Top Hangout Spots near the University of St Andrews

With roots dating back to mediaeval times, St Andrews has something to offer visitors.  There are numerous wonderful sites to select from, ranging from family-friendly spots to historic treasures, as well as many lovely beaches, parks, and fantastic hikes to explore. Climb to the pinnacle of the stunning mediaeval cathedral’s tower, dig far below into a secret nuclear bunker, and, if you didn’t already know, it is the Home of Golf! Planning to study in the city? Here are some of the top hangout spots near the University of St Andrews to plan your free time/off days better.

Must Read: Top Oldest Universities in the UK & Their History

About the University of St Andrews

The institution of St Andrews is a public institution in the Scottish town of St Andrews. It is the oldest of Scotland’s four ancient universities and, after Oxford and Cambridge, the third-oldest institution in the English-speaking world. 

St Andrews offers a passionately taught, high-quality educational experience in a safe, historic, and inviting setting, with an outstanding student experience and flexible degree format. The University of St Andrew’s acceptance rate is 41% at the undergraduate level and 54% at the postgraduate level.

Degree offerings at St Andrew’s are distributed over 19 academic Schools, each of which is part of a Faculty: Arts, Science, Medicine, or Divinity. St Andrews is now ranked first in the UK (by the Guardian University Guide 2020) for Classics, International Relations, History of Art, Geography, Economics, and Physics.

The institution has recently established student exchange connections with several Asian and Australian universities. More than 9,000 students have enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programmes at the University of St. Andrews. 

Famous scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, theologians, and politicians are among the university’s faculty. Some of the notable alumni include Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, Rudyard Kipling, Hilary Clinton, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

Must Read: University of St Andrews Acceptance Rate for UG & PG

Top Hangout Spots near the University of St Andrews

Now that you have a brief about the University of St Andrews and are well-prepared to study here, have a look at the top 10 attractions near the university. Check out the top hangout spots near the University of St Andrews.

St Andrews Cathedral

Exploration of the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, formerly the greatest church in Scotland, is a must-see for any visitor. The museum at the cathedral displays an excellent collection of mediaeval sculptures and artefacts discovered on the site. Climb St Rule’s Tower, which dates from the 12th century, for spectacular views of St Andrews and Fife.

Address:	The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL, United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 1334 472563
Founded:	1158; 865 years ago
Founder:	Ernald

St Andrews Aquarium

At St Andrew’s Aquarium, you’ll be transported into an underwater world of adventure and up close and personal with amazing species. You may see British sharks, piranhas, seals, and even meerkats! Every day, you may also get up close and personal with animals at various interactive demonstrations.

Address:	The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AS, United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 1334 474786

St Andrews Museum

St Andrews Museum explores the town’s heritage from its mediaeval past to the present. The museum, housed in a gorgeous Victorian townhouse in Kinburn Park, features a permanent exhibition titled “St Andrews A-Z,” as well as several temporary exhibitions and a regular schedule of talks, concerts, and workshops.

Address:	Kinburn Park, Doubledykes Rd, St Andrews KY16 9DP, United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 1334 659380

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St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle has been a bishop’s castle, a fortification, and a state jail over its 450-year history. When you visit today, you may learn more about the castle’s fascinating history as the major residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews in mediaeval Scotland. Discover the subterranean mine from the 16th century and the ‘bottle dungeon,’ a prison carved out of solid rock.

Address:	The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AR, United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 1334 477196
Opened:	1200
Owner:	Historic Environment Scotland

Fife Pilgrim Way

Travel back in time on the Fife Pilgrim Way, which travels through the historic Kingdom of Fife. This long-distance walking path concludes in St Andrews, which was once the spiritual heart of mediaeval Scotland. Follow along the footsteps of pilgrims who came here from the 11th to the 16th centuries.

The Swilcan Bridge

Swilcan Bridge is located on the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf. The bridge was built over 700 years ago to allow shepherds to move their flocks across the Swilcan Burn, which runs through the 1st and 18th fairways. Today, the Swilcan Bridge is one of the most iconic sites in golf, with the ‘Auld Grey Toun’ providing the most stunning backdrop. 

Address:	17 The Links, St Andrews KY16 9JE, United Kingdom
Total length:	9.14 m
Height:	1.83 m
Crosses:	Swilcan Burn

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Pier Wall

If you happen to be at the pier on Sunday morning, you’ll see a parade of students in red gowns stroll from the town centre to the pier. When you reach the end of the pier, climb the ladder and stroll back along the top of the pier wall if you’re feeling courageous. So, assuming it’s not too windy, this is unquestionably one of the things to do in St Andrews.

Address:

St Andrews KY16 9RQ, United Kingdom

West Sands

West Sands is a short walk from town and runs adjacent to the Old Course, making it ideal for a stroll on a lovely day. It’s also where the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was shot, so feel free to recreate it. 

St Salvator’s Quad

Image Source: University of St Andrews News

St Salvator’s Quad is the core of the institution, with numerous classes taking place within its boundaries as well as the famed Raisin Weekend foam fight. You may spot the initials PH in the stone path as you enter from North Street. It’s considered bad luck for students to tread on it, so don’t be surprised if someone unexpectedly leaps into the air. You are protected if you are not a student! Don’t forget to see the magnificent chapel while you’re at the Quad. 

Located in:	University of St Andrews
Address:	St Salvator’s Quadrangle, North St, St Andrews KY16 9AL, United Kingdom
Phone:	+44 1334 476161

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Craigtoun Country Park

Craigtoun Country Park is only four miles south of St. Andrews. This modern edifice, built on grounds that were previously part of a 17th-century manor home, saw the light of day in the early 20th century and was designed and built in a village-style evocative of that seen in the Netherlands.

The expansive grounds themselves are a joy to explore, not only for their park-like environment but also for the numerous fun things to see and do. There’s plenty of fun to be had, from having a family picnic to hopping aboard the heritage narrow-gauge train and taking a tractor ride. There’s also crazy golf and an adventurous play area with a bouncy castle, as well as a café on-site.

Address:	Craigtoun Country Park, Mount Melville, St Andrews KY16 8NX, UK
Phone:	+44 1334 472013

FAQs

Now that you have all the information on the top hangout spots near the University of St Andrews, hope it helps you prepare for your next day out. For more information on universities, student life abroad or study abroad admissions, subscribe to Leverage Edu or reach out to our experts on 1800 57 2000 and book a 30-minute free consultation.