Must See Sights and Landmarks in Anstruther Area

"St Andrews is a town steeped in history and most notably its historic buildings. One of the oldest pieces of architecture in St Andrews is the Cathedral. You can find out more information about what to find here by visiting our History of the Castle and Cathedral Page."

"This ruined medieval castle was built in the 14th century and gradually added to over the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 1700s. Mary, Queen of Scots recuperated here after an illness following the birth of her son, James VI, who would later become James I of Great Britain after the Union of the Crowns. The structure is a fascinating example of a medieval castle and much of it still stands, including the tower house and the defensive walls."

"Towering above Castle Sands beach, the ruins of St Andrews Castle are what’s left of a medieval fortress with a notorious reputation. With parts dating back to the 13th century, the castle was frequented by the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews. Each stone still standing today offers a snippet of information from the subterranean siege mine and counter-mine from the 16th century to the spine-tingling bottle dungeon known for its unforgiving ways."

"Dating back to the 12th century during the times of Bishop Roger, the castle was originally a place where the Archbishops of St Andrews lived. During the 15th century, the Castle was also used as a prison. Toady, the ruins that overlook the North Sea offer a picturesque site of the rocky castle."

"On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the town’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews – the focal point of the Church in medieval Scotland. Today, explore the underground 16th-century siege mine…"

"A famous bridge in the St. Andrews links, the Swilken Bridge is located on the 18th hole of the Old Course. Its magic lies in the history of the Home of Golf where many legends have played memorable games. The small stone bridge adds a subtle yet beautiful aspect to the fine greenery all around and was built 700 years back as a bridge for shepherds."

"The West Port Bar & Kitchen, St Andrews, is a contemporary “gastro pub” located in the heart of the picturesque town famed for golf. A favourite destination for locals and students – plus visitors to the golf courses, sandy St Andrews’ beaches and the Castle. www.thewestport.co.uk"

"Lovely food, a mix of traditional fare and something more special – all tastes are catered for. With an amazing large beer garden out the back, this is THE lunch spot on a sunny St Andrews day. Great for families, with fab baby changing and kids menus."

"The University of St Andrews is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and, following Oxford and Cambridge universities, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. In the medieval period, Scottish students were forced to pursue their studies abroad. By 1410, most had been forced to Paris from Oxford and Cambridge due to the outbreak of War with England."

"St Andrews Town Hall is a civic and legislative building located at Queen’s Gardens in the centre of St Andrews. Built between 1858 and 1862 from the designs of Mr. James A Hamilton, the Town Hall’s structure was in an old Scotch baronial style, and along with the bold and picturesque effect of the style it combined all the convenience and appliances of contemporary art. In more recent years, Fife Council, the unitary local authority for St Andrews who are the deliberative and legislative body responsible for local governance meet in the Town Hall regularly."

"is perhaps St Andrews’ most dramatic and picturesque place to eat. Located on the edge of a high bank with the sea foaming just below, the restaurant affords spectacular views of the Scottish coastline, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows which make up its four walls. The interior is fresh and modern, with white tablecloths and contemporary furniture providing a calming contrast to the awe-inspiring views outside."

"To start with the cool modern building, with its huge panoramic windows, gives you a fabulous view of the sea and West Sands beyond. Then there is the food – only the best locally sourced ingredients are used including lobsters from Anstruther, scallops from Orkney and sea trout from Loch Etive. All with an Italian twist, the result is simply out of this world."

"The St Andrews Aquarium is home to Penguins, a wide variety of fishes, Meerkats, Seals, Sharks, Amphibians, Alligators, Reptiles, Snakes and Caimans along with Arachnids. The educational talks by trained caretakers, gets you familiar with every animal’s habitat and natural tendency and is a great way to turn the casual trip into a learning experience. Do try to take part in a feeding sess...Read more"

"Proudly independent and family-owned aquarium in St. Andrews. Set in the cliffs overlooking St Andrews bay, our aquarium is a magical underwater world with more than 120 species on show every day. The aquarium includes a coffee shop and gift shop."

"If you love sea creatures – and who doesn't – here you can find all your cuddly seals and penguins and not so cuddly sharks and eels under one roof, located on the cliffs of St Andrews Bay. The water dwellers are joined by reptiles, arachids and…"

"The rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat (251m), carved by ice sheets from the deeply eroded stump of a long-extinct volcano, is a distinctive feature of Edinburgh’s skyline. The view from the summit is well worth the walk, extending from the Forth bridges in the west to the distant conical hill of North Berwick Law in the east, with the Ochil Hills and the Highlands on the northwestern horizon. You can hike from Holyrood to the summit in around 45 minutes."

"With incredible views onto Edinburgh and beyond (as well as a great, yet fun, workout) I highly recommend a hike up Arthur’s Seat for any first time visitor to the city. Although legends of King Arthur are never far away when it comes to Gaelic and Celtic countries, in this case, the extinct volcano that is Arthur’s Seat won its name in a different way."

"Built to commemorate four men who were executed in St Andrews during the 16th Century Scottish Reformation, Martyrs’ Monument has become one of the town’s most intriguing and iconic historic landmarks. The monument still stands tall and, as a beacon of religious freedom and tremendous courage, is a frequently visited landmark in Scotland. Along with St Salvators Chapel, which is said to have the face of Hamilton burnt into its walls, Martyrs’ Monument brings alive the rich history of St Andrews and its key involvement in the Scottish Reformation."