This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in St. Andrews.
St. Andrews is a beautifully little quaint town in Northeast Scotland. It's located about one and a half hours from Edinburgh. There aren't many St. Andrews hostels, but the ones that are seem to always have availability. There are many B&B's and hotels in town as well.
The summertime would be the best time of the year to visit because it is very very cold the other seven months of the year. The wind is usually howling, but that is usual for a beach town. You'll find many college students walking around but also quite a few locals. The kids play on the beach year round. St Andrews University is a beautiful, historic sight and is the place where Prince William and Kate met. There is a lot of wildlife and marine life to be seen along the piers.
The most obvious, famous attraction is the golf course which is on the edge of town. It's a beautiful sight, and if you're not the best golfer there is still a "woman's course" to play on.
If you prefer to sit by a warm fire with a beer and watch the golf, there is a cute little pub called the Jigger Inn, which is next to the Old Course Hotel. There are many pubs along the three main streets in town which all have a unique feel and great atmosphere. Most of them play live music on the weekends and a few throughout the week. St. Andrews Castle is a beautiful sight which sits right on top of the cliff over looking the water. The historic cemetery is also a historic sight with some unique ruins. You'll always see photographers taking pictures when you stroll though it.
The locals are very friendly and always willing to help. It's easy to get from your hostel in St. Andrews to wherever you want to go. The whole town can be walked on foot but there is also a bus that you can take. The closest train station is Leuchers, so you would have to catch the 99 bus from Leuchers to St Andrews central station. The train from Edinburgh to Leuchers takes just over an hour.