Whether you’re in Scotland to tee it up on the world-famous links, explore its world-renowned university or enjoy some of the country’s best coastal scenery, St Andrews is a must-see.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest universities in the world, and also houses a number of religiously significant monuments. It’s a fun place to walk around on a sunny day.
1. St Andrews Cathedral
Sitting at the eastern end of St Andrews’ two main streets, St Andrews Cathedral is the largest and most impressive cathedral ever built in Scotland. It was founded in 1158 and served as the centre of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland.
It was later abandoned after Catholic mass was outlawed during the 16th century Scottish Reformation. There are still a number of impressive features to see on the site including the east gable and the cloister.
The cathedral grounds are open Mon-Thu, 11am-3pm. There is no access to St Rule’s Tower, visitor centre or museum during this time so we recommend booking online in advance.
2. St Rule’s Tower
St Rule’s Tower is the tallest surviving structure on the cathedral site and offers amazing views over the town and harbour. It was once the main church in St Andrews and is built in the Romanesque style that was popular across Europe at the time.
Its 30 metre (115 foot) high tower would have drawn pilgrims from far and wide to worship the relics of Saint Andrew. It was probably built in the 11th century and outdates St Andrews Cathedral.
3. St Andrews Museum
St Andrews Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Scotland. It is housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion, and it has a number of interesting artefacts to explore.
There are four galleries in the museum; these cover different themes and include a long term display called St Andrews A-Z, as well as rotating exhibitions. There are also several workshops and activities for children, and a shop and cafe onsite.
The museum is located inside the south range of the cathedral, which has an impressive collection of stonework from a number of periods. These include Pictish slabs, crosses and architectural elements. In addition, there is a fantastic collection of cast wax seals from all over Scotland.
4. The New Picture House
Opened in 1931, The New Picture House was designed by local architects Gillespie & Scott. It has a long, narrow auditorium with a balcony and barrel-vaulted ceiling. The side-walls have panels decorated with painted local scenes by artist Ada Hill Walker.
As with many other cinemas of the 1930s, St Andrews’ distinctive local identity was reflected in this building design. Embossed letters NPH crown the proscenium, and numerous original decorative features remain.
Today, The New Picture House is a three-screen cinema with traditional theatre interiors, as well as a choice of seating in the stalls or grand circle. It’s a great place for a mate date, or even just a night out with your other half!
5. St Andrews Aquarium
Nestled on the historic town’s cliffs with stunning views over St Andrews Bay and West Sands, the aquarium is an ideal family attraction. With black tip reef sharks, spiders, lobsters, an array of tropical fish, piranhas, loveable seals and meerkats there is something for everyone at this aquarium!
It is an extremely popular destination for tourists visiting St Andrews. There are many vacation rentals near the aquarium, so you can choose a place that fits your needs. The prices start at $123 per night, and houses and condos are also available for rent.
