St Andrews: How To Have The Perfect Day Out
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Why should you visit St Andrews?
I’ll come right out and say it – St Andrews is one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. It is full of history, both ancient and modern.
Despite being a very small town, it is full of vibrant culture due to the busy student population. I really believe it’s one of the most underrated tourist spots in the UK.
I’ve even included in in my Ultimate Guide to The UK, which you can read here!
The town where Prince William met his future wife Kate Middleton while studying here, this is one to visit for those with an interest in the royals.
It is most famous for being the golf capital of the world. However, I love this town for it’s fascinating history, the stories, legends, and traditions associated with it, and it’s spectacular sights.
Due to it being a small town, it is definitely possible to tick all of these things off in a day, although I recommend going for a weekend to really make the most of the culture.
For you day-trippers, I’ve put together this handy guide on everything I think you should make time to see, including sights to see, attractions to visit, and places to eat.
For those wishing to stay a little longer, I’ve also recommended some accommodation too.
This town has so much to offer. Besides the things I’ve included here, the town is full of interesting little shops, bookshops selling numerous old books, and almost as many pubs as students (a lot!).
Make sure to take a wander up the cobbled streets when you visit and explore that side of the town too. For now, let’s talk about the main attractions of St Andrews and why they’re so special.
See The Ruins Of St Andrews Cathedral
One of the most impressive sights in St Andrews is St Andrews Cathedral. These are the ruins of what was once the largest church in Scotland.
Built in 1158 in Gothic Style, the remaining sections of the cathedral that still stand remain impressive.
The cathedral had a tough history, between catching fire and coming under attack during the Scottish Reformation due to it’s Catholic symbolism. It fell into disuse by 1561, and the walls began to crumble.
Like much of the town of St Andrews, there are mysterious stories associated with the cathedral.
The most famous is that of the White Lady. She is said to be a ghost who wanders the cathedral grounds and dislikes visitors.
It’s said her face is covered by a white veil, which she has been said to draw back and show visitors a terrifying form underneath.
Climb St Rules’ Tower
This is both one of the oldest and best-preserved sections of St Andrew’s Cathedral. Originally part of the old church that stood here before the cathedral was built, this tower has remained standing for a thousand years.
You are able to climb the spiral staircase and stand at the top. The view from the top of the tower is very impressive, with views across the town, over into the surrounding countryside.
The view also stretches over the ocean that surrounds the town too.
The tower has it’s very own ghost too – the friendly monk who assists visitors as they climb up the steep staircase.
If you do one thing on your visit to St Andrews, I recommend you do this.
Visit St Andrews Castle
Another set of ruins in St Andrews that has a rich history. The castle ruins are linked closely to the Scottish Reformation, and it’s history can be discovered on your visit.
Many Scottish kings have stayed here, and it was later used as a prison too. It changed hands between the Scottish and English forces many times, but eventually became a refuge for the Protestants.
You can find an old tunnel used by the forces, as well as initials etched into the stone by those who occupied it.
Although the ruins themselves are less impressive than the cathedral’s, they are rich with history.
They also overlook a small beach named Castle Sands. There is a small tidal pool here known as Castle Pool and some rocky formations in the middle of the day when the tide is out.
Walk Along The Pier Wall
You can find the Pier Wall on the East Sands. You may recognise it from the first Sunday of the academic term at the University of St Andrews.
It is tradition for students to walk along it after the Sunday service in the chapel. At this time it is swarming with students in traditional red university gowns.
However, most of the time, it is very quiet. You are able to walk along the stone pier, right out into the wild Scottish sea.
It’s quite unique as it is such an old pier, and taking a walk along it allows you to feel part of the traditions of the town.
Take A Walk (Or Run) Along West Sands
West Sands is an iconic and historic location too, although perhaps not in the way the other locations on this guide have been.
This one is linked to cinematic history, and perhaps the most famous running scenes in the world. That’s right, the Chariots of Fire running scenes were filmed on this beach and there is now a plaque here to commemorate the filming of these iconic scenes.
Besides this, the West Sands make for a pleasant walk along a nice sandy beach – although I do recommend running for the full experience. It has lovely views back of the town, as well as the nearby golf course.
Take a look around the Golf Museum
St Andrews’ historic golf course is particularly famous, with people traveling across the world to play here. You will need a whole afternoon set aside to play a game here, so if you’re staying for more than one day then definitely give this a go if it’s your thing.
On a Sunday, when the course is closed, you are able to explore the course without having to book a game.
However, whatever day you visit, you can always take a look around the R&A World Golf Museum to learn about St Andrew’s golfing history.
Taking you from the game’s origins in the local area to the global game it is today, this museum takes you on a journey through the history of the game.
This is a must-see for golf fans, and certainly an interesting place to visit for everyone else too.
See St Salvator’s Quad
St Salvator’s Quad or “Sallies Quad”, as it’s known to students, is one of the most important parts of the university and is considered to be the heart of the university. The student’s procession takes place here after graduation.
The foam fight that takes place as part of the traditional “Raisin Weekend” also takes place here every year.
Take a visit here for an insight into student life. This is another part of the town that has a ghost story connected to it!
Sir Patrick Hamilton, a victim of the Scottish Reformation was burned at the stake here in 1528. It is said his spirit still lingers. His initials are carved on a tile outside the gates of St Salvator’s Quad.
Make sure not to step on it, as legend says this will invoke the wrath of Patrick Hamilton’s Curse.
This is taken so seriously that on the 1st of May every year, students swim in the North Sea at dawn to rid themselves of the curse lest their exams be affected.
This event is known as the May Dip and is another of the St Andrews University’s iconic traditions.
View St Salvators Halls
This one’s a quick visit, due to it being home to many students during the academic year. Therefore, you are not actually able to enter the halls themselves.
However, if you have an interest in the Royal Family, it’s still worth taking a stroll past to take a look. This was the accommodation Prince William stayed in during his first year at university there, before moving into a flat in town.
Take a peek at the grand old building for an unlikely part of royal history. If visiting in spring, you can also enjoy a beautiful flower garden in front of the building.
Top 5 Places To Eat
Best For: Local pub grub with a community feel.
Best For: A St Andrew’s classic with an eclectic menu
Best For: Sophistication in a quaint setting
Best For: Upmarket restaurant with Michelin star food
Best For: Modern European dining in the centre of town
Top 5 Places To Stay:
Best For: Luxury stay for golf players
Best For: Traditional cottage near sights
Best For: Luxury stay and spa pampering
Best For: A unique insight into university life
Best for: Golf resort with private courses
Another Adventure
So, that sums it up for your day plan to visit St Andrews. I really hope I’ve convinced you that this is a really special town to go and visit and that I’ve given you a few ideas on what you might like to do whilst you’re there.
While the locals are used to having tourists and students staying in the town for the majority of the year, please make sure to respect the local culture.
It’s really important to honor the authenticity of wherever you go.
I think this is especially important in a place such as this, which often has its traditional culture overshadowed by its contemporary mix of visitors.
So, on you go, make the most of it, and explore the beautiful and fascinating history of St Andrews.
Ta-ta for now! x
