Tours & tickets

Old Course, St Andrews

Discover the Scenic Beauty of Fife's Coast on a Day Trip from Edinburgh Departing from Edinburgh, we cross the iconic Forth Bridge into the historic Kingdom of Fife, journeying through the coastal village of Aberdour before reaching the charming East Neuk of Fife. Our first stop is in the picturesque town of Anstruther, home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. We then travel through the scenic fishing villages of Pittenweem, Crail, and St. Monans, once bustling centers of trade with Europe. Next, we arrive at the medieval town of St. Andrews, the world-famous home of golf. You’ll have about three hours to explore its historic streets, visit St. Andrews University (where Prince William met Kate), and tour the iconic St. Andrews Cathedral (optional extra). Don't miss a stroll around the renowned Old Course and the spectacular coastline. As we make our way back, we cross the scenic Lomond Hills, stopping for photos in the charming village of Falkland, featured as 1960s Inverness in the Outlander series. We then descend to Loch Leven, the site of Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment and escape, before reaching the picturesque village of South Queensferry for a final stop with views of the Forth Bridges. Finally, we return to Edinburgh after a day full of history, coastal beauty, and rich Scottish heritage.

A quaint town beaming with locals, students from all over the world and even royalty, our St Andrews is charming and captivating, whichever way you look! From the international home of golf, to the world’s third oldest university, with one of the most beautiful shorelines on the east coast, there’s something for everyone to discover in this idyllic town. Join your local guide on a 1.5 hour stroll around the main sights of St Andrews and discover things you wouldn't see visiting yourself. Explore St Andrews as you walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, heretics who were burned at the stake, famous cats and those who live in St Andrews today! Your local guide will bring St Andrews to life. Key sights: St Andrews Cathedral St Andrews Castle The Old Course North St & Market St The University of Saint Andrews St. Salvator's Chapel …and many more hidden gems!

A fluent command of English is essential for these tours. Speaking slowly or translating does not work. Not suitable for under 2s. On this information-packed tour with author, historian, and 1980s Pro A1 Old Course Caddie Richard Falconer, you will learn how the evolution of the Old Course developed significant elements of the game we know and love, making St Andrews the Home of Golf. Dispelling the myths, the tour unfolds as a detective story piecing together the development of the game we know and love. Richard opens the tour with important St Andrews history that inadvertently sees the arrival of a European stick and ball game in the 13th century. As that developed across Scotland, a golfing landmark in 18th century Edinburgh resulted in St Andrews being the beneficiary of rules they would develop and make their own. As many golfing aspects unfold, the tour takes in the 18th green, the 1st tee with the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse as the backdrop, the 1st and 18th fairways, and Road hole memories with a photo shoot on the Swilkan Bridge to finish (excludes tournament days). You can then enjoy refreshments overlooking the 17th fairway (not included) at the famed Old Course Jigger Inn. Richards Tours are endorsed by Rick Steves and famed St Andrews Golf Historian and legend David Joy.

Your first stop on this tour is to see the Kelpies Monument, created by artist Andy Scott. It is modeled after Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron, which symbolize the lineage of heavy horses throughout Scottish history that helped shape the surrounding region of Falkirk. Leaving behind these awe-inspiring creatures, it's time for a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside of the Kingdom of Fife to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old Royal family of Scotland, the Stewarts (Stuarts). Aside from the palace, the village is simply one of the most beautiful in Scotland, with an array of old cottages and narrow winding streets. Outlander fans may recognize this as the location for 1940s Inverness in the popular TV series. Next up is where you've been waiting for: the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland, and according to legend, his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and a beautiful ruined castle perched on a cliff. You have a few hours to explore this fascinating town and its impressive landmarks. As you head back towards Glasgow, stop in at Queensferry Crossing and get a great view of one of Scotland's greatest man-made landmarks, the Forth Rail Bridge. Arrive back in Glasgow in the early evening to wrap up your full-day tour.

**SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - please book early to avoid disappointment** St Andrews; the home of golf. What better way to discover St Andrews golf legacy and the Old Course than with a local expert! With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. Do something different and discover the controversies and quirks of golf, as well as a local insight into the politics of golf in the town. Get the insider scoop to the Royal and Ancient politics from a local outsider - without the bias. From the origins of the sport, and spending time on the 1st, 17th & 18th fairways, finish off with a photo on the famous Swilken Bridge, discover our incredible legacy with your local guide. You'll also see where some of the most famous shots in golf history took place (The Sands of Nakajima, Eisenhower on the Old Course etc.). Discover: Royal and Ancient Club Royal and Ancient Golf Museum 1st Tee & Fairway Putting Green 17th Green 18th Fairway Swilken Bridge …and many more hidden gems you wouldn't discover yourself!

A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work. These tours are unsuitable for those with walking difficulties, ie walking slowly; inc Zimmers, knee/hip problems, sprained ankles etc. Plus there are no rest stops and with the tour being a loop, dipping out once the tour has started wouldn't shorten the overall distance and the golf course is on the latter part of the tour. This tour was created with the golfer and non-golfer in mind, so while there is a lot of golf on this tour, it is not all about golf. There is something for everyone. After meeting your guide outside Hotel du Vin, we will head towards the ruined Cathedral. En route you will hear about the Dunhill Championship and see Scotland's oldest university with the quadrangle of St Salvator’s College. You will hear about William and Kate, and when the Netflix series 'The Crown' came to town. You will also take a peek inside one of St Andrews breathtaking hidden gems. Along with a few other points of interest along the way, the cathedral grounds are the next landmark on the tour: Pay your respects to golfing greats Old and Young Tom Morris, Allan Robertson and Jamie Anderson. You will also see the ruins of the Bishop's Palace - a prominent symbol of former Catholic wealth and power in Scotland. From there you'll walk along the Scores passing beautiful Victorian buildings of the university, the Principals House, and the residence where Prince William and Kate spent their first year as students. Heading to the Old Course you will hear about the early development of the Open Championship, and how the game of golf would develop in St Andrews to become the Home of Golf. Walk by the 18th green, 1st tee and first fairway hearing about some of the quarks of the game having shaped its remarkable history, how the Links came to have 18 holes plus details of the iconic buildings overlooking the course and a few memorable golfing moments. * The tour finishes at the Swilkan Bridge where you will be able to have your photo taken - excludes tournament days. You can then head to the Jigger Inn/Old Course Hotel to relax with iconic views and ponder the many heady days of St Andrews.

Make your own way to the meeting point in Edinburgh Old Town, and hop onto a coach or minivan. Head to Stirling, a medieval city that played a vital role in Scottish history. Look out for the imposing Stirling Castle, which sits on mound of volcanic rock, overlooking the town and surrounding region. If you choose to, you can enter the royal fortress and walk through the royal chambers, once home to Scottish kings and queens. Explore for around an hour before you travel to a nearby whisky distillery. Walk through the brewery to discover the steps it takes to produce the spirit. Finish your visit with a sample of whisky. Continue on to the coastal town of St Andrews. Hear your guide recount the story of the city's past and explain its connection to Catholicism. On arrival, enjoy free time to wander around. View the remains of the ruined cathedral, once the biggest Catholic church in Scotland, or visit the renowned Old Course, the world's oldest golf course. Take the opportunity to eat lunch here and after around two hours in St Andrews, begin the journey back to Edinburgh. Make one last stop in the village of South Queensferry to admire views of the Forth Bridge, an iconic Victorian structure, before your drive back to Edinburgh Old Town.

