St Andrews

St Andrews is the home of golf, with the Old Course being the most famous course in the world. Beyond golf, this ancient university town (Scotland's first university, founded 1413) has beautiful medieval ruins — the Cathedral and St Andrews Castle — and long sandy beaches. The town centre is a charming mix of student life, golf tourism, and independent shops and restaurants.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Edinburgh (EDI), 80 km south. Direct buses and trains connect Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews (2 hr). Dundee Airport (DND), 20 km north, has limited services to London City.

By Train

St Andrews has no railway station (the historic one closed in 1969). The nearest stations are Leuchars (8 km) with frequent trains from Edinburgh (40 min) and Aberdeen. Buses 99/99A connect Leuchars station to St Andrews town centre (15 min).

By Car / Road

St Andrews is on the A91, 20 km south-east of Dundee and 80 km north-east of Edinburgh. Parking is limited in the historic town centre; use the Park & Ride at Craigtoun or the Madras Street car park.

St Andrews is compact and easily explored on foot. The town centre, with its shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, is pedestrian-friendly. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is recommended. Local bus services operate within the town and to neighbouring communities. Taxis are available for shorter journeys.

• The historic town or city centre with its traditional architecture

• Local landmarks, churches, and heritage buildings

• Scenic viewpoints and natural attractions in the surrounding area

• Nearby parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces

• Golf — the Old Course, the New Course, and the Jubilee Course are all public

• Walking the West Sands beach, featured in the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire

• Exploring the university's historic buildings and botanical garden

• Tours of the Old Course by official guides

Dining options in St Andrews range from traditional gastropubs and cafés to fine-dining restaurants. Local specialities include fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and game, and seasonal produce. Many establishments pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting regional producers.

Typical British pub fare (fish and chips, Sunday roasts, pies) is widely available, alongside international cuisines reflecting the area's diversity. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are increasingly common.

St Andrews has a famous pub scene for a town its size. The Central Bar, the Criterion, and the Vic are legendary among students and visitors. For a traditional atmosphere, try the Keys Bar or the Whey Pat Tavern. The town has several independent cafés serving excellent coffee.

Budget

• Budget hotels and hostel accommodation available, with dorm beds from £20/night.

Mid-range

• Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses offer doubles from £70–120 per night.
• Chain hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn) provide consistent quality.

Upscale

• Boutique hotels, country house hotels, and historic inns offer doubles from £150.

Local shops offer a range of goods from well-known brands to local crafts and speciality foods. Markets and independent retailers provide character and authentic finds. Typical opening hours are Monday–Saturday 09:00–17:30, with some stores open on Sundays. Many towns have a weekly market day.

From St Andrews, travellers can easily continue exploring other destinations within Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. The well-connected transport network makes it straightforward to reach neighbouring towns, cities, and attractions.