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Click
here for Street/Road Map
Choose whether you want to be a scholar, a
historian, a golfer or just a tourist. There is just so much to do and see
here that it is difficult to know where to start. Why not take the open
topped bus around town. 01334 474238. Perhaps a freshly squeezed health
drink at Get Juiced in South Street - alternatively, have a coffee, read
the paper and check out your email then go exploring 01334 472927.
 
West Port Former Toll gate to
the town at the end of South Street, the West Port Cafe serves
baguette and juices while the restaurant has some good Scottish
dishes. Janetta’s ice cream, cafes, National Trust shop and good
art shop all available nearby.
 
Blackfriars Chapel and South St.
Ruinous Dominican Friary destroyed in
reformation times set in the grounds of Madras Boys College. Some
interesting shops in Bell Street opposite including Simply Scotland with
gifts and designer knitwear and if you want to go ethnic try Beetle.
Holy Trinity Kirk
Once
inside you can almost hear John Knox inciting the
church goers during the days of the Protestant reformation. The
church appears much larger when you are inside and is dominated by
the wonderful stained glass windows. Tucked in the square is the
St. Andrews Pottery Shop. Pick up a locally thrown pot or if you
have room in the car take home a giant garden pot. Chesterhills a
quaint coffee and gift shop sits opposite next to
Ogdens pub.
St Mary’s College with
Queen Mary’s house in the foreground is now part of
the university. Look out for the thorn tree planted by Mary Queen of Scots
in the quad. You cannot come to St. Andrews without trying one of Janetta’s
famous ice creams - a modern day pilgrimage 01334 473285.
Byre Theatre (yes,
I remember plays in the original cow shed) - Recently completely
renovated into an exceptional arts centre -amazing blend of
traditional and modern. Much more than a theatre - intimate,
alive, welcoming and accessible. Stunning Cafe bar with very tasty
food. Make sure you have time to visit - great place to meet
friends 01334 475000.
St Salvator’s College
Part
of the oldest university in Scotland you can watch the students
in their red gowns strolling around the quads on the way to
their classes - you might even see Prince William. St Salvator’s
and the university chapel with its prominent tower is in North Street.
Fortunately the incongruous modern building housing the Library is not too
obvious. If you explore further, you will come to the Crawfords Art Centre
where there is an ever changing exhibition. Next door the original Cinema
has now been converted to a multiplex establishment (well, sort of!!!!)
 
Market Square
The fountain is a good
landmark. For kids and cooks make sure to visit Macgregors - busy gift
shop and cafe with all manner of culinary gadgets, knick-knacks and huge
selection of cards, puzzles and books to make you smile 01334 477106. Next
door at LJ's, see if you can spot the overhead train
while having bistro style food - the wall decor
will keep the kids busy for hours. It is always a good day to try 
some Ice Cream from Luvian’s before letting the children
loose in town. Great Italian ices and sorbets,
also fine wines for Mum and Dad just along Market  Street at
Luvians Bottleshop as well as some 400 different whiskies, one for
every day of the year. If you like paintings, visit the gallery
crammed with hundreds of fine 19th and 20th century paintings, mostly
Scottish. Tourist Information Centre with gifts and friendly staff will
let you know all the latest things to do 01334 472021.
Doll’s House Restaurant
in
Church Square has decor which reminds me of a Victorian Nursery,
except for the bar, of course. Great ambience especially on their
live Jazz nights. The food is always fresh and the staff are
cheerful and very efficient. Eat out during the summer and watch the world go by. Best to book 01334 477422
Sister restaurant La Posada is in St. Mary’s Place. Authentic Mexican
food with decor to match - plan to join friends. 01334 470500
Greyfriars Gardens
If
you enjoy Fine China, Crystal and Collectables then you must visit James
Pine of St. Andrews. Our choice if you are looking for a special golfing
gift or prize. 01334 472209. Ladies, stop in at Lyn at No 1 and treat
yourself to a new designer outfit and then drift towards the aromas of The
Coffee House. I am always amazed that there can be that many possible teas
and coffees. Have some freshly ground to take home or have a brew while you are there -
or both!! Across the road in Murray Place you will find an old favourite,
Ziggy’s - rock’ n’ roll theme restaurant, extensive menu but if you
want to try it you had better book. 01334 473686.
Bell Street
running
from the fountain in Market St. to the Holy Trinity Church in South St.
boasts some more interesting shops. Butler and Company, a really good
looking deli with fine selection of cheeses  and Scottish produce. I would
recommend the salar smoked salmon if you haven’t tried it yet. Bonkers on
the corner is the place to go for soft toys - other gifts too.
Fisher and Donaldson the bakers across the road have been there for
years. You will not be able to resist the goodies. I like the
trifles and if you like biscuits make sure you try some shortbread.
The Former newspaper publishers now a stationers, Innes has a
terrific selection of books, crafts and artists materials. Dozens of
things to keep the children amused. Wonderful selection of kites to
fly on the West Sands.
Aquarium
above
the rocks at the Scores. Plenty to see here - a complete
undersea world of marine life. Special features include the
Seahorse parade and the diving ducks. Make sure to see the seals
being fed and support their seal sanctuary, 01334 474786.
 
West Sands
Bring
your bucket and spade, this is sandcastle heaven. Huge expanse of sand
running for almost two miles between the North Sea and the famous golf
courses. My favourite place to fly my kite - great for ‘early morning
power’ walks or ‘mid afternoon clear your head after the night before’
walks. Watch the windsurfers, shelter in the dunes, play ball or picnic on
the grass. If the weather permits you can even
sunbathe!! Dad and the kids can have a great day out while Mum plays golf.
Climb over the rocks below the Aquarium and explore the pools - you can
taste the sea air as you listen to the noise of the gulls as they sweep
down looking for food. Imagine you are marooned on a desert island - be a
pirate or adventurer for a day.
Harbour and East Sands
Lobster pots and a few small fishing boats
sit in this cute harbour with its long harbour wall overlooking
the rocks. Bring your bucket to collect mussels and whelks. I have
childhood memories of paddling in the pool under the castle,
however the new swimming pool and East Sands Leisure Centre
may be a safer bet. Walk along the sand admire the rocks, putting
green and trampolining available.
St Andrews Cathedral
Visitor
centre within vaulted remains chart the history of this
disaster prone landmark from its celtic beginnings of
the church of St Mary on the Rock to its importance as a
medieval cathedral priory. Impressive collection of post
reformation tombstones which fortunately were not
recycled for other building works in the town 01334 472563.
Walk through the Pends, one of the
original archway entrances to the priory precinct, passing St
Leonard’s famous girls school down to the harbour.
St Rule’s Tower
Collect
token and breathe in as you enter through the turnstile and
mount the 150 or so steps up to the top. Well worth the climb to
see the amazing views over the town and the harbour - beware the
wind at the top. Steer clear if you suffer from vertigo or have
a dicky ticker.
St Andrews Castle
once
the ultimate in early fortified luxury beach apartments
for the clergy however, it has been beset by wars over
changing religious beliefs and is now mostly ruinous.
Excellent audio visual presentation. Step down into the
entrance of the infamous mine and countermine dug during a siege. Shudder as you walk down into
the cellars of the frightening bottle dungeon and imagine the
prisoners trying to break free 01334 477196.
St Andrews Preservation Trust
Museum Transport
yourself
back to an early grocer’s and chemist’s shop (remember the
days before supermarkets and pre-packaged everything) Go
upstairs and peruse the collection of old photographs and
clippings - just like being in granny’s attic 01334 477629.
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