St Andrews walking tour & city guide

The home of golf

Golf has been played at St Andrews for about 600 years, and the Old Course is the most famous golf course in the world. The little stone Swilcan Bridge, on the 18th hole, is a classic photo spot, and the clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club stands beside it. The Old Course is closed to golf on Sundays and becomes a public park.

Next to the course, West Sands is a long sandy beach, famous from the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire.

Cathedral, castle and university

The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland, stand on the clifftop, and St Rule's Tower can be climbed for views. Nearby, the ruined castle has a medieval siege tunnel and a bottle dungeon. The University of St Andrews has historic quadrangles such as St Salvator's, where Prince William and Kate Middleton studied.

A classic walk through St Andrews

Start at the cathedral ruins and St Rule's Tower, then walk along the Scores, the clifftop road, past the castle to the Royal and Ancient clubhouse. Walk to the Swilcan Bridge and along West Sands beach.

Return through the town via North Street, Market Street and South Street, past the university's old buildings and St Salvator's Chapel. The walk is about 4 kilometers.

Visiting tips

Summer is the busiest season, especially when golf tournaments are held. The nearest train station is Leuchars, about 10 minutes away by bus, and Edinburgh is about 90 minutes by road. The Fife Coastal Path passes through the town.