St Andrews West Sands Beach
St Andrews West Sands Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
121 within 5 kms
Attractions
49 within 10 kms
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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
780 reviews
Excellent
557
Very good
188
Average
28
Poor
6
Terrible
1
alibatty🦇
Dundee, UK4,879 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
With almost 2 miles of sandy beach backed by protected dunes there’s plenty room for everyone and their dog. This beach is famous for having served as the opening scene for the film “Chariots Of Fire”, and has regularly won the coveted Blue Flag Award. During the summer months the R.N.L.I. serve as lifeguard patrol. The sands are overlooked by the world famous golf-course, and the views all around are very scenic. The only drawback is it can be pretty breezy with a bracing cool wind straight off the sea.
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob50M
Ayrshire, UK532 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
However many times you go back,the beach is absolutely stunning. Miles of golden sand with the backdrop for the old course. Dog walkers paradise with room to lose yourself.
Written 27 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marvin G
Ogdensburg, NY1,037 contributions
Jul 2022
We crossed a wooden bridge next to the "old course" at St. Andrews over the thick high fescue growing on the dunes to access the wide esplanade beach that served as the backdrop for the movie, Chariots of Fire.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen S
Dundee, UK61 contributions
Jul 2022
Great beaches with a view of the golf course, great for picnics/family days out. You can walk around the golf course if you wish, the views are great.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teddy F
7 contributions
Jun 2022
What’s not too love, this beach stretches on for miles. Great for an early morning stroll. Lots of dog walkers but beach big enough so you can avoid them. Also lots of people in the sea swimming - looks inviting if it wasn’t so cold
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karol C
Manchester, UK14 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Very nice end clean place, highly recommended for chil day some good spots close from there, a lot views from different angles
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JWinkle
Kunming, China120 contributions
May 2022
We wandered over after spending some time on the Old Course and watched the wind send currents of sand just across the face of the beach and into the oncoming waves. The tide was out, exposing a large expanse of beach. The small waves were enticing us to experience an energizing dip in the sea. The temperature took our breath away as we ducked under a set of waves and swam a short distance. The beach was near empty as we made our way out of the water. Bring a towel and a bathing suit and enjoy this invigorating delight. Walk along the beach and feel the wind whip your hair as you hear the rumble of the waves.
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn
United Kingdom50 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Such a beautiful beach, especially on a nice sunny day. We walked our dogs right along and it was just gorgeous. We met loads of other dog walkers and loads of families. Really really nice! Would totally recommend going if you’re in the area.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shruthi
United Kingdom70 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
On a beautiful sunny day, this beach is a lovely spot for s long walk and to catch sun going down. It has ample car park space and a golf club nearby too. We enjoy good hour long walk and made some lovely memories. Must visit beach in east coast of Scotland.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ch00chter
Buchlyvie, UK471 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Super day out on a very warm Mothers Day. Parking was very busy as well as the beach but we went to the Westrn end where it as a good bit quieter. Great to see loads of people out on the sands having a great time
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane R
4 contributions
Can anybody give me any information about the beach buggies available for disabled adults please , i.e do you have to book in advance. Costing. Any good for powered wheelchairs. Thank you
Sand M
Perth, UK701 contributions
I’ve done some more research and the chairs are free rental. call them on 03000 122014 for booking. Best of luck
Cath M
Dundee, UK
Are there toilets nearby which are accessible to the public?
Missuscoops
Bury St. Edmunds, UK38 contributions
Yes there are toilet blocks available close to beach front.
Sammy86
Scotland, UK183 contributions
Hi - can anyone tell me if this beach has rock pools? TIA
EcoBean
Kennington, UK261 contributions
Yes, there is a stretch of rock that is exposed during low tide quite close to the beach wall, which forms rock pools accessible for exploring. Obviously ensure you are aware of high and low tide times, and identify your exit route to avoid the danger of getting trapped by incoming tide.
Hi can I make instant bbq on Beach?
JEHSmith
St. Andrews, UK28 contributions
Many people do, but please stay away from the dunes - there has been a lot of work to try and stabilise them, but it will only work if people let them be, and don’t set fires in amongst them! There is a reasonable number of bins in the busiest car parking areas, for disposal afterwards, but again, use common sense & make sure they are fully extinguished or the bins melt.
How much is the ticket to access the beach for an adult if there is?. Is there free car park zone?.
Sami
Aberdeen, UK87 contributions
Sorry for delay in replying. There is no charge for the beach and car park is free..
Smithinscotland
Perth and Kinross, UK58 contributions
As an occasional visitor to West Beach St Andrews, does anyone know why the beach is currently littered with many opened razor shells and other shells, as debris littering the beach?
I was on the beech on the 19th of October and the area looked like there had been storm damage littering the beech in two distinct bands. (Tidal activity I assume?)
I would like to know how and when it happened?
Thanks in advance, Steve
HoneyBadger1972
Madison, CT62 contributions
My only guess would be that a lot of sea birds take advantage of bivalves dislodged/disturbed during storms. At least that's what I see here on our beach in Madison, CT.
Joanne P
3 contributions
Looking to take dogs to st andrews beach is there parking and is it free or is there a charge
TravellingMacA
46 contributions
Yes there is parking and we saw no machines so it must be free!!!
i think there is a paved to pay car park further into the town we went along and parked nearer the golf course and on the edge of the dunes. Enjoy.
ST ANDREWS WEST SANDS BEACH (St. Andrews) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about St Andrews West Sands Beach
- St Andrews West Sands Beach is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking St Andrews West Sands Beach 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 4 St Andrews West Sands Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near St Andrews West Sands Beach:
- (0.33 km) Fairways of St Andrews
- (0.33 km) Rusacks St. Andrews
- (0.28 km) The Scores Hotel
- (0.37 km) Hotel Du Vin
- (0.46 km) Six Murray Park
- Restaurants near St Andrews West Sands Beach:
- (0.23 km) The Seafood Ristorante
- (0.21 km) Dook Scotland
- (0.32 km) Haar Restaurant
- (0.19 km) The Niblick
- (0.25 km) Hams Hame Pub & Grill