Things to see and do in St Andrews

St Andrews Castle and visitor centre - The Castle was the former Bishops' Palace, the residence of the Archbishops of St Andrews.

The first castle on this site probably dates from around 1200 - evidence in itself that the office was as much political as religious in medieval times. For example, it was the Archbishop of St Andrews who, in 1306, placed the Scottish Crown upon the head of Robert the Bruce at his coronation at Scone in defiance of Edward I, an act for which the Archbishop was later imprisoned.

St Andrews Cathedral and St Rule Tower - St. Rule's Tower, sometimes referred to as the Square Tower (108 feet high), affords a wonderful panoramic view over the town and harbour and to the surrounding countryside.

Access to the tower requires an entrance token which can be obtained at the cathedral visitor centre.

St Andrews University - some lovely buildings like St Salvators Chapel in North Street or wander round St Mary's in South Street.

St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, founded in 1413. Over six centuries it has established a reputation as one of Europe's leading and most distinctive centres for teaching and research.

St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum in North Street. St Andrews has long been recognised as one of the great historical cities of Europe.

Lying within the Pictish Kingdom and said to be the resting place of the relics of Saint Andrew, it became a major centre of pilgrimage. By the close of the Middle Ages it was the ecclesiastical and intellectual capital of Scotland, the seat of Scotland's oldest university and a major centre of political and economic life.

St Andrews Museum in Kinburn Castle, Double Dykes Road, St Andrews.

St Andrews Museum is located in Kinburn Park, a short walk west of North Street. Built as a private residence in 1855 and named after a Crimean battle of the same year, Kinburn Castle became the home of St Andrews Museum in 1991.

It is owned and operated by Fife Council.

British Golf Museum - just behind the R&A Clubhouse, ideal for golf enthusiasts.

A visit to the British Golf Museum will transport you down a pathway of surprising facts and striking feats from 500 years of golf history.

Using diverse displays and exciting exhibits, the Museum traces the history of the game, both in Britain and abroad, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

St Andrews Aquarium - on the Scores by the Martyrs Monument - excellent for all ages and worth a visit. 

Nestled amongst the towns dramatic north facing cliffs, with stunning views of the famous west sands and St Andrews bay, St Andrews Aquarium boasts one of the finest locations in the historic town.

Outwith St Andrews visits to Cambo House. Renowned for snowdrops this traditional walled garden with some of Scotland’s best herbaceous displays is constantly evolving.  Head Gardener, Elliott Forsyth, has created irresistible planting combinations with drifts of bold perennials and grasses in the style originally devised by Piet Oudolf and an outrageous annual potager garden.

Outside the main garden, a winter garden and North American prairie are developing. Woodland walks to the sea.

Anstruther is the home of the Scottish Fisheries Museum and in the summer (weather permitting) you can take a boat trip to the Isle of May Nature Reserve in the Firth of Forth. The harbour here has changed dramatically over the years, most of this information can be seen in the Scottish Fisheries Museum, going from a full working harbour to one which hosts mainly pleasure craft.

The harbour has undergone changes to now include 100 pontoon berths for pleasure craft and is a very popular visitor attraction.

The Secret Bunker. Scotland’s best kept secret for over 40 years, Hidden beneath an innocent Scottish Farmhouse, a tunnel leads to, Scotland’s Secret Bunker.

24,000 square feet of Secret accommodation. The size of two football pitches, one on top of another, On two levels 100 feet underground.

Had there been a Nuclear War, this is where Scotland, would have been Governed, from within.

Art Galleries can be found in Crail - the Jerdan Gallery while Pittenweem Arts Festival hosts well-known artists and sculptors. Visit to Crail Pottery or Griselda Hill Pottery in Ceres should be considered too.

Further Afield

Glamis Castle just north of Dundee - Scone Palace in Perth - the Discovery Centre in Dundee to see Captain Scott's ship Discovery - the Scottish Antique and Arts Centre (just west of Dundee off the road to Perth) which has umpteen antique shops under one roof and a great place for lunch. All these attractions are within a hours drive.

Edinburgh - Scotland's Capital is just over an hour by car and is full of beautiful buildings, historic sites, the new Scottish Parliament, the famous Castle with its Esplanade, the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace and of course fantastic pubs, restaurants and shops.

Stirling is a little bit further but worth it to see the Castle and Wallace's Monument (of Braveheart fame). Try returning via Gleneagles Hotel for tea or go to Crieff and see the Famouse Grouse Whisky Visitor Centre.