Scotland · City Guide
St Andrews
St Andrews is one of Scotland's most beautiful and historically significant small towns, home of golf since the 15th century and the Old Course, one of the most famous sporting venues in the world, a magnificent ruined cathedral, Scotland's oldest university, beautiful beaches and a charming town of independent shops and restaurants. From the Swilcan Bridge and the 18th fairway to the Castle and the West Sands beach of Chariots of Fire fame, St Andrews provides a quintessential Scottish experience.
Elect's take
"St Andrews is genuinely one of the most beautiful small towns in Britain. The combination of golf heritage, outstanding university atmosphere, magnificent ruins and beautiful beaches creates somewhere that I find consistently enjoyable to spend time in."
The Old Course at St Andrews is the most celebrated golf course in the world, home to the Open Championship since 1873 and a spiritual home of the game played on this ground since the 15th century. The Swilcan Bridge and the 18th fairway provide the most recognisable images in golf and walking the course as a spectator or player provides one of the great sporting pilgrimages. St Andrews Cathedral, destroyed at the Reformation in 1559, provides magnificent ruins that evoke the scale and ambition of medieval Scottish religious life. St Andrews University, Scotland's oldest, was founded in 1413 and its beautiful medieval buildings provide an outstanding architectural walk. The West Sands beach, stretching for 2 miles, was the setting for the opening of Chariots of Fire.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
The Old Course
The most celebrated golf course in the world and spiritual home of the game since 1415.
St Andrews Cathedral
Magnificent ruined cathedral providing powerful insight into medieval Scottish religious life.
West Sands Beach
A beautiful 2-mile beach famous as the filming location for the opening of Chariots of Fire.
St Andrews University
Scotland's oldest university founded 1413 with beautiful medieval buildings to explore.
Golf Museum
An outstanding museum celebrating the history of the game in the town where it began.
St Andrews Dining
An excellent independent restaurant and café scene in a beautiful compact town centre.
