St Andrews, Scotland: The Home of Golf, and So Much More

Play golf on St Andrews Links: The Old Course is by far the most famous, and requires planning ahead (or a VERY early morning!). However, the other 6 courses that make up the St Andrews links are also beautiful and challenging, including 2 more championship courses and a 9-hole course. Golf clubs are available for rent. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday when the Old Course is closed, you can take a walk and check it out for yourself, and get a picture on the famous Swilcan Bridge. Just remember to follow instructions and not disturb the players.

Walk on West Sands Beach: This beautiful beach, famous for the iconic run in "Chariots of Fire," is vast and picturesque. It's a great place for a leisurely walk, playing with dogs, or simply sitting on the sand and enjoying the scenery.

St Andrews Botanic Garden: A beautiful and educational spot. The botanic garden is a pleasure to explore and also serves as a place for research and instruction in the community.

Visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle: The castle and cathedral ruins are integral to the St Andrews landscape. Tickets are available for both, and the views from the castle are stunning. You might even find fun activities like a life-size Medieval Chutes and Ladders game on the lawn.

Visit Kingsbarns Distillery: A short drive or cab ride from town, Kingsbarns Distillery offers tours, tastings, a cafe and a shop featuring both their single malt scotch and Darnley's Gin.

Shop in town and visit a pub (or two!): There are so many cute shops in town, including lots of options for golfers, art and jewelry lovers and even Harry Potter fans! Of course, there are plenty of pubs, and a wide variety of places to eat. From coffee shops and bakeries to casual fish and chips and a variety of restaurants.

Take a walk out onto the pier by East Sands Beach: St Andrews is fortunate to enjoy a beautiful beachfront location. A must-do is a stroll out onto the pier by East Sands Beach. Looking back at town from the pier gives an amazing view of both the Cathedral and Castle ruins. You can walk back along the top level of the pier if you don't mind heights. It is one of the many traditions of the University for students to do that in their iconic red robes.

Day Trips

Walk the Fife Coastal Path: The Fife Coastal Path is divided into sections of different lengths and is a great way to see some of the beautiful coastal scenery in the area. A portion can be accessed from St Andrews, though other sections might require a ride to get to.

Visit East Neuk - Pittenweem, Crail, Anstruther: There are a number of quaint coastal villages that are a short drive from St Andrews. There is also the option to take the bus and walk between towns along the Fife Coastal Path. In Crail, I loved having lunch outside overlooking the water at the Crail Harbour Gallery and Tea Room and visiting Crail Pottery.

Dunnottar Castle: Take the train from Leuchars station to Stonehaven to see the spectacular Dunnottar Castle. It is located on dramatic cliffs overlooking the North Sea, and is not to be missed!

HA+CH: Open for breakfast through lunch. Brunch was delicious, with a great atmosphere.

Northpoint Cafe: This is where Will and Kate met for coffee while they were in school there, so how can you miss that?

Cottage Kitchen: Fabulous baked goods, a perfect spot for brunch or lunch.

Fisher & Donaldson: Excellent baked goods. You must try the fudge donuts!

The Criterion: A great pub that serves delicious pies, known as “cri’ pies”. I loved the chicken, chorizo & sun-dried tomato pie.

Cromars Fish and Chips: If you love fish and chips, this is the place for you.

Jigger Inn: Located at the Old Course Hotel, this famous pub is the perfect spot for a post-round drink or a cozy meal.

The Adamson: A favorite of my daughter’s for fun cocktails (think cocktail trees!), it is also great for lunch and dinner.

The Niblick Brasserie: Located above the R&A World Golf Museum, this pretty gem of a restaurant has gorgeous views of the Old Course and West Sands Beach. I was there for coffee and baked goods, and the view, but the menu looks amazing.

Little Italy: Great Italian food in a fun, casual atmosphere. This one always makes my list when I am there.

Forgan’s: Located in a factory that used to make golf clubs, this beautiful restaurant has great food and is a perfect place to eat with a group.

Dunvegan: Located a block from the Old Course, having a drink here is one of the most popular things to do in St Andrews, both after a round of golf and just for the atmosphere. The bar is filled with pictures of the professional golfers that have been there before, and is definitely a place to see!

Keys Bar: This is the stop for a scotch lover. The bartenders are great at making recommendations!

18 Bar at Rusacks: The cocktails are great, and the view of the Old Course and West Sands Beach is unbeatable.

Jannetta’s Gelateria: Always popular for an ice cream break!