St Andrews, Scotland - Home of Golf & Gowns
With Scotland's Oldest University & Medieval Streets, St Andrews Draws A Crowd
St. Andrews is a historic town located on the east coast of Scotland, known for its rich history, beautiful coastal setting, and its association with golf, as it is often referred to as the "Home of Golf."
Situated in the region of Fife, on the northeast coast of Scotland, the town of 16,800 people is approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the capital, Edinburgh and 14 miles (23 kilometers) southeast of Dundee.
The town's charming medieval streets, museums, and stunning coastal scenery make it an appealing place to explore.
History
The town has a long history dating back to medieval times. It was named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, and legend has it that his remains were brought to the town in the 8th century. The town became an important religious center and the site of the St. Andrew's Cathedral, which was once the largest cathedral in Scotland.
Its ruins are now a testament to the destruction of the turbulent years of the Scottish Reformation in the 1550s and 1560s. In its prime, the cathedral was the seat of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and the Bishops and later Archbishops of St Andrews. It was also the largest church in Scotland.
The university was founded in 1413 and is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. It is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and is often ranked among the top universities globally.
Only the universities in Cambridge and Oxford in England are older.
Attractions - Things to see & Do
St Andrews Castle
The history of St Andrews Castle goes back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries when Bishop Roger of St Andrews first built his episcopal palace on the site. It was used as such until the bloody years of the Scottish Reformation in the 1550s and 1560s.
Before that the castle/palace changed hands during the Wars of Scottish Independence (1296-1346) between the English and Scots.
In 1336-1337, the Scots destroyed the fortress to prevent the English from utilizing it as a base. Bishop Walter Trail rebuilt the castle in 1400 and it is his work we largely see today.
In the 15th century the castle was occasionally home to Scottish monarchs, James I of Scotland (1406-1437) spent time here as a youth and was also used as a prison. Visitors can still see the infamous bottle dungeon cut from solid rock. This was later used to hold victims of religious persecution during the Scottish Reformation.
St. Andrew's Cathedral
The history of St. Andrew's Cathedral dates back to the foundation and the building of St Rule's Church sometime around 1130, though historians are unsure of the exact date.
The site housed relics of St Andrew - the patron saint of Scotland - brought to Scotland from Greece in the 4th century by Saint Rule (Regulus).
The church and priory were constructed for the newly-arrived Augustinians from the continent who took over the administration of the site from the Culdees based in The Church of St Mary on the Rocks.
The new 33 meter-tall, Augustinian St Rule's Tower served as a beacon for pilgrims arriving by sea to visit the relics.
The St Andrews Museum
The St Andrews Museum is housed in a Victorian mansion within the lovely grounds of Kinburn Park. The main focus of the museum is the history, culture and economy of the town of St Andrews itself. It is one of several excellent museums in St Andrews to visit.
The museum explains the importance of St Andrews in the history of Scotland. The town was an important port for both fishing and trading as well as an ancient academic and religious center. Wall panels and exhibits in glass cases reveal how St Andrews was connected to the rest of Europe and the wider world.
Wardlaw Museum
The Wardlaw Museum is a museum maintained by the University of St Andrews.
The museum is dedicated to the university's research and showcases the institution's large and diverse collections of art, history, science and natural history. Altogether these total over 115,000 artefacts. The museum takes its name from Bishop Henry Wardlaw, the founder of St Andrews University.
The museum relates the history of the University of St Andrews which began in 1410, making it the oldest university in Scotland. The four galleries at the museum are thematic and are Scotland's First University, Enquiring Minds, Reformers and Innovators and Expanding Horizons.
Only the universities in Cambridge and Oxford in England are older.
Other museums connected with the University of St Andrews include the Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History, open to the general public during school holidays and the Collections Centre with highlights of the collection that are not on general display but available to researchers.
R&A World Golf Museum
St Andrews is mostly known for its association with the game of golf though the University of St Andrews is now pushing it close. The R&A World Golf Museum celebrates the town's links (pun intended) with golf and the history of the game in general.
The museum is situated just across the road from The Old Course and The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. It is a must for visitors who have come to play golf in the town.
St Andrews Aquarium
St Andrews Aquarium near the R&A World Golf Museum and The Old Course is a fun day out for all the family. With over 100 species of animals, not just aquatic creatures, there's lots to see.
Highlights of any visit include feeding time for the aquarium's Humboldt penguins plus British sharks and rays, lionfish, piranhas and seas.
In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of reptiles, frogs, marmoset monkeys, spiders, West African Dwarf Crocodiles and the ever popular meerkats.
The aquarium has been family owned and run since 1999. It's open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; closed 24 - 26 December and New Year's Day.
