Attractions in St Andrews

St Andrews has much to do and see. Take your time to browse this page but also other pages on this site to get an in depth view of what is on offer. People who say St Andrews is nothing but golf, can not be further from the truth, there is much for the non golfing enthusiast to enjoy and do.

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The Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA) displays artefacts from an exciting & diverse collection relating to the history, personalities and teaching practices of Scotland’s oldest University. Open: (1 Apr - 31 Oct) Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm, (1 Nov - 31 Mar) - Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun 12-4pm. Free Admission. 7a The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR. Museumenquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 461660  www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/

St Andrews Aquarium. With over 30 fascinating and informative displays ranging from our charming resident seals to beautiful but potentially dangerous marine tropicals, there is something for everyone. Observe sharks, octopus and catfish and learn about the lives of deadly piranha. The Aquarium also features a superb Gift Shop and “Catch” Beach Restaurant and Bar where you’ll find a tempting array of delicious home baking, soups, salads and fresh fish and freshly filled sandwiches. Ideal setting for private parties or corporate hospitality. Open daily from 10am, all year.
On coastline by The Scores KY.16 9AS
Tel:01334 474786 www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk

St Andrews Botanic Garden is one of the hidden gems of St Andrews. The 18 acres of landscaped gardens have international acclaim. Enjoy ponds, waterfalls, rock gardens, herbaceous borders and woodland walks. Glasshouses protect cacti and large collections of tropical plants and alpines. Open 7 days all year. 10am to 7pm April to Sept. 10am to 4pm Oct. to March. A short walk or drive from the town centre. Tel:01334 476452  KY16 8RT
www.st-andrews-botanic.org

A 5 star visitor attraction, The Byre Theatre offers contemporary and classic drama, dance, concerts, opera, comedy and exhibitions all year round. Why not complete your visit with a meal in the Byre Bistro, where the 5 star cuisine and ambience
are sure to make it a visit to remember.
Box Office Tel: 01334 475000
Abbey St, St Andrews. KY16 9LA
www.byretheatre.com 

In 2010 the British Golf Museum is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Visit the largest collection of golfing memorabilia in Europe with imaginative exhibitions, hands on activities & stunning multimedia displays there is something to entertain all the family at this 5 star museum. A visit to the British Golf Museum makes the perfect break from playing golf.  Open 7 days all year.
Tel. 01334 460046  KY169AB   www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk

St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum & Garden. Built in the late 1600s, this charming house contains a wealth of material on St Andrews & its people. Ground floor depicts old St Andrews shops & businesses. Upper floor exhibitions change regularly, always something new to enjoy. The garden is a haven for relaxing in the atmosphere of the old town. Open daily 2 to 5pm: Easter Week, May to Sept & St Andrews Week (Nov) & other times. (See flyer) Entry free, 12 North St. KY16 9PW Tel:01334 477629 www.sapt.demon.co.uk

 St Andrews Museum. Houses the permanent St Andrews A - Z exhibition telling the story of the town with objects & images from the museum’s collection, as well as changing displays in the Kinburn Gallery on various topics. The shop sells gifts, books & cards while the café provides light refreshments, every day inc. Sunday. Free admission. Open April to September 10am to 5pm. October to March 10.30am to 4pm. Kinburn Park, St Andrews. KY16 9DS Tel: 01334 659380 
www.visit-standrews.co.uk

St Mary’s College, with its interesting architecture, founded in 1537 by Archbishop James Beaton for the teaching of Catholic boys. After 1559, it was used for tuition of the Protestant faith in Scotland. The Holm Oak, planted in 1728 dominates the hawthorn tree, said to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots. An info plaque is situated just inside the entrance. Enter from South St .

St Mary on the Rock was the earliest place of worship in St Andrews. Here, the Culdee monks of the old Celtic church who refused to join the cathedral priory had their church. The church was an aisle-less, cross-shaped building. Modern excavations revealed over 300 early Christian burials of all sexes & ages, with many 9/10thC cross-slab grave markers. Information board at the ruins.

The Bogward Doocot (pigeon house) is in the 16th century beehive-style. It was built on land belonging to the Prior of St Andrews and the Priory benefitted from the white meat of the pigeons and lime-rich manure for their farms. There are entry ports at the side and a hole in the roof, giving access to the 800 nesting boxes. Three circular lines of stones projecting from the walls prevent rats entering and stealing the chicks and eggs. Situated on the Lade Braes walk, approx 25 minutes from St Andrews town centre.

Geological Wall. 400 million years of Fife’s geological history have been built into the Geological Wall. See for yourself: 22 rocks collected from all over Fife show evidence for deserts, volcanic eruptions, coral reefs, tropical swamps and coal deposits. Constructed by the St Andrews Geological Heritage Project. A leaflet, “Geology of Fife”, describing the Geological Wall can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre and the Golf Museum. Situated on the footpath between the British Golf Museum and St Andrews Aquarium.
www.st-and.ac.uk/gg/html/staghp.html       
 

Attractions in east Fife / Attractions in St Andrews / Castles and great houses / Churches and cathedrals / Golf / St Andrews Historic Trail / St Andrews University