Hometown Guide: St Andrews, Scotland

Less than 2 hours from Edinburgh, on the east coast of Scotland, you’ll find the pretty seaside town of St Andrews. Known around the world as the Home of Golf, St Andrews is filled with history and culture. Its medieval streets are lined with independent cafes and shops, perfect for dipping in and out of as you make your way towards West Sands Beach and St Andrew’s Castle.

Whether you’re looking for good views or good coffee, our St Andrews shop team have shared their favourite spots and places to visit next time you’re in town.

Forgan’s, just down the road from our Seasalt shop, is housed in a former cleek (a type of golf club) factory. Step inside through the green wooden gates and be welcomed into a large space with plenty of ambience and atmosphere. They have an amazing menu, and they love to promote Scottish produce and specialities.  

Forgan’s – St Andrews (@forgans) • Instagram photos and videos  

For the cheese lovers, make sure to stop by I. J. Mellis cheesemongers. A delicious wonderland filled with quality farmhouse and artisan cheese where each batch is made with milk sourced from a single herd. 

Mellis Cheese (@mellischeeseltd) • Instagram photos and videos  

In the evening, we love a good trip to BrewDog for some weird and wonderful beers. Their burgers are delicious (the Cluck Norris burger is a big win!) with vegan and vegetarian options available as well.  

Brewdog St Andrews (@brewdogstandrews) • Instagram photos and videos  

If you are looking for a Scottish souvenir while you’re here, our very own distillery, Eden Mill, has some delicious locally made whiskeys and gins. 

Eden Mill (@edenmill) • Instagram photos and videos  

The Isle of Sky Candle Company is another family-run business that we love heading to for a browse. Inspired by their beautiful surroundings on Scotland’s dramatic west coast, they produce natural home fragrance candles, diffusers and more. 

 Isle of Skye Candle Co. (@skyecandles) • Instagram photos and videos 

For a lovely cuppa and a cake, we love The Cottage Kitchen. They make locally sourced, freshly crafted food, including some of our favourite cakes in town. Their beautiful courtyard is perfect for sitting outside on sunny days and it’s dog friendly. 

The Cottage Kitchen (@cottagekitchenstandrews) • Instagram photos and videos  

Luvians Café, on Market Street, serves delicious award-winning ice creams that are homemade in their Cupar shop only half an hour away. They have over 20 flavours to choose from, plus you can get your ice cream dipped in chocolate if you wish! 

Luvians (@luviansbottleshop) • Instagram photos and videos 

Fisher & Donaldson have been baking for over 100 years and are now a Royal Warrant-holding fifth-generation family bakery.  They specialise in traditional handmade goods and their world-famous fudge doughnuts might be the best thing you try in St Andrews.  

Fisher & Donaldson (@fisheranddonaldson) • Instagram photos and videos  

For the best views in St Andrews, we recommend heading to the castle. Dating back to the 13th century, the ruins of St Andrews Castle sit right on the beach front with beautiful views across to West Sands Beach and St Andrews Bay.  

You could also head to the cathedral or our wee harbour, dotted with colourful houses and bobbing sailboats.  

Another top recommendation is to follow The Big Bag Trail. The trail weaves through the streets of St Andrews, created to celebrate the 150th Open returning to Fife this year (2022). Unique golf bag sculptures are dotted along the route, all designed by local school children. There are 18 to discover, a great way to have fun and explore the city at the same time.