St Andrews Day Trip from Edinburgh: Fife Coast & Dunfermline Abbey
Take in the sea air on the Fife coast, with time to explore St Andrews and royal history at Dunfermline Abbey
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 50% deposit
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- Time to explore St AndrewsThe main stop of the day: the Old Course, castle and cathedral ruins, university streets or the sea, your choice.
- The Fife coastThe Three Bridges at Queensferry and the curious story of Lady’s Tower above the sea.
- Royal historyDunfermline Abbey, with stories of Scotland’s kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce.
“Thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to St Andrews, Loch Leven and Dunfermline Abbey. … I would highly recommend this company to anyone”
Edinburgh to St Andrews in one day, with the Fife coast and 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. Then head to Dunfermline Abbey for stories of Scotland’s kings, queens and Robert the Bruce.
- Duration1 dayapprox. 7½ hours
- DepartsEdinburgh, 9:00amback approx. 4:35pm
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingActive sightseeingcomfortable walking ~1 hour
- GuideStorytelling expert guidehistory, stories, local tips
The guide is the part people remember
St Andrews may be why you book, but it’s often the guide and the stories you remember most. Our guides are storytellers first: royal stories, local characters, golf history and good recommendations for your free time.
- They help you plan your time. Your guide suggests how to spend your free time in St Andrews, depending on what interests you.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first stop.
- They know the little things. Where to find lunch in St Andrews, and the stories behind the stones at Dunfermline.
“Richie was a great tour guide! … Richie was engaging, funny, and comfortable to be around.”
Your St Andrews tour from Edinburgh: the itinerary
Route map: Edinburgh, the Three Bridges at Queensferry, Lady’s Tower on the Fife coast, St Andrews, Dunfermline Abbey and back to Edinburgh.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
AMThe Forth & the Fife coast
Three Bridges · Lady’s Tower · Sea views
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and follow the coast north.
- Queensferry & the Three Bridges
Views of three generations of Scottish engineering: the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing, and how they transformed travel between Edinburgh and Fife.
- Lady’s Tower
A small historic landmark set above the sea on the Fife coast, where your guide introduces the unusual story of Lady Janet Anstruther.
MiddaySt Andrews
Old Course · University · Castle & cathedral
The main part of the day, in the home of Scotland’s oldest university and one of the world’s most famous golf courses.
- St Andrews
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
PMDunfermline Abbey & back to Edinburgh
Scottish kings · Robert the Bruce
Finish in Dunfermline, once a major centre of medieval Scottish royal life.
- Dunfermline Abbey
Explore the abbey surroundings and hear stories of Scotland’s kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce.
Paid admission associated with Dunfermline Abbey isn’t included
Back at approximately 4:35pm, depending on traffic and conditions
The itinerary is a guide. Attraction opening, traffic, weather, road conditions or other operational circumstances can change the order, timings or individual stops.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want to see St Andrews without organising buses or trains.
- You’d like free time to explore at your own pace, not a fixed list.
- You enjoy coastal scenery and royal history as well as golf.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group for the day.
Think again if
- You want Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and the Highland edge. The Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Kelpies day tour heads west instead.
- You want a full round of golf. This tour gives you time to see the Old Course, not to play it.
- You’re travelling with children under 12. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this St Andrews tour
Google reviews from guests on our St Andrews & Dunfermline day tour.
My colleague and I went for the St Andrews & Dunfermline Abbey tour with Owen and we really enjoyed it!! Owen was great, very knowledgeable, kind, always had a word for everyone, and was funny!!! Everything was well organised and well timed also!
Thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to St Andrews, Loch Leven and Dunfermline Abbey. Our guide Alia (apologies if spelled wrongly!) was delightful and very knowledgeable! I would highly recommend this company to anyone
Richie was a great tour guide! We really enjoyed the St Andrews Town & Castle, Nature Walk & Abbey Tour from Edinburgh.. Richie was engaging, funny, and comfortable to be around.
What's included, and what the day costs
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
Your day at a glance
- Tour
- From £88 per person (youth 12–17 from £78)
- Pay today
- From £44 per person (50% deposit). The balance is taken 8 days before departure.
