The Swilcan Bridge
The Swilcan Bridge
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf. The bridge was originally built over 700 years ago so shepherds could move their flock across the Swilcan Burn which meanders through what is now the 1st and 18th fairways. Today the Swilcan Bridge, with the 'Auld Grey Toun' providing the most beautiful of backdrops, is one of the most iconic settings in golf. So much more than a little stone crossing, the Swilcan Bridge is the history of the game, it's the magic moments, it's felt the footsteps of the true greats.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
806 reviews
Excellent
652
Very good
115
Average
33
Poor
2
Terrible
4
mamgoz69
Pliezhausen, Germany315 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
The whole place is filled with magic. And to be able to see the bridge, which I’ve seen in so many magazines and TV channels… it feels unreal… it‘s kind of one step og the golfer pilgrimage
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kalkan White
Kalkan, Türkiye7,201 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This must be one of the most famous small bridges in the world. Situated on the 18th fairway of St Andrew’s old course, this iconic bridge is the essence of golf on this famous course.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
5moreminutes
Ohio57 contributions
Apr 2022
It's awesome to look at and even more awesome to cross at the end of your round when you were in the queue at 3:00AM. Should be a rule that you cant cross unless you are a citizen of the town or are playing the course. It was amzing to see the number of folks that just trotted over from the street to take the glam picture.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colo_Traveler05
Greenwood Village, CO214 contributions
Apr 2022
When you play the Old Course, or on a Sunday when the Old Course is closed, you must stop by to get this classic photo. You'll stand in the same place where Nicklaus, Watson, Palmer, and other famous golfers once stood. Frame it and keep it forever.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anthony O
Los Angeles, CA94 contributions
Nov 2021
The classic spot for a golfer of any skill level to have a picture taken...just remember that it is on an active course so you aren't holding up play when you go to take your photos!
Written 19 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paul19602013
Brighton, UK859 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Having visited the famous bridge at Augusta I was pleased to visit the Swilcan Bridge. Easy access when we were there and able to take photos and walk across the bridge.Lovely views of the 18th and the 17th holes.
Written 6 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Douglas M
Bishopton, UK121 contributions
Aug 2021
I have visited St Andrew’s when they host The Open Championship on several occasions but on this visit had my photograph taken standing on bridge.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PaulrSunderland
Sunderland, UK254 contributions
Aug 2021
I'm not a huge golf fan but it is still worth a visit and is known throughout the world. A great photo opportunity
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marianne C
Burnham, UK937 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
Who can miss taking a pic on this little bridge over the 18th fairway of the Old Course, with the venerable Royal and Ancient golf club right ahead of you.
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen B
Preston, UK812 contributions
Jun 2021
Walked over the bridge without any problems. Didn't realise that it is a municipal course and it is open to the public, quite busy.
Written 1 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DAngie T
2 contributions
Since the Sunday of the British Open is a golfing day, and it will be very busy during the week prior, how does one go about getting a picture if we are there on Tuesday/Wednesday of the practice days? Any advice appreciated.
paul19602013
Brighton, UK859 contributions
We just asked one of the security guards .The secret was to rush on after the golfers had played their tee shot and just walked over the bridge.Hopefully you will be ok as its a practice day.
Danny Fenson
Greater Manchester, UK
Can you still walk to the Swilcan bridge and have a photo ? All the replies seem to be from 2016
scotty0604
2 contributions
Do you need to book the walk to go onto the swilken bridge. Are you allowed to just walk onto the course?
ChazBroon 🏴
South of Scotland, UK824 contributions
As said before, St Andrews is a public course. You can walk out on it just about any time. You just need to respect golfers teeing off. Beautiful place
Hi, Can you tell me how your arranged your tour? We've contacted the Golf Course but haven't heard back/ Just curious if you had a different route or if you know how to contact Douglas.
I'll surely appreciate any light you can shed on getting a tour.
Best regards,
Joyce
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK
Hi Joyce.
If you're looking to book a Guided Walk of the Old Course, you can do so via our website (St Andrews Links) under the 'Relax' section.
Best wishes,
St Andrews Links
Altdebbie
Atlanta, GA33 contributions
Is there a dress code to walk on the St. Andrews course? Thanks!
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK
Hello,
No, there is no strict dress policy at the Links.
Trudy C
Orange County, CA2 contributions
I will be visiting St.Andrews on Sept 20, 2018 and was hoping to take the super-touristy photo on the Swilcan Bridge. I had planned to take the Guided Tour of the Old Course, but I see that it is not being offered that day. Will I still be able to at least walk out to the bridge for a photo?
Scott C
Dundee, UK2,294 contributions
You can easily walk out to that area. There is normally a group of people trying to get the same snap.
Joma2901
Buenos Aires, Argentina5 contributions
QUe dias podes ir libre si jugar , solo caminar la cancha? se que podes ir por los costados , pero estas dentro de la cancha? y podrias ir despues de la ultima linea a caminarla? gracias
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK
The course is closed for play on Sundays meaning non-golfers are free to walk the famous fairways and explore the golf course.
Ashleigh W
7 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the bridge
greggo772
Cricklade, UK11 contributions
I Think St Andrews would frown about a dog on the course . Wouldn't hurt to ring and ask especially as you only needed to go on The Swilken Bridge .
Paul W
Grand Cayman11 contributions
are you able to walk out to the bridge for photo on Monday -Saturday?
Bill Z
Johns Creek, GA77 contributions
As a golfer it is really strange to see people walk out onto the fairway of the golf course and stand on the bride for a photo. But it happens and is perfectly acceptable. Just be careful!
THE SWILCAN BRIDGE (St. Andrews) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Swilcan Bridge
- The Swilcan Bridge is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Swilcan Bridge tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 The Swilcan Bridge tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Swilcan Bridge:
- (0.18 km) Rusacks St. Andrews
- (0.30 km) Fairways of St Andrews
- (0.31 km) The Dunvegan Hotel
- (0.31 km) Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
- (0.34 km) Five Pilmour Place
- Restaurants near The Swilcan Bridge:
- (0.15 km) The Conservatory At The Old Course Hotel
- (0.24 km) The Jigger Inn
- (0.23 km) Dook Scotland
- (0.31 km) Haar Restaurant
- (0.19 km) 18 Restaurant