Unmissable 30 Things to Do in St Andrews for Every Traveler

St Andrews, known as the "Home of Golf" and famed for its breathtaking coastal views, ancient architecture, and rich cultural history, is a destination you can't miss in 2025. This historic gem offers a mix of culture, history, nature, and Scottish tradition that attracts travelers from all walks of life. Here's a curated list of unmissable 30 Things to Do in St Andrews to make 2025 an unforgettable year for visitors.

The St Andrews Cathedral is a cornerstone of Scottish religious history, dating back to the 12th century and once serving as the largest church in Scotland and the seat of the archbishop from 1472. Built between 1160 and 1328, it symbolized the town’s spiritual power and welcomed kings such as Robert the Bruce and James V. Though now in ruins after the 1559 Reformation, visitors can still explore its remains and climb the 108-foot St Rule’s Tower for panoramic views of St Andrews and the coast. The cathedral grounds are open daily, with museum access from Friday to Sunday (10 am–4 pm).

The Old Course in St Andrews is a treasured location for golf fans and is famous as the world's top golf course. It is considered the birthplace of golf, with play starting here in the early 15th century. It is one of the oldest courses still in operation and has hosted the esteemed Open Championship many times since 1873, with the most recent championship occurring in 2022.

The course is open to the public, so if you want to play there, be sure to book ahead. Don't miss the picturesque Swilcan Bridge, an ancient stone bridge over a small stream. This bridge, over 700 years old, is a renowned symbol of St Andrews golf and has been visited by many legendary golfers.

The St Andrews Botanic Garden spans 18 acres of scenic riverside landscape and features nearly 8,000 native and exotic plants. Founded by the University of St Andrews in 1889, it includes themed areas such as meadows, woodlands, rock gardens, and ponds, plus one of Scotland’s best rhododendron collections. Visitors can also explore its herb and vegetable gardens, tropical glasshouses, and a butterfly house, making it an ideal spot for both nature enthusiasts and families.

Fife is home to some of Scotland's most beautiful traditional fishing villages. Many of these villages are easily accessible to visitors. The charming coastal town of Anstruther is situated south of St Andrews and is just a 15-minute drive away. Stroll along the scenic harbor, where you can also take a ferry to the Isle of May, renowned for its puffins and diverse wildlife. Ferry services run from May to September.

Additionally, don't miss the chance to savor the award-winning fish and chips at Anstruther Fish Bar. One of the favorite fishing villages in East Neuk is St Monans, approximately 12 miles south of St Andrews. You can also include Crail, Pittenweem, and Elie in your travel plans.

St Andrews Castle, located on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, is an essential attraction in this charming town. Constructed in the early 13th century, it was home to bishops and archbishops. It became the primary administrative hub for Scotland's medieval church. The castle experienced numerous battles and sieges, changing ownership multiple times during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

In 1546, Protestant reformer George Wishart was executed by burning at the site. Following this event, Protestants killed Archbishop David Beaton. Look at the infamous bottle dungeon, recognized as one of Britain's most notorious medieval prisons. Delve into the medieval mine and counter-mine, which are underground tunnels created during Scotland's religious reformation.

St Andrews is known worldwide as the home of golf, where the sport originated in the 15th century. It is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (founded in 1750) and the Old Course, the oldest and most famous golf course in the world. Managed by St Andrews Links Trust, the town’s seven courses attract golfers from across the globe. With its historic par-72, 18-hole layout and breathtaking coastal views, playing at the Old Course remains one of the top things to do in St Andrews — though advance booking is essential due to its popularity.

St Andrews' harbor area is one of the most picturesque things to do in St Andrews, providing a perfect backdrop to watch fishing boats bring in the day's catch. Numerous restaurants nearby serve fresh, delicious seafood, from fish and chips to gourmet dishes. The harbor's quaint charm makes it perfect for a leisurely meal by the water — certainly one of the must-try things to do in St Andrews.

You can also explore one of the top things to do in St Andrews by learning about the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and its significant influence on the game of golf. An upstairs café offers views of the beach and the Old Course.

A short boat ride from St Andrews, the Isle of May is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers, home to thousands of puffins, seabirds, and seals. The island offers stunning coastal scenery, walking trails, and historic sites like its iconic lighthouse. Accessible by day trips during summer, it’s a perfect wildlife getaway and one of the most memorable outdoor experiences near St Andrews.

