Things to do in  St. Andrews

Just north of St. Andrews’ town center, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle sit on a windswept headland overlooking a beach. Dating from around 1200, the castle was the main residence of St. Andrews’ bishops and archbishops, and the main administrative center of the Scottish church in medieval-era Scotland.

Boasting the world’s oldest golf course, the coastal town of St. Andrews has long been renowned as the home of golf, making it one of the United Kingdom’s premier golfing destinations. St. Andrews Links encompasses seven public courses, situated on both the coastline and inland heath. All of the holes have a backdrop of spectacular Scottish scenery, which adds to the allure of St. Andrews for golf lovers.

In the middle of the Old Course in St. Andrews stands the Swilcan Bridge, an old stone bridge used initially by pack animals to cross a small stream known as the Swilcan Burn. Today, it’s part of the golf course and frequently appears in magazines and photographs.

St. Andrews has long been known as the home of golf, so it makes sense that the city is also home to a fabulous golf museum showcasing the sport's evolution. Here, you'll find a massive collection of everything from trophies to golf clubs, plus a massive archive of golf-related films.

Once Scotland's largest cathedral, the 12th-century ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral stand as a testament to its former magnificence. Sprawling along the coast of Fife, just a stone’s throw from St. Andrews Castle, the evocative ruins afford impressive views along the coast.

No exams are required to get into one of the world’s best universities—or, at least, onto the university grounds for the day. Scotland’s oldest university, the 600-year-old University of St. Andrews, exudes atmosphere and romance—this is where William met Kate, after all—and is a must-see while visiting St. Andrews.