Explore historic streets and medieval ruins, stroll windswept beaches, savour Scotland’s finest and oldest whiskies, unwind at luxurious hotels, and play the world’s most iconic links courses.

What is St Andrews like?
There’s nowhere in Scotland quite like St Andrews. Born as a Pictish settlement site in the 6th century, before growing into a major Christian pilgrimage site some 200 years later, St Andrews is a town that balances its medieval soul with modern charm, and, of course, golf. Its cobbled streets are home to Georgian façades, boutique shops and cafés, while the town itself is bordered by sandy beaches that run endlessly into the North Sea. It’s a place where golf is woven into the fabric of the town, yet it offers much more than sport alone.

© Visit Scotland

What are the claims to fame of St Andrews?
The world knows St Andrews as the Home of Golf, a title it has rightly earned. The Old Course is where the sport was born, where features such as the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are instantly recognisable, and where some of its most storied duels have played out, from Sanders v Nicklaus in 1970 to Watson versus Seve in 1984.

Beyond golf, the town holds centuries of history, from its university, founded in 1413, to the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, and also boasts natural beauty, with wild North Sea scenery found all along its rocky headland – the golden West Sands beach is a must visit, made iconic by Chariots of Fire. Furthermore, the town is a hub for exploring the wider Kingdom of Fife, making it a cultural as well as sporting landmark.

What should I do in St Andrews?
There’s more to St Andrews than tee times. Walking tours are a great way to explore the unfound corners of the town, weaving through centuries of stories, past university quads and sea-battered ruins. Just beyond town, the East Neuk of Fife offers a slower pace – think fishing villages like Crail and Anstruther, with harbourside seafood, local artists, and timeless charm.

Whisky lovers can make a pilgrimage to Lindores Abbey Distillery, where whiskey was first distilled in 1494, while the creatively inclined might prefer a private jewellery workshop at East Nook Studio. For indulgence of a different kind, Gleneagles lies just over an hour inland, offering spa retreats, country pursuits, and five-star hospitality. Or, see it all from the air – helicopter tours reveal the town and coastline in spectacular fashion.

© Visit Scotland

What do I have to see in St Andrews?
Start with a walk across the Old Course – whether playing or simply watching, it’s an experience every golfer should savour. Then explore the medieval majesty of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, perched dramatically above the sea. Wander down to West Sands Beach for a bracing walk along the surf, before heading back to town and the university quarter, where narrow backstreets hide independent galleries, whisky shops, and tearooms – ideal for a slow afternoon of discovery.

Where are the best places to eat in St Andrews?
St Andrews boasts a mix of refined and relaxed dining. The Adamson on South Street serves polished, modern brasserie fare, while Forgan’s offers rustic, locally sourced Scottish cuisine. For seafood with a view, The Seafood Ristorante overlooks West Sands beach, while at Rusacks, Rocca Restaurant provides fine dining with views over the Old Course. For a Michelin-starred treat just outside the town, The Peat Inn offers exceptional countryside dining, and if it’s more casual, hearty food you’re after, Little Italy, The Grange Inn, and Balgove Larder Steak Barn are all reliable options.

What are the best places for a drink in St Andrews?
Few places capture golfing heritage like The Jigger Inn – a snug, stone-walled pub beside the Old Course that’s hosted champions and dreamers alike. Whisky aficionados should head to Lindores Abbey’s Legacy Bar for a guided tasting or to Eden Mill for small-batch spirits with local character. Many of the town’s hotels also offer refined lounges and cocktail bars – ideal for unwinding after a day on the links.