Are you thinking about visiting Saint Andrews, UK? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Saint Andrews worth visiting?
Saint Andrews is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the university town has to offer. Most people think of Saint Andrews as the birthplace of the sport of golf, and you'll find many references to this in town. In addition to being the home of St. Andrews Links Golf Courses, St. Andrews also has an impressive university and a longstanding history. There is a beautiful coastline to explore as well as several great walking trails.
Saint Andrews
Reasons to Visit Saint Andrews
Food
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.
Shopping
The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.
Museums
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.
Nightlife
There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.
Beaches
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.
Hiking
There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.
Authenticity
Saint Andrews has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Saint Andrews worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Saint Andrews, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, explore the small town, and go hiking. Also, you can wander through the museums and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Saint Andrews
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 14°C (58°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| August | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Saint Andrews worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Andrews. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The weather in Saint Andrews can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 10°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails. Also, you can check out the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Saint Andrews
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 10°C (49°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 5°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 4°C (39°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Is Saint Andrews worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Saint Andrews. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Saint Andrews can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene.
Winter Weather in Saint Andrews
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 3°C (38°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Saint Andrews worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Saint Andrews can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Andrews, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the small town charm and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Saint Andrews
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 10°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Saint Andrews
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Saint Andrews might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Saint Andrews here or see if Saint Andrews is expensive here.
Related
What is Saint Andrews most famous for?
Saint Andrews is most famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. The university town is very popular for its food and shopping. It's also known for museums, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. It is often described as charming, quaint, peaceful, and historic.
What is the most famous sight in Saint Andrews?
The most popular sight in Saint Andrews is The Old Course. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Saint Andrews on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Old Course and other attractions here.
How touristy is Saint Andrews? Is it a popular university town to visit?
Saint Andrews is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- The Original St Andrews Photo Shoot Tour: $82
- Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $145
- Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
- St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
- St Andrews History Tours: $19
- St Andrews - Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland: $245
- St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
- St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
How long should I spend in Saint Andrews?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Saint Andrews is one to two days. Since Saint Andrews has activities such as dining and shopping, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Saint Andrews? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Andrews?.
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