A St Andrews day trip from Edinburgh with a small group. Take in the sea air on the Fife coast, with time to explore St Andrews and royal history at Dunfermline Abbey.
A St Andrews day trip from Edinburgh with a small group. Take in the sea air on the Fife coast, with time to explore St Andrews and royal history at Dunfermline Abbey.
Golf brought St Andrews worldwide fame, but there’s much more waiting in its medieval streets. On this St Andrews and Dunfermline Abbey day tour from Edinburgh, cross the Forth into Fife, take in the three bridges and enjoy the coastal scenery and curious history around Lady’s Tower.
St Andrews is the heart of the day, with time to choose what interests you: the Old Course, university streets, castle and cathedral ruins, or a wander beside the sea. Find somewhere for lunch, browse the town and enjoy exploring at your own pace. Then head to Dunfermline Abbey for stories of Scotland’s kings, queens and Robert the Bruce. Your expert guide brings the coast and its history together, with regular stops to walk, look around and ask questions.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 day (approx. 7½ hours)
- Departs: Edinburgh, 9:00am (back approx. 4:35pm)
- Group size: Max 16 (small scheduled group)
- Ages: 12+ (younger? ask about a private tour)
- Walking: Active sightseeing (comfortable walking ~1 hour)
- Guide: Expert local guide (history, stories, local tips)
Itinerary
Queensferry & the Three Bridges: Firth of Forth · Scottish engineering · Fife
Begin beside the Firth of Forth with views of three generations of Scottish engineering: the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.
Hear how these crossings transformed travel between Edinburgh and Fife before continuing north.
Lady’s Tower on the Fife coast: Coastal landmark · Sea views · Local story
Continue to the Fife coast and Lady’s Tower, a small historic landmark set above the sea.
Your guide introduces the unusual story of Lady Janet Anstruther while you take in the coastal views.
St Andrews: Old Course · University · Castle & cathedral
Spend the main part of the day in St Andrews, home to Scotland’s oldest university and one of the world’s most famous golf courses. Choose how to use your time: the Old Course, medieval streets, castle and cathedral ruins, West Sands and the shoreline, with time to buy lunch in town.
Entry to St Andrews Castle and paid cathedral attractions isn't included in the tour price.
Dunfermline Abbey & back to Edinburgh: Scottish kings · Robert the Bruce · Edinburgh
Finish in Dunfermline, once a major centre of medieval Scottish royal life. Explore the abbey surroundings and hear stories of Scotland’s kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce.
Back in Edinburgh at approximately 4:35pm, depending on traffic and conditions. Paid admission associated with Dunfermline Abbey isn't included.
The itinerary is a guide. Attraction opening, traffic, weather, road conditions or other operational circumstances can change the order, timings or individual stops.
Included
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for the day
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Three Bridges viewpoint at Queensferry
- Lady’s Tower coastal stop
- Free time to explore St Andrews
- Dunfermline Abbey visit
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Lunch and snacks
- Entry to St Andrews Castle
- Paid St Andrews Cathedral attractions
- Paid entry associated with Dunfermline Abbey
Departure
Outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 8:45am so your guide can check everyone in before the 9:00am departure. Scheduled tours can't wait for late guests.
Check-in: 8:45am · Departs: 9:00am · Back: approx. 4:35pm
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