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A mini guide to
St Andrews: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Climb St Rule's Tower
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.
Golf: book ahead
St Andrews Links runs a ballot for Old Course tee times and offers guided walks of the links. Details are on standrews.com.
Two beaches
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.
Beach wheelchairs
VisitScotland lists St Andrews West Beach Wheelchairs, which lends beach-friendly wheelchairs free of charge.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is St Andrews?
St Andrews is in St Andrews and Fife, Scotland. Cathedral ruins, a cliff-top castle, Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course. Nearby stops and stations include St Andrews bus station, Leuchars station.
How long do I need in St Andrews?
One to two days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include St Andrews Cathedral, St Rule's Tower, St Andrews Castle. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: St Andrews bus station (Stagecoach 99 to Leuchars and Dundee; X58 and X59 to Edinburgh; 787 to Edinburgh Airport; 95 along the coast); Leuchars station (Trains on the Edinburgh to Dundee line). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 26 places to eat and drink in and around St Andrews, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 9 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is St Andrews accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in St Andrews
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Bell Pettigrew Museum
University natural history museum of animals and fossils from around the world, including extinct species.
Craigtoun Country Park
Country park about 2 miles south-west of town, once part of the Mount Melville estate and now owned by Fife Council.
St Andrews Aquarium
Family-owned aquarium below The Scores overlooking West Sands, with seals, penguins, meerkats and tropical fish.
St Andrews and Fife
More areas to explore
East Neuk
Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie: stone harbours on the Firth of Forth
Open the mini guide →
Dunfermline and the Forth
Royal abbey and palace, Carnegie's birthplace, Culross and the Forth Bridge
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- St Andrews Heritage Museum and Garden: Daytrick, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Bell Pettigrew Museum: Daytrick, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Craigtoun Country Park: colin mcadam, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St Andrews Aquarium: Drkirstyross, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- East Neuk: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dunfermline and the Forth: Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring St Andrews and Fife