If you enjoy peaceful coastal walks with stunning scenery, one of the top things to do in St Andrews is to hike to The Rock and Spindle on the Fife Coastal Path. Start in the East Sands area and follow the trail up a small cliff towards the caravan park. Look back for an impressive view of the St Andrews skyline. The coastline is filled with beautiful rock formations.

As you hike, consider taking a short detour to see Maiden's Rock sea stack, another fantastic sight that adds to your list of things to do in St Andrews. Continue along the path to reach the Rock and Spindle, remnants of an eroded volcanic plug like the one under Edinburgh Castle. This hike takes about an hour and a half.

One of the last remaining examples of a medieval gate in Scotland, the West Port Gate is undoubtedly one of the fascinating things to do in St Andrews. This striking relic of the town's fortified past. Built-in 1589, the gate once served as the main entrance to St Andrew's. As you explore this historical site, you'll appreciate its impressive stonework and defensive design, making it a must-see among the things to do in St Andrews for history lovers. 

Craigtoun Country Park is located four miles south of St. Andrews. This modern building, styled like a Dutch village, was built on land from a 17th-century manor and finished in the early 1900s. The expansive grounds provide a park-like setting with many activities and sights to enjoy.

Visitors can explore traditional estate features, including gardens such as a walled garden, rose garden, cypress tree avenue, ponds, a boating lake, and walking trails. There are also plenty of child-friendly activities like picnics, tractor rides, and narrow-gauge trains. Additionally, the park offers a café, an adventure play area with a bouncy castle, and mini-golf.

A visit to Kingsbarns Distillery, one of Scotland's famous whisky spots, is an essential addition to your list of things to do in St Andrews. Just a short drive from St Andrews, it offers an engaging experience for whisky enthusiasts. You'll tour the distillation area, learn about whisky production, sample exceptional single malts, and enjoy stunning countryside views that further enhance the experience of things to do in St Andrews. This remarkable distillery opened in 2014 and has prospered since then.

Founded in 1143, the University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and a key attraction in the town’s historic center. Known for its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and academic prestige, it welcomes visitors to explore its scenic campus located between the Wardlaw Museum and St Andrews Castle. Whether admiring the historic buildings or soaking in the vibrant student atmosphere, a visit here is one of the top free things to do in St Andrews.

Built in 1450 by Bishop James Kennedy, St Salvator’s Chapel is a magnificent Gothic landmark and the official chapel of the University of St Andrews. It played a key role during the Scottish Reformation and once hosted a sermon by John Knox. Open daily to visitors, the chapel adjoins the historic St Salvator’s Quadrangle, dating back to the 15th century. Here, visitors can spot the “PH” initials honoring Protestant martyr Patrick Hamilton, which students superstitiously avoid for fear of exam misfortune.

Overlooking St Andrews Bay, the St Andrews Aquarium is one of the town’s top family attractions, home to a wide range of marine and exotic animals, including sharks, piranhas, seals, crocodiles, and meerkats. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences such as feeding meerkats and touching penguins or reptiles. With its scenic coastal setting, on-site café, and gift shop, the aquarium offers a fun and educational outing for visitors of all ages.

St Andrews is home to two beautiful sandy beaches, with East Sands Beach standing out for its scenic coastal views and proximity to the town center. Connected to the Fife Coastal Path, it’s ideal for water sports like kayaking, surfing, and windsurfing, as well as rock pooling for children. During summer, lifeguards are on duty, making it one of the top family-friendly outdoor attractions in St Andrews.

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Explore the scenic Lade Braes Walkway, a gentle and beautifully landscaped 1.5-mile trail winding west from the centre of St Andrews to the old Law Mill site. Originally constructed as an artificial water-channel (or “lade”) to serve the medieval priory’s mills in the 12th-13th century, this historic route later evolved into a tree-lined promenade thanks to 19th-century enhancements. Ideal for walkers of all ages, the path hugs the quiet Kinness Burn and passes historic mill remnants, mature trees planted by town-councillors, and tranquil spots like Cockshaugh Park.

Discover the intriguing ruins of Blackfriars Chapel, a rare surviving fragment of the Dominican friary in St Andrews, built in the early 16th century. This historic site, located on South Street, offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s pre-Reformation religious architecture and monastic life. Constructed between 1516 and 1525 as part of the friary complex, it was largely destroyed in 1559 during the Protestant Reformation, leaving only the chapel visible today. 

