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the sea, St Andrews Castle is a captivating ruin rich in Scottish history. With sweeping coastal views and stories of intrigue and power, it’s a captivating stop for anyone interested in Scotland’s turbulent past. Once the residence of powerful bishops and archbishops, it played a central role in religious and political conflict during the Reformation, which you can learn about in depth with the helpful information boards and interpretive displays. Visitors can explore its medieval dungeons, the infamous bottle dungeon, and a unique underground siege mine. It’s really fascinating.

Plan some relaxation on West Sands Beach

This beautiful beach in St Andrews is a family-friendly destination renowned for its expansive golden sands and scenic beauty. Stretching nearly 2 miles, it's ideal for children to enjoy building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, and playing all sorts of beach games. The beach is part of a Special Area for Conservation, ensuring a natural environment. With RNLI lifeguard cover during peak months, families can relax knowing safety is a priority. The beach is close to the idyllic town centre, meaning cafes, restrooms and the all-important ice cream shops are easily accessible. Whether it's a sunny day or a breezy afternoon, West Sands offers a delightful seaside experience for all ages.

Admire flora and fauna in St Andrews Botanic Garden

If you are in any way green-fingered, you must visit St Andrews Botanic Garden. Founded in 1889 by the University of St Andrews, the 18-acre garden showcases over 8,000 plant species from around the world. Enjoy discovering diverse habitats, beautiful woodlands, romantic meadows, fairy-tale rockeries, and peaceful ponds. You will soon see why it's renowned for its conservation efforts and educational programs. Visitors can explore themed areas such as the Tangled Bank, which replicates Fife’s endangered habitats, and enjoy seasonal displays and wildlife watching opportunities. This would be a great day out for families, couples and anyone keen to immerse themselves in nature.

Catch and show at The Byre Theatre

The Byre Theatre is a vibrant cultural hub and the 'best small theatre in Scotland'. The current award‑winning building was opened in 2001 by Sean Connery. It is now managed by the university and puts on all sorts of performances, including dance, music, opera, student productions, and the annual pantomime. With its mix of professional and local performances, engaging community outreach, and social spaces like the café-bar and study lounge, the Byre Theatre serves as both an artistic venue and a welcoming gathering place for locals, students, and visitors alike.

The Scores coastal promenade

The Scores is a scenic, cliff‑top street running along St Andrews Bay from the Old Course to the Castle. It’s lined with Victorian villas, university buildings, the iconic bandstand and the Martyrs’ Monument. Visitors and locals alike love The Scores for its leafy promenade with lovely sea views, close proximity to historic sites, and photogenic backdrops of the golf course and coastline. It’s the perfect spot for leisurely walks, lazy afternoons of eating and drinking, souvenir shopping and memorable snapshots. We highly recommend Northpoint Café, a charming and cosy spot with a unique claim to fame – it’s where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, shared coffee dates during their university days.

St Andrews Secret Gardens

St Andrews Secret Gardens refers to an annual event by the St Andrews Preservation Trust, when otherwise private, beautifully kept town gardens are opened to the public for a day. It would be pretty lucky if your holiday happened upon the date, which makes this a unique thing to do in St Andrews. Amid hidden walled courtyards, sensory plantings, live music, and community stalls, visitors get an exclusive peek behind garden gates. It’s a delightful, off‑the‑beaten‑path experience filled with charm, and we wanted to include it for those who enjoy discovery, characterful spaces, and local heritage!

Map showing things to do in St Andrews

Discover all these fantastic activities and attractions with the help of our interactive map, designed to make planning your next adventure easier and more enjoyable.

Plan your trip to St Andrews today

Staying in St Andrews offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and our self-catering cottages provide a welcoming home-from-home for every type of getaway. Whether you're here for coastal walks, golf, history, or simply soaking up the charm of the town, our comfortable and well-equipped luxury cottages in St Andrews put you right at the heart of it all. For the ultimate treat, discover our St Andrews cottages with hot tubs, offering the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. With space to relax and all the essentials you need, our cottages are the ideal base for enjoying St Andrews at your own pace.

Whether you're here for a short break or a longer stay, we hope this guide has inspired your itinerary and helped you discover just how much this little coastal town has to offer. From historic sites to dog-friendly cottages in St Andrews, there’s something for everyone. Wherever your adventures take you, St Andrews is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.