- Optional extras
- Lunch in St Andrews, and entry to St Andrews Castle, paid cathedral attractions or Dunfermline Abbey, only if you want them.
- Timing
- Check-in 8:45am, departs 9:00am, back approx. 4:35pm.
Which Edinburgh day tour?
Three Edinburgh day tours, each with a storytelling guide.
1 day
Coast, golf and royal history
The Fife coast, free time in St Andrews and Dunfermline Abbey, back by about 4:35pm.
From £88 pp
1 day
Castle, loch and whisky
Stirling Castle, a walk at Loch Lomond, Glengoyne and The Kelpies.
From £92 pp
See the Stirling day tour →1 day
Castles and Outlander
Castles and villages from Claire and Jamie’s story, with their real history along the way.
From £96 pp
See the Outlander day tour →Good to know before you book
- Your time in St Andrews is yours. Your guide suggests ideas, and you choose between the Old Course, castle, cathedral, shops and the shore.
- Attraction tickets are extra. St Andrews Castle, paid cathedral attractions and Dunfermline Abbey admission are paid separately.
- No need to bring lunch. St Andrews has plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants.
- Bring a small bag only. Contact us first if you need to bring larger luggage.
Where to meet your guide in Edinburgh
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 leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The meeting point is outside, and the bar may not be open that early.
- Check-in8:45amplease arrive by then
- Departs9:00amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 4:35pmtraffic can affect this
St Andrews day trip from Edinburgh: your questions
How do I get from Edinburgh to St Andrews on this tour?
Your guide drives you there, so there’s no bus or train to organise. We leave Edinburgh at 9:00am, cross the Firth of Forth at Queensferry, follow the Fife coast to St Andrews and stop at Dunfermline Abbey on the way back, returning at approximately 4:35pm.
What does the tour cost?
From £88 per adult (50% deposit, balance 8 days before departure). Prices vary by date. Attraction tickets and lunch are paid separately.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £78, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your date when you choose your travellers.
Are attraction tickets included?
No. Entry to St Andrews Castle, paid St Andrews Cathedral attractions and paid areas associated with Dunfermline Abbey are separate from the tour price, so you can choose how to spend your time in St Andrews.
How much free time do I get in St Andrews?
St Andrews is the main stop of the day, with time for lunch and independent exploration. Choose between the Old Course, castle, cathedral, university streets, shops, cafés and the shoreline.
Is this tour only for golf fans?
No. Golf is only one part of St Andrews. The town also has medieval history, university heritage, castle and cathedral ruins, beaches, cafés and shops.
When does the tour run?
Most days of the year. The calendar shows live dates and availability.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
How do I secure my place, and what is the cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is taken when you book; the balance is collected automatically 8 days before departure. Cancellations 8 or more days before departure: full refund. 3 to 7 days before: 50% refund. Less than 3 days before, or a no-show: no refund. Full terms & conditions.
Where and when does the tour depart, and when is it back?
Check in at 8:45am outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT, for a 9:00am departure. We’re back at approximately 4:35pm; traffic and road conditions can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel.
How much walking is involved?
This is an active sightseeing day with plenty of time on foot. You should be comfortable walking continuously for about an hour. Contact us before booking if you’d like to discuss an accessibility need.
What should I wear and bring?
Light waterproofs, comfortable sturdy shoes and warm layers in colder weather. Midge repellent is useful from roughly April to September, and sun cream on brighter days.
Can I bring luggage?
Small bags are fine. Contact us first if you need to bring larger luggage.
Should I bring lunch?
No need. You’ll have time to buy lunch in St Andrews, which has plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants.
Is there parking at the departure point?
We don’t recommend relying on city-centre street parking for a full-day tour. Walk, use public transport, take a taxi or arrange secure long-stay parking in advance.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. If you’re travelling with younger children, ask us about a private tour.
Will there be bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are several chances to use facilities during the day, including during the longer stop in St Andrews.
Can the route or attraction access change?
Yes. Attraction opening and safe access come first, so closures, weather, traffic or other circumstances may mean your guide adjusts the order, timings or stops.
Ready for St Andrews?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £44 per person, and we’ll see you at 8:45am.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Looking for another day out from Edinburgh? See all day trips from Edinburgh →