Step into the art-deco charm of the New Picture House on 117 North Street, where film-lovers have gathered since December 1930, when it opened with the musical “No! No! Nanette.”This independent cinema boasts a long history and remains a cultural fixture in St Andrews—it’s also a Category B listed building, noted for its original barrel-vaulted auditorium and elegant architecture.

Embark on a relaxed café tour in St Andrews, where cozy local spots and independent coffee houses blend seamlessly with student-town energy and seaside charm. With favorites like Northpoint Café, known for its brunch dishes and scenic setting on North Street, and Bibi’s Café, offering creative matcha-lattes and warm brunch vibes, visitors can sample everything from handcrafted coffees to artisan teas in welcoming, laid-back surroundings.

Take a stroll down The Scores, St Andrews’ iconic cliff-top street stretching from the 18th green of the legendary Old Course to the dramatic ruins of St Andrews Castle. Lined with elegant Georgian and Victorian terraced homes, The Scores offers panoramic views of the Fife coastline, including West Sands and the Tay estuary. With its historic architecture, sea-facing terraces, and easy access to town-centre cafés and university grounds, this scenic walk marries natural beauty, heritage charm, and a vibrant sense of place—making it a must-visit in St Andrews.

Step into Younger Hall, located on North Street in the heart of St Andrews, and experience one of the town’s most dynamic cultural venues. Originally built between 1923 and 1929 in a striking Neo-Classical and Art-Deco style for the University of St Andrews, Younger Hall now hosts an impressive array of events—from orchestral concerts and jazz nights to public talks and graduation ceremonies. With seating for nearly 1,000 guests and a stage that has welcomed both acclaimed artists and local performances, this elegant hall blends rich heritage architecture with vibrant arts-focused energy.

Step into the time capsule that is the Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History, located within the Bute Building at the University of St Andrews, and uncover a fascinating collection of specimens, fossils, and taxidermy that spans centuries. Opened in 1912 and described by David Attenborough as “packed full of treasures and wonders,” the museum showcases rare artifacts such as an extinct St Kilda house-mouse, a dodo skeleton, and narwhal tusks—all preserved in the original Edwardian display cabinetry. While public opening hours can be limited during term time, admission is free and the setting in St Mary’s Quadrangle offers a quiet yet enriching escape from the bustle of town.

Descend into the hidden depths of Scotland’s Secret Bunker, a Cold War relic tucked beneath a seemingly ordinary farmhouse near St Andrews. This eerie underground complex, later known as RAF Troywood, spans 24,000 sq ft across two levels and sits approximately 100 ft below ground in reinforced concrete. Visitors can explore authentic command rooms, dormitories, a BBC-style broadcasting studio, and a strategic dating system preserved from the 1950s. The experience offers a rare glimpse into the UK’s “what-if” scenario of wartime governance—and it’s now one of Fife’s most intriguing and interactive history attractions.

Venture just a few miles south of St Andrews into the secluded woodland of Dunino Den, an ancient site steeped in mystery and folklore. Historians trace this sacred place back over 4,000 years to Druidic rituals and Pictish ceremonies where carved footprints, the Altar Stone, and alternate levels of rock-cut well and stream testify to its ritual importance.Wander down a narrow staircase hewn into the cliffs, discover glowing moss-covered boulders etched with Celtic crosses and other mystical symbols, and sense why modern visitors still treat the site as a gateway to the otherworld.

Embark on the captivating “Mysteries, Town & Temple” guided tour offered by VisitScotland and uncover the hidden layers of historic St Andrews. This expert-led experience leads you through medieval streets, across the grounds of the cathedral and university, and into lesser-known sites like pagan dens and ancient caves. With each step, you’ll hear tales of Celtic mystery, monastic life, and Scottish reformations—melding religious heritage with town lore. 

With a captivating mix of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, St Andrews is a destination that truly captures the heart of Scotland and offers a plethora of things to do in St Andrews. Whether you're a history lover eager to explore the town's rich past, an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure, or a foodie seeking delightful culinary experiences, you'll find something for everyone among the many things to do in St Andrews.

From its stunning beaches to its historic landmarks, St Andrews is filled with attractions that showcase its unique charm. Make your travel plans today and dive into the wonderful things to do in St Andrews, experiencing all the beauty and allure that this remarkable town has to offer in Scotland!