FOREWORD FROM BAILEY LANGSOME
ST ANDREWS STUDENT & MEMBER OF THE VOICE & GUIDE TEAM
There are such a wide variety of things to do and ways of spending your time in St Andrews as you can see by visiting other sections of this guide, especially PLACES TO VISIT section.
However long your visit, albeit a couple of hours, a day, a week or longer we want you to maximise the experiences you have by showcasing some different types of things to do while here.
In addition, we will be creating a specific forum and chat area on this page for people to share their own experiences and provide up-0to-minute news on the things that are worth visiting. So for example here are a couple of suggestions depending on what interests you may have. We will be sure to add a collection of others over time.
Crafting Your Perfect Day in St Andrews
St Andrews encompasses a small seaside town, often described as comprising just three main streets. Nonetheless, this quaint environment provides a diverse range of opportunities to fill your visit.
With its prestigious university, famous golf courses, ample history, and family activities, the town carries a rich culture where the ‘perfect day’ varies for each person. Through four distinct perspectives, this guide illustrates St Andrews’ charm in attracting a diverse range of visitors, each carrying their cherished memories that compel them to return.
The Prospective Student
After a quick breakfast, start your day by joining one of the university tours—booked in advance to secure your spot. Led by a current student, these tours offer invaluable insights into the culture and history of the university. You’ll visit iconic spots on campus, such as St. Salvator’s Quadrangle, with the opportunity to ask questions and gain a firsthand understanding of student life. This experience also includes a talk given by a member of the admissions staff where you’ll learn the practicalities of applying. Alternatively, opt for the university’s self-guided online tour, catering to your interests and pace.
For lunch, fuel your afternoon with fish and chips or a toastie on the beach. Then, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by strolling through the streets lined with various shops before taking a reflective walk along West Sands. In the evening, choose the restaurant that stood out most during your exploration and end the night with a pub crawl. Introduce yourself to the nightlife by stopping by Molly Malome’s (affectionately known as Molly’s) to mingle with current students or head to Aikmann’s for live music. Finally, retreat to your hotel and consider whether you envision yourself living and studying in this charming town.
The Golf Enthusiast
Begin the day early by teeing off at the Old Course at St. Andrews Links, the oldest and most famous golf course in the world. While there, ensure to snap a photo on the iconic Swilcan Bridge. If unable to book this course, play at one of the many other renowned courses at St Andrews and admire their coastal views. After a successful game, head to Dunvegan Hotel, one of the most famous 19th holes, for lunch and a post-round pint. While dining, enjoy the decor with framed photographs of all the renowned players who also stopped by.
In the afternoon, play another course or practice on the Himalayas Putting Green. Also, ensure to enter The R&A World Golf Museum to explore the sport’s history from its origin as “The Home of Golf” to the present. For the rest of the evening, you could explore the various golf shops by the courses or pay a visit to the grave of Old Tom Morris at St. Andrews Cathedral. For a high-end dinner, climb to the upper floor of the Links Clubhouse to the Swilcan Loft for fantastic views of the Old Course. Afterward, grab a pint or whiskey at the pubs, such as Jigger Inn for more great scenery by the famed “Road Hole”.
The History Buff
In the morning, take a walking tour of St Andrews to learn the town’s history from a local expert. If you instead wish to explore without a guide, you must visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, Scotland’s largest medieval church. This church served as the headquarters of the Scottish Church from the twelfth century to 1560. After seeing the graveyard, be sure to climb the 156 steps up St Rules Tower for a breathtaking view of the whole town. Once on ground level, nearby you can roam the ruins of St Andrews Castle which overlooks the ocean. Grab an audio tour to guide your experience and learn about the bishop’s home in the Middle Ages and the conflicts leading up to the Protestant Reformation in 1560. Continue your journey at St Andrews University, the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. You may visit sites like the PH where Patrick Hamilton was crucified or St Salvator’s Hall where Prince William Mountbatten-Windsor and Kat Middleton began their romance.
For lunch, wander down the historic Market Street and enter one of the many restaurants available. If you took a morning tour, then the afternoon provides the opportunity to explore the most interesting areas more intimately. If self-guided, then stop by the Old Course to see the world’s oldest golf course before walking to the St Andrews Museum. This Victorian Mansion hosts temporary exhibits that display various aspects of local history through art and artifacts. Plan to arrive there right after lunch to see everything before they close at 4 pm. For dinner, book a private hire at Forgan’s to taste traditional Scottish cuisine in a cozy setting based on Scotland’s “Bothies”—small rural sheds that welcomed travelers. With a full stomach, end your day with a visit to The Keys Bar, the oldest pub in St Andrews, or test your bravery by joining a ghost tour of the town.
The Family Outing
For a sweet treat, get breakfast at one of the many cafes. Try Cottage Kitchen or Gorgeous for quaint environments with delicious pastries and meal options. Spend the morning at the St Andrews Botanic Gardens where kids can run around in fresh air and learn about the different wildlife. You can also check their online events page for upcoming family activities. For a different adventure, search St Andrews Aquarium with more than 120 species to see including octopuses, sharks, poisonous frogs, and crocodiles. For an extra activity, kids may even enjoy feeding the penguins or meerkats.
After this full morning, relax with a picnic in Kinburn Park where kids can play at the park after their meal. If weather permits, head to West Sands for an afternoon of sandcastle building and splashing in the waves. For an experience just outside St Andrews, travel to Craigtoun Country Park for a whole days worth of attractions to try. Free activities include parks, in-ground trampolines, a zip-line, and various trails whereas the seasonal paid activities include tractor rides, pedal boats, putting golf, bouncy castles, and a mini railway. With so many possibilities, families have plenty of experiences to try at St Andrews. To conclude the day after a nice dinner in town, take the kids for a final treat at one of the delicious ice cream parlors at Janetta’s or Luvian’s.
