6 things to do when you’re at the AIG Women’s Open in St Andrews

Take a trip to the beach

Right next to the golf course is the beautiful West Sands beach. On a warm day it’s a great spot for a picnic and a bit of people watching. Or if you’re feeling energetic how about wild swimming, or maybe a spot of surfing.

The beach is also home to St Andrews Beach Wheelchairs which are free to hire (closed between 18 and 26 August).

There’s another beach too at East Sands, next to the picturesque harbour.

Catch some culture

St Andrews has some great museums which are well worth a visit. Heading up to town from the Old Course  you will pass the R&A World Golf Museum which brings over 400 years of golf’s history to life through its amazing collection objects. There’s a special exhibition about Women in golf on this summer. AIG Women’s Open ticket holders are entitled to 50% off admission for the R&A World Golf Museum until Saturday 31 August.

Close by, the Wardlaw Museum is well worth a visit. It takes visitors inside the University of St Andrews and there are four galleries showcasing its extraordinary art, history, science and natural history collections.

St Andrews Museum is another gem. It is housed in Victorian mansion and has a great A-Z exhibit about the town’s fascinating past as a centre of Scottish and global culture.  

Step back in time

St Andrews is a place with an amazing history to explore. One of the highlights are the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church, St Andrews Cathedral. The site has been used for worship since at least the 700s, when St Andrew’s relics are said to have been brought here. Close by is St Andrews Castle, perched beside the sea. Don’t miss the bottle dungeon, one of medieval Britain’s most infamous castle prisons.

As you wander round town you'll also see lots of buildings which are part of the University of St Andrews, Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world.

Get back to nature

St Andrews Botanic Garden is a bit of a hidden gem. Close to the town centre again, there is lots to see over the 18-acre site including a rock garden, rhododendron glade, pond, pinetum and much more. It’s a lovely place to relax and explore.

If you want to venture a bit further Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve is a great place to ecape to with a wonderful combination of sea, beach, dunes and forest, with trails winding through the trees. For a bit of an adventure take a boat trip to the Isle of May which is another National Nature Reserve, with amazing wildlife and a fascinating history too.

Shop 'til you drop

If you like a bit of retail therapy, St Andrews has a great selection of independent shops plus well-known names. You’ll find everything from golfing gear to rare books. The main shopping streets are a short walk from the Old Course.

Eating and drinking

St Andrews has a great food and drink scene with lots of choice for every taste and budget and you’ll find everything from fine dining to street food. How about a cocktail with a view or a toasty by the sea? You’ll find plenty of local products to buy too and some lovely speciality food shops and markets. Check out our food and drink listings

If you'd like learn more about our local products how about a Coastal Gin Tasting Experience with Eden Mill at the Old Course Hotel (right next to the golf!), or just down the coast at Darnley's Gin Distillery you can get hands on and make your own gin.