Depart Edinburgh, travel over the Queensferry crossing, and drive along the coast towards the beautiful coastal town of St Andrews. Arrive on the coast and go for a short walk to Lady's Tower and Lighthouse and experience the sea breeze and beautiful scenery. The town of St Andrews is mainly known for the historic Old Course Golf Course, though there is so much more to see. You'll get the chance to visit St Andrews Castle, and St Andrews Cathedral and walk the streets of this historic town. You'll also have time for a delicious lunch at one of many places in St Andrews! To finish the day there's the historic Dunfermline Abbey, the resting location of Scottish Kings and Queens dating back almost 1000 years ago. From here, you'll travel back to Edinburgh, where your Scotland Tour Guide will drop you off at the same location you were picked up.

Here's hoping you get a sunny day because today you're going to get to know the coastline pretty well. Sun shimmering off Scottish water. Believe it or not, we do get sun here. But even if it's a cloudy day, the Scottish coastline is as stunning as it is dramatic. You leave Aberdeen, 'The Granite City', and head south along the coastline and through the countryside towards Dundee. Your driver-guide will drop you near the waterfront, which is perfect for you not just because of the views, you'll also be close to the V&A Dundee. This international center for design showcases the best of Scottish creativity and design from around the world. Or, if you prefer, you also have the Royal Research Ship Discovery to explore. Built in Dundee, it was the first purpose-built Antarctic Survey vessel. At the beginning of the 20th century, it took the first British expedition of the modern era to Antarctica, including Irish explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Enjoy the Discovery's extensive galleries, videos and films, interactive displays, and artifacts. Or perhaps exploring the city and waterfront is at the top of your list. The time is yours to do as you please. After your visit to Dundee, we journey over the Tay Road Bridge with views over the Firth of Tay. We then enter one of the remaining ancient kingdoms of Scotland, the Kingdom of Fife. The home of golf, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, and landscapes spotted with history, Fife is a world of its own. We continue south to the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland and according to legend, his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and is proud of its dramatic cliff-perched castle ruins. Not to mention, St Andrews is the home of golf. Golf fanatics will love getting to know the Grand Old Lady, also known as the Old Course at St Andrews, considered the oldest golf course. You have around two and a half hours to explore this fascinating town. After St Andrews, we take a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside back to Aberdeen.

Escape Edinburgh and spend a day exploring 1,000 years of Scottish history, featuring the stories of golf, the Royal Family and Scotch Whisky! During this small-group tour we visit the iconic location of St Andrew’s, absorb stunning landscapes and enjoy a Whisky tour & tasting (included) at one of Scotland’s oldest distilling locations, Lindores Abbey. The day begins by departing Edinburgh and it won’t be long before we cross over the Forth Road Bridge to enter the Kingdom of Fife, as we travel towards our first stop of the day, Lochleven. We’ll pause here and take-in views of the Loch and Lochleven Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was held prisoner for a year in the 16th century. Next we continue to Falkland, Scotland’s first designated conservation village and home to Falkland Palace, built in the early 16th century. Take time to stroll the cobbled streets of this charming medieval town, which you may recognise from the TV series Outlander. Then we’ll make a short journey to St Andrews, a town that takes its name from Scotland’s patron saint; legend claims that relic’s of Saint Andrew were brought here and founded the (now-ruined) Cathedral. This is also the home of St Andrew’s University, established in around 1410. Alumni include Prince William and Kate Middleton, who met here whilst students. The town is also famously the home of golf, which has been played here for over 600-years and seen golf develop to the form we recognise today. The ‘Old Course’ is the oldest public course in the world and regularly hosts The Open Championship, normally every five years. We will have plenty of time in St Andrew’s to explore the town, see the ruined castle & cathedral, take in the golf course and have some lunch. This afternoon we travel to Lindores Abbey for a Whisky tour and tasting (included). The abbey was founded in 1191 and visited by numerous kings. This may be Scotland’s oldest distillery as it has the oldest written record from 1494 of spirit being distilled for the King. Our visit will include a comprehensive tour of the distillery and a tasting session to follow. Non-alcoholic options are available for the tasting. After a few drams of Whisky we’ll return to Edinburgh and the Cairngorms coffee shop, where our tour concludes at approximately 17.30.