A mini guide to
Cathedral ruins, a cliff-top castle, Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course
1 / 10Welcome to the area
St Andrews grew up west of its cathedral, which was the centre of the medieval church in Scotland until the Reformation. The old town is laid out along three streets, North Street, Market Street and South Street, which run towards the cathedral ruins and the harbour.
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, owns many of the buildings in the centre, including St Salvator's Chapel and St Mary's College. At the west end of town are the Old Course, the R&A World Golf Museum and the long beach of West Sands.
Highlights
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Ruins of the largest church built in medieval Scotland, begun in 1158 and abandoned after the Reformation; cared for by Historic Environment Scotland.
Directions Website Report a problem with St Andrews Cathedral
Square tower about 33 metres high in the cathedral grounds, from the older church built to house relics of St Andrew.
Ruined bishops' castle on a rocky headland above Castle Sands; a castle has stood here since the late 12th century.
Public links on common land held by St Andrews Links Trust, widely regarded as the oldest golf course in the world.
Small stone bridge over the Swilken Burn on the 18th hole of the Old Course, in place in some form since the 15th century.
Clubhouse of the private, members-only Royal and Ancient Golf Club, beside the first tee of the Old Course.
Directions Report a problem with Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
Find your way
The map shows St Andrews and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
The 33-metre tower stands in the cathedral grounds. VisitScotland notes its views over the North Sea; check Historic Environment Scotland for access and tickets.
St Andrews Links runs a ballot for Old Course tee times and offers guided walks of the links. Details are on standrews.com.
West Sands, beside the golf links, is the long beach from Chariots of Fire. East Sands lies past the harbour at the other end of town.
VisitScotland lists St Andrews West Beach Wheelchairs, which lends beach-friendly wheelchairs free of charge.
Tips from the Britlens editors
St Andrews and Fife
Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie: stone harbours on the Firth of Forth
Open the mini guide →
Royal abbey and palace, Carnegie's birthplace, Culross and the Forth Bridge
Open the mini guide →Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring St Andrews and Fife
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