St Andrews has a unique place in Scotland’s heritage. It takes its name from one of Christ’s apostles whose relics, legend tells, St Rule brought to this place. The town was an important religious centre in medieval Scotland and the bishops wielded great influence over church and state. Its priory was a centre of learning; Scotland’s first university was established here.

St Andrews was, and still is, a rich, bustling market town and many features of that time remain in the pattern of streets and wynds, and in the character of the houses and historic sites. One of the many attractions of the town today is the range of its shops and stores which offer both essentials and luxuries.

For many, though, it’s golf that brings them here, champion and dreamer alike. Others come for the beaches, the theatre, for the countryside and the coast. St Andrews is a special place - as you’ll discover. Take time to explore - on foot - and take pleasure at the surprises and delights you will come upon.

Ancient & Royal

St Andrews became a royal burgh in 1620, but had been a market town for centuries. The town centre is still laid out as it was when the streets were full of market stalls and traders’ calls.

Many early traders, bringing supplies to the former priory, would come through the Mill Port or Sea Yett (Gate), one of three surviving gateways to St Andrews. The West Port is the only fortified gateway to survive in Scotland and was rebuilt in 1589.

The main entrance to the Augustinian priory was the 14th century vaulted gatehouse called The Pends. You can still walk through it - nearby is what’s called Queen Mary’s House - Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here in 1563. Now the library of St Leonards School, it is only open to the public by appointment.

So much of early St Andrews survives - explore the wynds and closes to find some of the hidden gems. Louden’s Close is one of the best examples of an entrance shared by several houses; each had a long ‘rig’ at the back for growing vegetables and grazing a cow.

The Fair Ways of the Golfer

Thousands of years ago, the land around St Andrews rose and the sea level dropped. Sand dunes formed, the sea brought seed of marram and lyme grass from other shores and turned this stretch of coast into ‘links’.

The links in St Andrews have been used at different times by footballers, archers, bowlers and shepherds. The first record of golf was in 1553 when the rights of citizens of St Andrews to play golf on the links were confirmed; then the links were crudely laid out, watered by rainfall and mowed by sheep.

Many ball and stick games developed in the Middle Ages in Scotland as they did elsewhere. It was the game of golf that spread from the east coast of Scotland around the world. James II banned it in 1457 because men were golfing instead of practising archery and he feared they would not be able to defend his kingdom. Despite this and later attempts to ban it, golf prospered!

The Society of St Andrews Golfers was set up in 1754 to organise an annual competition. Eighty years later, it became the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, now the governing body for the rules of golf in most countries. Overlooking the world famous Old Course, its famed clubhouse is not open to visitors; women guests are welcomed only on St Andrew’s Day.

The town boasts six courses, plus another three on the outskirts, a practice centre, clubmakers, golf shops and many international events. You can book a round on any of the courses at the St Andrews Links Trust on 01334 466666

Castles

Once the main residence of the Bishops and Archbishops of St Andrews, the Castle has a fascinating bottle dungeon, hollowed out of solid rock from which death was the only release.

The Scores. Open all year, daily. Admission charge. Telephone 01334 477196

Heritage

British Golf Museum

Find out more about the glorious game of golf at the British Golf Museum - the home of golf history which is full of attractive and informative exhibits. You can find out how a golf ball is made as well as sharing the experiences of the great players of the past.

British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment. Open all year, May to October daily, November to April most days. Admission charge. Telephone 01334 478880.

St Andrews Cathedral

The remains of this magnificent building still give a vivid impression of the scale of what was once the largest cathedral in Scotland. Its museum houses a fine collection of medieval sculpture, and a climb up St Rule’s Tower will be rewarded with one of the finest views of the town.

Open all year, daily. (Admission charge for Museum and Tower.) Telephone 01334 472563

St Andrews Museum

Explores the heritage of the ancient town from medieval to modern times.

Kinburn Park, Doubledykes Road. Open all year, daily. Free admission. Telephone 01334 412690

St Andrew Preservation Trust Museum

Charming 17th century house with fascinating displays and reconstructions of St Andrews’ past, including its commercial history. The garden is a sheltered haven where the visitor can relax and enjoy this hidden beauty spot.
North Street. Open Easter and June to September, daily, afternoons. Free admission.