cool shore excursions®
Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
  • Tours by category
  • Tours by accessibility
  • Tours by feature
  • Tours by time
  • Tours by the numbers
  • Top attractions
  • St. Andrews travel guides
  • St. Andrews travel calendar
  • Tours in nearby places
  • Explore United Kingdom tours
Language $Currency
Port schedule
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Cool Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course

4 Reviews 3.75 out of 5 stars Based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | St. Andrews, Scotland
Book online or call us

from $7.19 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews Castle and the East Sands
Old Course and Swilcan Bridge
St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course Image 4
St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 11 (1) days in advance.
110 to 130 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Mary Queen of Scots, Prince William and Alice in Wonderland all left their mark on St Andrews. On this self-guided audio walk, you past the town's best-known sights and tells the stories most visitors never hear: why Prince William was almost turned down for his first flat, where the last relics of St Andrew ended up, and why locals raised £5,000 for a statue of a cat. Expect an irreverent local's take, not a polite guidebook.
The VoiceMap app plays 49 short stories automatically as you reach each spot, with turn-by-turn directions, from the Cathedral ruins past the Castle and university quads to the Old Course and West Sands. It works offline. Start whenever you arrive, pause for coffee, and pick up where you left off.

Highlights
• Hear the stories behind the Cathedral, the Castle, the university and the Old Course
• 49 GPS-triggered stops over 4 km, about 2 hours at an easy pace
• Start any time that suits you, with no group and no schedule
• Works offline, so no roaming data needed

What's Included

  • VoiceMap Application
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Lifetime access to Rebels, Romance & Raisins tour
  • Smartphone
  • Transportation
  • Food/Drink
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

North Street
St Andrews, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

West Sands Road
St Andrews KY16 9XL, UK

The end point is around 1km (625 yards) from the starting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

St Andrews Cathedral (pass by)

Start among the ruins of what was once Scotland's largest church, where medieval pilgrims came for the relics of St Andrew. Hear how a saint's bones ended up in Fife, how the Reformation left the cathedral a shell, and why today's pilgrims come to worship golf instead.
Read more

St Mary On The Rock (pass by)

On the headland above the harbour lie the foundations of St Mary on the Rock, one of Scotland's earliest churches. Discover the community of monks who worshipped here long before the cathedral rose next door, and why only its outline survives today.
Read more

East Sands Beach (pass by)

Walk down past the harbour to East Sands, the beach where students plunge into the North Sea at dawn every May Day. Learn about the town's quirkier student traditions, from the May Dip to the red-gowned Pier Walk along the harbour wall after Sunday chapel.
Read more

St Andrews Castle (pass by)

Perched above the sea, the bishop's castle is where the rebels of the title made their stand. Hear how Protestant reformers murdered Cardinal Beaton here in 1546 and held the castle under siege for over a year, and peer towards the grim bottle dungeon carved into the rock.
Read more

St Salvator's Chapel (pass by)

Outside the gates of St Salvator's, founded in 1450, look down for the initials PH set into the cobbles. They mark where the reformer Patrick Hamilton was burned in 1528. Find out why students refuse to step on them, and what is said to happen to anyone who does before exams.
Read more

St Mary's College Library, incorporating the King James Library - University of St Andrews (pass by)

Step into the quiet quad of St Mary's College, founded in 1538 and still home to the university's divinity school. Its gnarled thorn tree is said to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots, who loved St Andrews. Note: the college is closed to visitors on Sundays.
Read more

Hamish McHamish Statue (pass by)

Hamish the cat was a popular figure around town – so much so that a statue was erected in 2014, after they had raised £5,000. Sadly, that same year Hamish passed away.
Read more

13A Hope St (pass by)

rince William's Old Flat, 13a Hope Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16. Prince William arrived at St Andrews in 2001 and met Catherine Middleton as a student here. Stop outside 13a Hope Street, the Victorian terrace flat they shared in their second year, and hear why he was almost turned down for it, plus how a small town lived with a royal romance.
Read more

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (pass by)

R&A Clubhouse and the Old Course. Reach the home of golf. Stand before the Royal & Ancient clubhouse and look out over the Old Course, where golf has been played for over 600 years. Learn how a seaside links became golf's most famous course, and why on Sundays the course is closed to play and open to walkers.
Read more

West Sands Beach (pass by)

The tour ends at West Sands, two miles of beach made famous by the running scene in Chariots of Fire. Take in the view back over the Old Course and the town, then reflect on the stories you have heard. The tour start point is about 1 km back along the seafront.
Read more
Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110804P74

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.75
4 reviews

Average 3.75 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 11 (1) days in advance.
St. Andrews Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour
5.0 (6)

Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour

A castle, a cathedral, and the oldest university in Scotland - St Andrews is home to iconic stories that have shaped Scotland's past and present,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$185
Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students
5.0 (3)

Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students

Are you or your loved one joining St Andrews University? Or are you considering St Andrews as an option for study? Join a locally-guided private...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$185
Bespoke Private Tours of Scotland and the Borders
5.0 (36)

Bespoke Private Tours of Scotland and the Borders

We take our time to make the very best of your time with us. Little roads and flexible journeys to get you away from the...

