My family will be visiting St. Andrews July 7 and 8. While the "boys" play around with a tour of the Old Course I would like to schedule an afternoon walking tour for my parents of the town and university. Does anyone know of an individual or group in St. Andrews that conducts private tours? We will be traveling to St. Andrews in our own van so will not need a tour that includes transportation. I have read that university students conduct historical walking tours in the summer but cannot find any information that substantiates this or provides contact information. I would appreciate any help that can be given. Thanks!
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1446 posts
Look up St. Andrews Scotland under Wikitravel and they have a pretty good list of must sees...evidently St Andrews is small enough to just walk about.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Yes, St. Andrews is very much small enough to just walk about. I don't know about guided walking tours, but if you don't find any, just take the Steves' England or Great Britain guide and hoof it on your own.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1265 posts
Emily - It's been a few years since I was in St Andrews, but I thought the University offered a tour of some kind. You may want to check out this link. I hope it helps. ROLL TIDE.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
You might also try emailing the tourist office for St. Andrews. standrews@visitscotland.com I've had luck with these offices in other towns. The website seems devoted to golf, which is what I remember of the city. :) If you don't find a tour, I would suggest that you do the Castle, and then walk over to the Cathedral ruins. I spent a nice touring these sites. The Castle has a very cool mine under the walls which I really like exploring. I think it's amazing that there is so little info on walking tours. Good luck and let us know if you figure out who does this. And tell them that they need to work on their web presence! :) Pam
Posted by
OP
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
10 posts
Thanks for all of your help. I will definitely try all of the suggestions and get back with what I find out. Wonder why we are going to Scotland during peak season? I bet one of you can figure it out..... Got to be back in T-town to support the Tide in the fall!
Posted by
OP
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
10 posts
The information you all shared with me has led me to a guide that will provide a tour for my family. In case anyone else is interested in finding a private walking tour of historical St. Andrews and the university you may contact Ken at ken@standrewsguide.con. I am one week away from the tour and will let you know how it went when I return home from Scotland.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Have a great trip. And you're going in peak season because the light is so wonderful and the days so long that you have more time to enjoy Scotland!
Posted by
Berkeley, CA, USA
39 posts
I have been to St Andrews several times (since my son is a post-graduate there). You don't need a walking guide or tour. Take Rick's Scotland book with you and you will be guided to most of the important and interesting sites. It is a fun place to walk into shops and pubs as well as going to the obvious historical sites. Graduation week will be over so it will be a bit less hectic.