The Perfect One Day in St Andrews, Scotland

Top Things To Do In St Andrews

The picture-perfect town of St Andrews is a great spot to visit, either while staying in Edinburgh or as a stopover while making your way to another part of Scotland. We had finished our time on the NC500 and would spend a few days in Edinburgh before heading home, so we planned one day in St Andrews Scotland.

While the town is small, it is also very scenic. The draw for Denis was, of course, the famous golf course, and for me, the historic buildings and charming streets that provided plenty to explore.

This blog will outline what we consider the must-see spots to help with planning your visit to spend one day in St Andrews.

Highlights of St Andrews

St Andrews Golf Course

There is quite a history with the golf course in this location. It is thought that golf was being played on the grounds as early as the 1400s. But it became formal in 1552 when the Archbishop signed a charter that authorized the people of St Andrews the rights to play there. These early roots are why the course is now thought to be where golf started, and it is referred to as the Home of Golf.  It is only a 2 hour drive from the 3rd oldest course in the world, Royal Dornoch.

The complex actually has 7 links courses onsite; however, the oldest and most famous is the Old Course. This public course is where the championship tournaments are held. It is possible to play the course, but due to its popularity, the tee times are assigned by ballot 48 hours prior.

On Sundays, the course is closed for golf, and since this is public land, people can walk along the grounds. This was our plan, but it turned out that on the day of our visit, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship was being played. Denis was thrilled to be able to buy a very reasonably priced ticket at £15 and follow some popular golfers like Rory McIlroy.

Small group or private walking tours are available for the true golf aficionados. They also have several dining venues and a pro shop where visitors can purchase branded merchandise.

✅ Check out this small group tour option with a golf caddie to learn everything there is to know about the famous golf course.

West Sands Beach

Along the coast, just down from the golf course, is a 3 km stretch of beach also known as St Andrews Beach. The wide, sandy beach is a perfect place to stroll or go for a run. In the summer months, you will see many people swimming here.

The dunes that sit back from the beach are a protected conservation area housing numerous plants and animals. It is a nice spot to spend some relaxing time around St Andrews.

St Andrews Cathedral

This distinguished site dates to 1130, when an initial church was built here, but the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral that you can see now were dedicated in 1318 as the largest church in Scotland. 

The grounds are free to enter, and it makes for a wonderful, unique spot to wander. Several walls are still standing, which allows you to imagine the size and scope of this majestic structure.

The facade of the front is beautiful, along with the decorative stone arches that were so painstakingly created. It is incredible to see some of this masonry work that has survived for so many years.

I loved walking around the grounds, and this is one of the best places from which to admire the old harbour and views of the sea. 

And be sure to take some time to explore the cemetery. Some of the headstones date back 100s of years. 

✅ This is a very highly rated private walking tour of St Andrews that shows you all the major highlights of the town. Perfect for a quick orientation of the town.

St Andrews Castle

When the St Andrews Cathedral was being built, the Bishop also constructed a castle for his personal residence. It was damaged in several wars and sieges but continually rebuilt and improved, even being transformed into a fortress and a prison. It also has several underground passages that are very unique.

During the time of the Reformation (when the Scots broke away from the Catholic Church) in the 1500s, and the Bishops were abolished, it fell into further ruin. In the 1800s, much of the Great Hall crumbled and fell into the sea. The location right at the water’s edge reminded us of the Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland.

If you love a great medieval castle, you can visit inside. There is an entrance fee to visit the ruins that includes an audio guide.

St Andrews University

The oldest university in Scotland dates to the 1400s. This prestigious school boasts a stunning campus that is open to visitors to explore.

The stately buildings surround several green areas with mature trees. I thought the decorative buildings with a tall clock tower, under which you pass through stone arches to enter, looked noble and grand, similar to the beautiful buildings of Trinity College in Dublin.

Be sure to see the Gothic St Salvator’s Chapel with its stunning windows.  While this building is so pretty, it also has a dark side. A Catholic priest named Patrick Hamilton began teaching Lutheran ideals after visiting Europe and learning from reformed leaders. As a result, he was tried, found guilty and burned at the stake right in front of the chapel. He is now considered an early martyr of the Scottish Reformation.

The University of St Andrews was where Prince William and Kate went to school and met, so it was fun to imagine them also in these spots as I strolled along the pathways.

Walk The Charming Streets

One of the best things to do is to walk along some of the quaint streets. The buildings in St Andrews are attractive, and there are stone archways that give this little town real character.

✅ If you want to visit St Andrews from Edinburgh on a day trip, consider this small group tour with a maximum of 8 people. It provides a good amount of time in St Andrews plus some other stops along the coast.

FAQs

Where Is St Andrews Located?

Located on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, St Andrews is only 80 kms northeast of Edinburgh, so this can be an easy day trip.

How Much Time Do I Need In St Andrews?

If you are planning to play a round of golf in St Andrews, that would take a good part of the day, so we would recommend staying the night so you can explore the town the next day. Otherwise, you can easily discover St Andrews in one day.

Is St Andrews A Walkable Town?

The town is very compact, so it is very easy to get around to all the things to see in St Andrews on foot. 

Where To Stay In St Andrews

If you do decide to stay overnight, then you could consider one of the following properties.

✦ Close to all the sights that also have free parking and a bistro onsite: Hotel du Vin

✦ Luxurious rooms in a historical building with amazing views of the golf course and beach: Rusacks St Andrews

✦ For an upscale stay with direct access to the gold course and full service amenities such as a spa, pool, and multiple bars and restaurants: Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa

The Final Word…One Day In St Andrews, Scotland

We found this to be one of the more pleasant towns in Scotland that we visited. From the famous golf course to the fascinating ruins, it has a little something for everyone. And its proximity makes it a great day trip from Edinburgh. We would recommend a visit to St Andrews if you would like a leisurely day with a laid-back pace.

Make sure to read our other blog posts about Scotland’s nearby destinations, including Inverness and the NC500.