4 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (36)
from
$891
The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip
4.7 (3)

The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

++ The Big Whisky Tasting Tour ++ + Four stops from a choice of eight + +Loads of great whiskies to choose from+ +Bespoke pickup+...

7 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (3)
from
$354
Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour

A castle, a cathedral, and the oldest university in Scotland - St Andrews is home to iconic stories that have shaped Scotland's past and present, …More

5.0 (6)

Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour

5.0 (6)

A castle, a cathedral, and the oldest university in Scotland - St Andrews is home to iconic stories that have shaped Scotland's past and present,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$185
Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students

Are you or your loved one joining St Andrews University? Or are you considering St Andrews as an option for study? Join a locally-guided private …More

5.0 (3)

Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students

5.0 (3)

Are you or your loved one joining St Andrews University? Or are you considering St Andrews as an option for study? Join a locally-guided private...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$185
Bespoke Private Tours of Scotland and the Borders

We take our time to make the very best of your time with us. Little roads and flexible journeys to get you away from the …More

5.0 (36)

Bespoke Private Tours of Scotland and the Borders

5.0 (36)

We take our time to make the very best of your time with us. Little roads and flexible journeys to get you away from the...

4 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (36)
from
$891
The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

++ The Big Whisky Tasting Tour ++ + Four stops from a choice of eight + +Loads of great whiskies to choose from+ +Bespoke pickup+ …More

4.7 (3)

The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

4.7 (3)

++ The Big Whisky Tasting Tour ++ + Four stops from a choice of eight + +Loads of great whiskies to choose from+ +Bespoke pickup+...

7 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (3)
from
$354

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.9 (595)

St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - book early to avoid disappointment. Our tour is a must do on a visit to St Andrews. Of course, it's...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (595)
from
$21
St Andrews Old Course History Tour
4.7 (222)

St Andrews Old Course History Tour

These are bucket list award-winning tours with professional local guides. Aimed primarily at those with a more in-depth interest in golf, you will learn about...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (222)
from
$27
St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History
4.9 (166)

St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History

For the golfer and non-golfer, there is something for everyone on these award-winning tours. Your guide will give a passionate all-round insight into how the...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (166)
from
$34
St Andrews: The Ultimate Bike and E Bike Tour - See Much More
5.0 (23)

St Andrews: The Ultimate Bike and E Bike Tour - See Much More

Join Stuart's Bicycle Tours to discover the rich history and natural beauty of St Andrews. Think St Andrews is just about golf? Discover ancient history,...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (23)
from
$67
St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - book early to avoid disappointment. Our tour is a must do on a visit to St Andrews. Of course, it's …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.9 (595)

St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

4.9 (595)

SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - book early to avoid disappointment. Our tour is a must do on a visit to St Andrews. Of course, it's...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (595)
from
$21
St Andrews Old Course History Tour

These are bucket list award-winning tours with professional local guides. Aimed primarily at those with a more in-depth interest in golf, you will learn about …More

4.7 (222)

St Andrews Old Course History Tour

4.7 (222)

These are bucket list award-winning tours with professional local guides. Aimed primarily at those with a more in-depth interest in golf, you will learn about...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (222)
from
$27
St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History

For the golfer and non-golfer, there is something for everyone on these award-winning tours. Your guide will give a passionate all-round insight into how the …More

4.9 (166)

St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History

4.9 (166)

For the golfer and non-golfer, there is something for everyone on these award-winning tours. Your guide will give a passionate all-round insight into how the...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (166)
from
$34
St Andrews: The Ultimate Bike and E Bike Tour - See Much More

Join Stuart's Bicycle Tours to discover the rich history and natural beauty of St Andrews. Think St Andrews is just about golf? Discover ancient history, …More

5.0 (23)

St Andrews: The Ultimate Bike and E Bike Tour - See Much More

5.0 (23)

Join Stuart's Bicycle Tours to discover the rich history and natural beauty of St Andrews. Think St Andrews is just about golf? Discover ancient history,...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (23)
from
$67

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • VoiceMap Application.
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
  • Lifetime access to Rebels, Romance & Raisins tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • Smartphone.
  • Transportation.
  • Food/Drink.
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 6..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for St Andrews Self-Guided Audio Tour: Cathedral, Castle & Old Course will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • VoiceMap Application
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Lifetime access to Rebels, Romance & Raisins tour
  • Smartphone
  • Transportation
  • Food/Drink
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

Activity name