Churches
Historic churches in St Andrews include St Salvator's Chapel at the university. It is one of two collegiate chapels belonging to the University of St Andrews. The other is nearby St Leonard's Chapel. St Salvator's Chapel dates from 1450.
Holy Trinity Church on South Street is where John Knox first preached in public in 1547. Later his inflammatory sermon on 4 June 1559 here led to the destruction of St Andrews Cathedral. It is often referred to as the cradle of the Scottish Reformation.
Blackfriars Chapel also on South Street was built in the 1520s. It is all that remains of a larger Blackfriars Friary.
Hope Park Church dates from 1865 and is known for its stained glass. St James Catholic Church is later and dates from 1910.
Coastline
The town boasts a picturesque coastal setting, with sandy beaches and rugged cliffs along its shoreline. The East Sands and West Sands are popular spots for beachgoers.
Shopping
The town's main shopping area is centered around South Street, Market Street, and Church Street. You will find a range of shops offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, and gifts. These stores often feature unique and locally made items.
There are plenty of shops selling traditional Scottish souvenirs. Look for items like tartan scarves, kilts, whisky, and also Celtic jewelry.
In addition, there are numerous golf shops offering a wide selection of golf equipment, apparel, and memorabilia. The shops are well-stocked with golf clubs, balls, and clothing for golf enthusiasts playing the local courses.
Scotland has a rich literary tradition, and St. Andrews has a couple of charming bookstores. You can explore a selection of books, including works by Scottish authors, as well as books on golf and local history.
Eat & Drink
Visitors to St. Andrew's can also enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine, including seafood such as haddock and salmon, as well as other local delicacies.
Some recommended places to wine and dine include the Grange Inn on Grange Road, a little south of town.
Within the town, Haar Restaurant & Rooms has a Michelin star and serves delicious, seasonal Scottish cuisine.
The Räv on North Street near the university and Cafe in the Square on Church Street are also both popular with students and tourists alike.
The Adamson on South Street caters to a young crowd serving stakes and seafood with a lively atmosphere.
Tailend at 130 Market Street is great for delicious fresh fish and chips.
For a drink recommendations include the original St Andrews Brewing Co and The Criterion both also on South Street.
The Fife Farmers' Market on South Street offers the chance to buy fresh, locally sourced products, including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal foods.
Access - Getting There
Rail
The nearest railway station to St Andrews is Leuchars, which is about 10 km from the town. It is on the Edinburgh to Dundee line and Edinburgh to Aberdeen line from Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh Haymarket. There are bus and taxi connections from Leuchars to St Andrews.
The Caledonian Sleeper service runs from London Euston to Leuchars overnight six days a week, Sunday to Friday.
The Highland route runs between Fort William, Inverness or Aberdeen and London Euston. The Highland trains join at Edinburgh Waverley and continue to London. The Aberdeen to Edinburgh Waverley Highland train stops at Stonehaven, Montrose, Arbroath, Carnoustie, Dundee Station, Leuchars (for St Andrews), Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing, and also Edinburgh Waverley.
Bus
There are frequent buses to St Andrews from Dundee via Leuchars. The #99, #99A, the #99B, the #99C, and #99D all connect the two cities. Leuchars to St Andrews by bus takes about 15 minutes.
Also there are Stagecoach buses running between St Andrews and Edinburgh. These are the X58, X59 and X60 services (about two hours). Stagecoach also operates the X24, X26 and X27 buses to Glasgow (about two and a half hours).
The bus route to Stirling has unfortunately been withdrawn.
Air
Edinburgh Airport is the nearest major airport with direct shuttle buses to St Andrews. There are also trains to Leuchars from Edinburgh Gateway Station a short tram ride or bus (100 Airlink) ride from Edinburgh Airport.
Dundee Airport has flights to London City, Belfast City, Kirkwall Airport in the Orkney Islands and Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands.
It's worth renting a car if you are touring this part of Scotland along with the remote areas of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Accommodation
If you wish to stay in St Andrews try the Fairmont St Andrews, with five stars and views of the St Andrews Bay. The hotel also boasts a spa and a pool.
Also recommended are the budget Ardgowan Hotel located in a Georgian terrace and Rusacks St Andrews, overlooking the Old Course.
Old Course Hotel St Andrews overlooks West Sands Beach and the Links Golf Course. Enjoy its Kohler Waters Spa, which offers luxury spa treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, experience showers and cold plunge pool.
Hotel Du Vin St Andrews on The Scores offers a French-style bistro and bar.
Kinnettles Hotel & Spa offers an à la carte restaurant amid five-star luxury.
See a listing of hotels in St Andrews.
Gallery
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Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Maps
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