A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Saint Andrews for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Windsor or Saint Andrews? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a peaceful, historic, and charming university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Andrews is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Also, Saint Andrews is famous for The Old Course.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Windsor different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Andrews and Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Windsor is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.


Is the Food Better in Windsor or Saint Andrews? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Saint Andrews.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Andrews has a few options to choose from. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a popular place for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Saint Andrews.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Saint Andrews offers lots of family activities. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Saint Andrews make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Saint Andrews is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Windsor is not popular with students.


Is Windsor or Saint Andrews Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Saint Andrews.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Saint Andrews offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Windsor or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Windsor
Saint Andrews

Windsor is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Andrews Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Windsor or Saint Andrews to fill your time. In our opinion, Saint Andrews has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Saint Andrews than Windsor. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Windsor than Saint Andrews. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Windsor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Windsor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Andrews that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews than Windsor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Andrews.


  • How many days in Windsor or Saint Andrews? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Saint Andrews 1-2

One day in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint Andrews, you'll find nightlife and food. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint Andrews, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Andrews has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Saint Andrews is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Andrews. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Andrews or Windsor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Saint Andrews is £215. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Windsor and Saint Andrews in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Saint Andrews £116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Saint Andrews £232
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Saint Andrews

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Saint Andrews? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Windsor


Hotels in Saint Andrews


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Windsor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Saint Andrews £53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Prices for flights to both Saint Andrews and Windsor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Windsor £39
    Saint Andrews £62
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Saint Andrews £45

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Andrews are as follows:

  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • The Original St Andrews Photo Shoot Tour: $82
  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Saint Andrews £26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Saint Andrews, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Windsor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Windsor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Windsor and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Windsor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Windsor Expensive? and Is Saint Andrews Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Windsor has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Saint Andrews, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Windsor or Saint Andrews?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Saint Andrews in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Saint Andrews. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Windsor is a little warmer than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Saint Andrews. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Windsor is a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Andrews. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

Both Saint Andrews and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Andrews can be very cold. Windsor can be very cold during winter. In January, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Saint Andrews during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Saint Andrews. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

Both Saint Andrews and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year.

Windsor is a little warmer than Saint Andrews in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Andrews. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in April than Saint Andrews. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Windsor

Windsor Saint Andrews
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)