St. AndrewsUnited Kingdom

The coastal town of St. Andrews has some of Scotland’s most historic and fascinating attractions and traditions. Revisit the Middle Ages when you tour its castle, towers and one of the world’s oldest universities.

Enter the town through the surviving gates of West Port and Sea Yett. The former has towers and a central archway with intricate details. For a sense of the local history, visit St. Andrews Castle. Hear intriguing tales about the opposing Catholics and Protestants and delve into the dark underground tunnels built for war. See the Bottle Dungeon that held notorious prisoners, many of whom incurred the death penalty.

Stroll through the St. Andrews Cathedral ruins, at the tallest church ever built in Scotland. Capture photos of St. Rule’s Tower, with a height of 108 feet (33 meters). Climb the structure for views of the sea and countryside.

Entwined with medieval relics is the enthusiasm of youth. Parts of the University of St. Andrews are scattered around town. Watch students in red gowns that denote their year of studies and learn about centuries-old scholarly traditions. Visit St. Salvator’s Quadrangle to appreciate the majestic buildings and chapel in the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Bring the family to St. Andrews Aquarium to see British sharks, poison dart frogs and piranhas. Watch the kids fawn over baby seals and meerkats. The aquarium offers scenic views of St. Andrews Bay, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and West Sands, where the beginning of Chariots of Fire was filmed.

Enjoy walking through the quaint town center in warm summers. Winters are cold but not freezing and snow is fairly rare.

Located in Fife on the country’s eastern coast, St. Andrews is easy to access from Scotland’s largest cities. Fly to Edinburgh Airport and drive 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast to reach the town. Dundee is a 30-minute drive north and Glasgow is 70 miles (110 kilometers) southwest.

St. Andrews mixes the youthful exuberance of student life with the historical charm of medieval ruins.