St. Andrew's Cathedral

St. Andrew\'s Cathedral featuring heritage elements
St. Andrew\'s Cathedral featuring a small town or village and boating
St. Andrew\'s Cathedral which includes landscape views, a sandy beach and a small town or village
St. Andrew's Cathedral
St. Andrew\'s Cathedral featuring heritage elements and general coastal views


Enjoy views of the city and sea from the top of a tower that rises from these impressive church remains.

St. Andrews Cathedral is a site of inspiring medieval ruins from the 12th century. The structure was and remains the tallest church ever built in Scotland. Today, it has a museum with an excellent collection of medieval sculptures and artifacts from the cathedral. Marvel at the enormous wall that survived many centuries and hovers over a cemetery.

Gaze up at the historic St. Rule’s Tower, which predates the cathedral and reaches a height of 108 feet (33 metres). Climb to the peak of the tower for commanding views of the Fife countryside and the North Sea. Spot some of your favourite sites in the city, including the castle and the university. The tower, which is built from sandstone ashlar, is so tall that it is visible from across the city.

Peruse the fascinating relics from the cathedral in the museum. The highlight is the Pictish St. Andrews Sarcophagus, a tomb from the 8th century. Marvel at its intricate details portraying a hunter about to slay a lion. Note the intriguing displays in the visitor centre, which has medieval stone carvings.

Stroll through the cemetery and see the gravestones of generations from many centuries ago. See the preserved monastic walls enclosing the site.

Browse the souvenirs and cathedral-themed items in the gift shop. Walk around the picturesque area with your family and visit the beach.

For many centuries, the cathedral was among the most important in Scottish Christianity. Learn how the tall tower attracted pilgrims from across the country and farther afield.

The ruins are open to visits daily year-round from morning until late afternoon. There is an admission fee, with a discount for children. Purchase a combination ticket that includes St. Andrews Castle.

St. Andrews Cathedral is just west of the Kinness Burn River in the central part of the city. Visit the nearby highlights, such as the University of St. Andrews and St. Andrews Castle.

Plan a trip to see St. Andrew's Cathedral

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
MONO Suites Old Town
The Scotsman Hotel
Ocean Serviced Apartments

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

THE SPACE TO STAY

THE SPACE TO STAY

Kilrymont Rd., St. Andrews, Scotland
THE SPACE TO STAY
Rusacks St Andrews

Rusacks St Andrews

5 out of 5
Pilmour Links, St. Andrews, Scotland
Rusacks St Andrews
Hotel du Vin & Bistro St. Andrews

Hotel du Vin & Bistro St. Andrews

4 out of 5
40 The Scores, St. Andrews, Scotland
Hotel du Vin & Bistro St. Andrews
The Albany Hotel St Andrews

The Albany Hotel St Andrews

3 out of 5
56 North Street, St. Andrews, Scotland
The Albany Hotel St Andrews
Seaton House

Seaton House

5 out of 5
Seaton House, 76 The Scores, St. Andrews, Scotland
Seaton House
No1. Apartments & Bedrooms St Andrews - St Mary’s

No1. Apartments & Bedrooms St Andrews - St Mary’s

4 out of 5
Inchcape house-Saint Marys Place, St. Andrews, Scotland
No1. Apartments & Bedrooms St Andrews - St Mary’s
5Pilmourplace

5Pilmourplace

3.5 out of 5
5 Pilmour Pl, St. Andrews, Scotland
5Pilmourplace
Cleveden House by The Dunvegan

Cleveden House by The Dunvegan

4 out of 5
3 Murray Place, St. Andrews, Scotland
Cleveden House by The Dunvegan
Castle Loft

Castle Loft

St Andrews
Castle Loft
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Andrew's Cathedral

St. Andrew's Cathedral, a historical gem in St. Andrews, Scotland, offers a variety of activities nearby, including golf, relaxing spa experiences, and engaging tours. A particularly popular option is the Scotland walking tour, which allows visitors to explore the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of the area. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to unwind, the cathedral and its surroundings provide a perfect blend of culture and leisure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is the Wellgate Shopping Centre, located 7.5km away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting Tron Kirk and Scottish Gems, both 19.3km away, featuring unique gifts and local crafts in vibrant city settings.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at the Old Course at St Andrews, just 373m from the cathedral, where you can embrace the sport's rich history. Alternatively, unwind at Craigtoun Country Park, 1.9km away, offering serene walks and beautiful landscapes for relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the stunning Fife Coastal Path, a scenic hiking trail located 2.5km from St. Andrew's Cathedral, perfect for adventure seekers. For a family-friendly outdoor escape, visit Elie Holiday Park, situated 6.8km away. Cyclists can explore the Lochs and Glens North Cycle Route, 12.5km from the cathedral.

Nightlife

In St. Andrews, the Dundee Repertory Theatre offers a vibrant mix of culture and romance just 6.8km away. For family fun, The Fun Factory provides an exciting arcade adventure, while Mills Observatory, also 7.5km away, captivates with its stunning views of the night sky.

Find the best attractions near St. Andrew's Cathedral

When visiting St. Andrew's Cathedral, you'll discover a wealth of attractions, including the stunning beach, historic university, and the impressive St. Andrews Castle. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural enrichment, romantic experiences, and relaxation by the sea. Be sure to explore the cathedral itself and other notable Scottish cathedrals in the area for a truly memorable experience.

  • University of St. Andrews: Immerse yourself in the rich history of the oldest university in Scotland, founded in 1413. Stroll through its picturesque campus, where you'll encounter stunning architecture and vibrant student culture, making it a hub of intellectual and artistic life.
  • St. Andrew's Castle: Explore the ruins of this once-mighty fortress, which offers a glimpse into Scotland's turbulent past. With its dramatic coastal location, the castle provides a romantic backdrop and fascinating stories of sieges and intrigue.
  • West Sands: Relax on this beautiful beach, famous for its miles of golden sand and stunning views of the North Sea. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip, West Sands embodies the quintessential seaside experience.

Best time to go to St. Andrew's Cathedral

The best time to visit St. Andrew's Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and July are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy. January and January are its coolest month on average. At the time of January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Andrew's Cathedral

To save money during your visit to St. Andrew's Cathedral, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a hotel one month in advance can yield better rates, and Tuesdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay. For last-minute deals, check Expedia’s green banner offers. Use their search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining flights and hotel bookings can further reduce your overall expenses.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Andrew's Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Andrew's Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Andrew's Cathedral is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Andrew's Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and various other preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel stay at St. Andrew's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.