Top Tips: 10 Fun Things To Do In St Andrews
Stuck on things to do in St.Andrews? Fear not! Although small in size, it’s a beautiful town with an incredible array of places to see.
You can cover most of the town within a short walk from your lovely student accommodation in St Andrews, but that doesn’t stop it from packing a punch when talking about events and cultural places of interest.
It retains much of its medieval features dating back to the 12th century and the surrounding countryside and coast are stunning.
Whether you want to go to the cinema in St Andrews, get involved with the tradition and history of St Andrews golf, go kayaking, or go on a spooky ghost tour, there really is something for everyone.
1. Golf In St Andrews
They don’t call St Andrews the home of golf for nothing, and golfing is one of the many popular things to do in St Andrews!
The game was invented here (and has been played here for over 6 centuries!) and if you love the game, this is where you’ll have one of the best golfing experiences of your life.
There are a number of unique St Andrews golf courses to choose from, with some of the finest links to be found anywhere in the world.
Full-time students at St Andrews University can gain access to a discounted ticket for the links, either on a single round green fee or annual tickets. It is the largest public golfing complex in Europe and has to be seen, and played, to be believed.
2. Walk The Old Course
It isn’t only a joy to play golf in St Andrews, but there is also the chance to walk in the footsteps of the great golfers of the past.
A guided tour of the Old Course at St Andrews is a fantastic way to experience one of the most famous golf courses anywhere in the world.
An expert guide will walk you around the holes, experiencing what it was like to have the view of the players at those crucial and tense moments in the heat of competition.
3. Visit St Andrews Castle
A history that dates back 450 years, the castle is a focal point of the town and over time has been a fortress, a prison, and a bishop’s palace.
There is such a rich history and tradition at the castle and a visit is truly eye-opening.
The bottle dungeon is a prison cut out of the solid rock around the castle and the underground mine are both dated to the 16th century.
Learn about the historical significance of the castle for bishops and archbishops from centuries past!
4. St Andrews Cathedral
The remains of the cathedral provide a spectacular location to visit.
It was once the site of the largest church in Scotland and is now home to some stunning relics and sculptures from the medieval period that were discovered on the site.
Climb up St Rule’s Tower to see the views of St Andrews and Fife and imagine what it would have been like from the same viewpoint back in the 12th century.
5. Get To Know The Fishes At The Aquarium!
An underwater dream, St Andrews Aquarium is a super fun place to visit!
You’ll come face to face with some weird and wonderful creatures of the sea and the coastal region, including piranhas, sharks, and seals.
There’s even some cute meerkats for you to meet 🙂
6. Cinema In St. Andrews
The New Picture House on North Street offers an incredible glimpse into the history of cinema.
It first opened in 1931 and is one of only two cinemas in the whole of Scotland where you can see a film from the perfect position in an auditorium, the front of a balcony!
It was listed Category B by Historic Scotland back in 2008 and remains a treasure-trove of cinematic history and experience for those film buffs amongst you. Student prices are just £7.50, so it is a great, fun way to spend an afternoon or evening.
7. A Beer And Some Grub At St Andrews Brewing Company
The brewpub on South Street from the guys behind the St Andrews Brewing Company is an amazing place to relax with friends and spend a few hours with tasty food and great drinks.
There is always a wide selection of craft beers that come straight from the local brewery and you’ll always see 18 beers on tap, loads of bottled beers too, cider, wines, malt whiskies, bourbon, and gin.
It is an award-winning brewery and alongside the drink, you can sample some delicious food from local suppliers.
8. West Sands Beach For Outdoor Pursuits
Whether you want to take in some fresh air on a long walk, go jogging, take in a cycling trail or even get into the sea for kayaking lessons, West Sands beach is the perfect place to start.
Sport is a huge part of student life in St Andrews, with over 70% of students taking part in university sport, but sometimes you want something outside of the university environment.
With the coastal walks and watersports available along the coastline at West Sands beach you are spoilt for choice!
9. Take Part In Raisin Weekend
Still thinking of things to do in St Andrews? As a student at St Andrews University, you’ll have raisin weekend to look forward to.
This is one of the biggest traditions where the younger students give their academic parents a pound of raisins as a thank you gift for welcoming them into the town.
It’s a tradition that celebrates new friends that you’ll keep for life, with younger students dressing up in embarrassing costumes and encouraged to have shaving foam fights.
10. Go On A Spooky Ghost Tour
There are so many historical things to do in St Andrews, with the medieval features a constant reminder of the centuries of stories to be told at every corner.
A ghost tour of St Andrews is a really fun way to learn more about the history, taking in some of the famous landmarks and historical locations, such as the university and St Andrews Cathedral.
You’ll hear stories about the haunted places and the people of past St Andrews who continue to haunt the streets!
A great way to find out more about the town and a good way to entertain any visiting friends or family members during your time living in this beautiful town.
We hope you found our tips useful! There are so many cool things to do in St.Andrews, although it’s a small place, it’s filled with good vibes all round. Wondering how to deal with exam stress? Check out our latest blogs for tips here.