Unmissable 20 Things to Do in St Andrews, Scotland in 2024

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 2024. 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 20 Things to Do in St Andrews to make 2024 an unforgettable year for visitors.

St. Andrews features many churches and monuments, highlighting its significant role in Scottish religious history. It is believed that St. Andrew's bones arrived with St. Regulus in the fourth century. By 1200, various churches, a large cathedral, and St. Andrews Castle had already been built. By the 15th century, St Andrews Cathedral became central to Scotland's religious power and started serving as the archbishop's residence in 1472.

Originally the largest church in Scotland, the cathedral measures around 335 feet in length and 160 feet in width, completed between 1160 and 1328. At its height, it welcomed prominent figures like Robert I and James V. In 1559, much of the stone was removed, leaving behind remnants of the east front, part of the west front, a section of the southern aisle, and a gatehouse, resulting in its current ruined state. A popular activity nearby is climbing St. Rule's Tower, standing 108 feet tall, which offers amazing views of the town and beach. The grounds are open daily. The museum operates from Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Ticket prices are £5.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

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.

St. Andrews Botanic Garden, situated on 18 acres in the town's south, is a must-see for its stunning grounds, diverse plant life, and lovely riverside setting. Founded by the University of St. Andrews in 1889, it houses nearly 8,000 unique exotic and native plants for visitors to enjoy. As you wander through, you'll find different areas focused on various species, including a peaceful meadow, woods, and a rock garden, along with appealing ponds and waterfalls.

The garden also features one of the best rhododendron collections in the country. Plant lovers should explore the more organized sections, which include herb and vegetable gardens. It now has a butterfly house and tropical greenhouses that especially captivate children with their vibrant butterflies.

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 a major tourist and sports hub in Scotland, renowned for its rich golf history, making it one of the top things to do in St Andrews. It’s where modern golf began in the 15th century and hosts the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, founded in 1750, making it the oldest golf club. The seven renowned courses there are run by St. Andrews Links, a non-profit organization, while members have their own courses overlooking the area. They also manage the Old Course, the world's oldest and most renowned golf course. Although golf has been played since the 1400s, the current par-72, 18-hole design was established in the mid-1700s and has become the norm. The course is open to the public, but advance tee time reservations are advisable due to its popularity, advance tee time reservations are highly advisable, ensuring that your experience is one of the best things to do in St Andrews.

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.

Just a brief boat journey away from St Andrews, you'll discover the Isle of May, a dream destination among the things to do in St Andrews for those who enjoy birdwatching. This beautiful island boasts a diverse array of seabirds, such as the charming puffins, along with colonies of seals basking on its shores. In addition to its rich wildlife, the island features breathtaking landscapes and various historical landmarks, one of which is its iconic lighthouse. During the summer season, visitors have the opportunity to take day trips to the island, further enhancing the list of things to do in St Andrews. This makes it an ideal place for a quick escape from the daily grind.

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.

The University of St Andrews, established in 1143, proudly holds the title of the oldest university in Scotland, making it one of the essential things to do in St Andrews. Since its inception, it has become a popular destination in the town center, attracting students from across Europe who come to study and possibly enjoy nearby golf courses. This esteemed institution welcomes visitors to discover its charming cobblestone streets and historic architecture, which are major attractions in St Andrews. It is conveniently situated between the Wardlaw Museum and St Andrews Castle, making it easy to incorporate into a day trip around the town, allowing you to experience multiple things to do in St Andrews in one visit. Whether you aim to study or simply admire the beautiful scenery, visiting this university is among the top free activities to enjoy in St Andrews.

St. Andrews Aquarium is located in a stunning area overlooking the coast and St. Andrews Bay, making it a desirable attraction. Visitors are drawn to its diverse aquatic life, including insects, reptiles, various fish species like sharks and piranhas, and local marine creatures such as seals and crabs. It holds the title of the top family attraction in town. The aquarium features crocodiles and offers close encounters with meerkats through an interactive feeding activity. Children can also touch penguins, seals, and some gentler reptiles and insects during this program. Additionally, there is a café and gift shop on site.

St Andrews boasts two lovely sandy beaches, making them among the delightful things to do in St Andrews. East Sands Beach is located near the old harbor, just a short walk from the town center. A scenic path runs along the beach and is part of the famous Fife Coastal Path. At the beach's far end, you'll enjoy stunning views of St Andrews, which enhances its appeal as one of the top things to do in St Andrews. East Sands is perfect for various water sports, including kayaking, surfing, and windsurfing. Young children can also explore rock pools at the southern end of the beach. In summer, swimming is allowed if the weather permits, and lifeguards are on duty during peak season.

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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!