Each year, thousands of golfers and tourists alike visit the ancient town of St. Andrews, Scotland.
Although it’s the main attraction in town, there is so much to see and do in St. Andrews besides golf.
And with a record number of travelers heading to St. Andrews in the coming years, it’s never too early to begin planning what you’d like to experience while in town.
To help guide the way, here are ten of our favorite things to see in St. Andrews – The Home of Golf.
Beyond The Old Course
The Old Course may be top of your list of things to do in St. Andrews, but the area is home to an abundance of outstanding golf.
Roughly 30-minutes from St. Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links is itself an 8-time host of The Open. Much closer to town, Kingsbarns Golf Links debuted during the 2000 Open Championship and has quickly joined the must-play list for golf trips to St. Andrews. Dumbarnie Links debuted in 2020 and is primed to follow the Kingsbarns model of both service and success. And then there’s several less-heralded courses, such as Crail Golfing Society, Elie, Lundin Links, and Panmure, all of which are worthy of a place on the itinerary.
Credit: Dumbarnie Links
The Jigger Inn
Located adjacent to the famous Road Hole, the Jigger Inn occupies some of the most valuable real estate in St. Andrews. Whether you’re teeing it up on the famous links or simply seeing the best attractions in St. Andrews, your visit to The Home of Golf requires at least a little time on the patio at the Jigger Inn.
Fish & Chips at Tailend
Just a short stroll from the 18th green, the best fish and chips in St. Andrews is found at Tailend. You’re all but certain to spot the little white takeaway boxes while walking around St. Andrews. The restaurant is a favorite stop for the H&B Forces, and serves an exceptional menu that stretches far beyond the fish and chips.
This suggestion also comes with a fair warning: the line on a random Tuesday evening can stretch out the door. Get there early.
St. Andrews Cathedral & Cemetery
St. Andrews may be The Home of Golf, but its heritage dates to centuries before anyone ever hit a little rock with a stick. Nowhere is this more evident than the grounds of the St. Andrews Cathedral. Beneath the ruins of the 12th century cathedral, many of golf’s early luminaries are laid to rest.
The list includes Old and Young Tom Morris. The former was the Keeper of the Green at The Old Course for decades and shaped much of the links as it is played today. The latter was golf’s first iconic champion, winning The Open on four straight occasions before his untimely death in 1875 at the age of 24.
If you’re visiting St. Andrews, your visit is not complete until you’ve strolled the grounds of the cemetery and tipped your cap to golf’s true originators.
The Dunvegan
If you’re looking for things to do in St. Andrews, The Dunvegan absolutely belongs on your list. The pub is one of the best 19th holes in St. Andrews and claims to be “just a 9-iron from The Old Course.” With modern equipment, we think it’s more like a pitching wedge. When The Open comes to town this is, quite simply, the place to be and be seen. We’re not entirely sure how they manage the influx of spectators, but the team at The Dunvegan has it down.
To learn why The Dunvegan is special to so many visitors, and why it belongs on your must-visit list during The Open, tune-in to this episode of On the Tee with H&B with long-time proprietor Sheena Willoughby.
18 at The Rusacks
The Rusacks Hotel recently completed a head-to-toe renovation. Among the many updates, the new 18 at The Rusacks is on track to join the best restaurants in St. Andrews. In addition to the outstanding views of The Old Course, 18 at The Rusacks offers a menu that’s expertly crafted by acclaimed chef Derek Johnstone. Thanks to its world-class view and location, securing a table requires some advance planning. Or you can just stop in to the bar and have a putting contest between sips.
R&A World Golf Museum
The R&A World Golf Museum is one of the best new things to see in St. Andrews. Located just steps from the 18th green of The Old Course, the site was formerly known as the British Golf Museum, and was reimagined by the R&A in 2021. Among the numerous exhibits, the museum opened with a tribute to the great Seve Ballesteros, who captured The Open at St. Andrews in 1984. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the heritage of golf during your visit to St. Andrews, the World Golf Museum will make a great addition to your list.
Dinner at Forgan’s
Just a few doors down Market Street from the previously mentioned Tailend, Forgan’s offers great dining with a unique story. The restaurant is located in the former factory for the Forgan golf company, where clubs were produced as early as 1860. During construction of the restaurant, workers found several 1-irons beneath the floor which are proudly displayed in the restaurant. In another era, the Forgan name stood for quality in golf clubs. Over a century later, the same holds true for its namesake restaurant. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are sure to agree. The royal couple dined at Forgan’s during a recent visit to St. Andrews.
Gelato at Jannettas
There’s an old rule of thumb when it comes to restaurants and other eateries… The place with the long line usually has it for a reason. Jannetta’s is a perfect example. The line, especially on weekends, is so long it usually requires a theme park style queue system. But rest assured, it’s worth the wait.
The H&B Concierge recommends the Double Chocolate.
St. Andrews Brewing Company
Just as it has here in the states, the craft beer scene has taken off in Scotland. Whisky has long been an attraction for visiting golfers, but many are now enjoying craft beers during their golf trips to Scotland in equal measure. One of the first on the scene was the St. Andrews Brewing Company. Located a short stroll from The Old Course, the brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, as well as enjoyable pub fare. St. Andrews Brewing also produces the Road Hole Lager and the Tom Morris Ale, two beers which are sure please any golfer.
Golf is always the main show in town, but if you’re looking for things to do in St. Andrews, the above options are a good place to start.
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Scotland.
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