Great Day Trips To Take From St Andrews Scotland

St Andrews is this wonderful nexus of history, golf, quaint streets, brilliant restaurants and academia, making it a bubble of perpetual inspiration. It also happens to be a great launch pad for perfect day trips! Here are some worth considering.

1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh

As Scotland’s seat, a day trip to Edinburgh is a no brainer. Just hop on a scenic train journey over Scotland’s own Golden Gate the Forth Bridge and voila! This festival city boasts festivals for every interest and hosts a wealth of life-affirming things to do. Historically speaking, you’ve got the Castle exalted upon high above the main thoroughfare, the Old Town with its Royal Mile and accompanying attractions — think Camera Obscura, the Real Mary King’s Close, the Writers’ Museum, the Parliament, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat and the National Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh Gin Distillery is great for a boozy ordeal, as are any of the Whisky Tours. From comedy clubs to cobbled streets, bars galore and more, this is the day trip that you will want to extend indefinitely!

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh | © john mcsporran/Flickr

2. Elie

Elie

Just a brief car journey away from St Andrews, Elie makes for a wonderful day trip. This compact coastal town is adored for its curving golden grains of sand and picturesque 16th century harbour peppered with bobbing yachts and wee vessels ebbing and flowing with the waves. With two coveted golf courses to its name, Elie is also a grand golfing day trip option too. Then again, how could it not since the legendary golfer and golf course designer James Braid was born here. Atmospheric and mesmerising, the Elie Lighthouse sports mind-reeling views. A striking stone structure by the sea, Lady’s Tower dates back to the 1700s and was a private changing room for Lady Janet Anstruther before her daily swim.

Elie, Scotland

Elie Lighthouse | © Chris Combe/Flickr

3. Anstruther

Anstruther

Aside from its tiny streets, sprinkling of age-old cobble stones and multi award winning fish and chip shop — the Anstruther Fish Bar (seriously, you must go) — Anstruther, a traditional fishing village, is a gem in its own right. Located on the East Neuk along the coast of Fife, this fairytale town is a magnet for wildlife like seals and puffins, which can be spotted on a picturesque boat excursion to the Isle of May. The Scottish Fisheries Museum is a time capsule honouring Scotland’s rich fishing heritage, while just half a mile away, the fishing port of Cellardyke is a must-visit. The Cellar Restaurant is a foodie paradise championing the best of local Scottish ingredients.

Anstruther, Scotland

Anstruther | © Pixabay

4. Stirling

Stirling

As the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, Stirling has this old-world charm about it that never fails to reel you in. A must-see, the sizeable magnificent castle, as it watches over its city and people, is of great historical significance, as is the Old Town, with its ambient streets and beckoning buildings, including the string from medieval and renaissance times. As a site of the Scottish Wars of Independence and many monarchs, Stirling is a fine pick for history buffs. Standing tall, the dramatic National Wallace Monument casts a Victorian Gothic shadow worth absorbing.

Stirling, Scotland

National Wallace Monument | © john mcsporran/Flickr

5. Perth

Art Gallery, Museum

Perth

As pretty as can be, Perth is a perfect day trip destination. Based along the banks of the beguiling River Tay, the longest river in Scotland, this appealing place was once a Scottish capital. The surprisingly ornate Perth Museum and Art Gallery, complete with cascading white pillars and glass ceiling dome, houses curiosities pertinent to the area and culture, as well as a Strathmore meteorite and a mummy called Ta-kr-hb. Between the wander-worthy streets and array of entertaining sites, and its status as a foodie pit stop, Perth is a good place to be. Don’t miss out on the nearby Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny — breathtaking.

Perth, Scotland

Perth | © Robin Fernandes/Flickr

6. Loch Lomond And Trossachs National Park

Park, Forest

Suited to outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, wildlife lovers and fitness fanatics alike, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is give or take an hour-and-a-half drive from St Andrews. Whether up for a long-haul expedition or gentle meander, the scenery that ensues, as well as the awe-inspiring sights, are snapshots straight from a dream. The place is punctuated with a network of lochs, mountains and hiking trails. Be sure to soak up the iconic bonnie banks of Loch Lomond herself and hop onto the portion of the famous West Highland Way.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.