St Andrews is renowned for being the home of golf, but there's a lot more to the area than that. From the impressive university to the stunning West Sands Beach, there's so much to see in and around this town. And if you're looking for something a little different? You can find that too.
We've rounded up all the very best activities and quirky things to do, from ghost tours to treasure hunts or foodie experiences. So when boredom strikes, check out the most unusual St Andrews activities.
Unusual Activities In St Andrews
1. The Great Game Treasure Hunts
- Address: St Andrews Town Centre, Holy Trinity Church, South Street, KY16 9NL
- Price: From £15 per person
If you're looking for an unusual way to explore the town, The Great Game Treasure Hunts is one of the best St Andrews activities for families and friends alike. You'll work in teams of up to four people, with the option to compete against other groups if there are more of you wanting to play.
Their interactive treasure hunt takes you all over the area, exploring its rich history and hidden gems. Pick your own adventure zone, before getting stuck into quizzes, challenges and puzzles. And the best part? You'll finish up at a pub, where they even offer partners discounts, depending on the location.
Quirky challenges and puzzles make The Great Game Treasure Hunts one of the most unusual things to do in St Andrews.
2. Scotland's Secret Bunker
- Address: Scotland's Secret Bunker, St Andrews KY16 8QH
- Price: £17.95 per person
Hidden inside an inconspicuous farmhouse, Scotland's Secret Bunker is an underground nuclear command centre on the outskirts of St Andrews. This was built by the RAF in the early 1950s, as a response to the threat of nuclear war with the USSR. It spans a whopping 24,000 square feet, containing dormitories, a broadcasting studio, plotting rooms and more.
You can book tickets for £17.95 per person, or £12.95 for kids, with various group deals available. This gives you the chance to explore the fascinating site, and they've got audio tours available in five languages to help you learn more. The original canteen is still in operation as a cafe, maintaining many of its original features. Luckily the food on offer isn't wartime-themed, as you can tuck into everything from freshly made sandwiches or paninis to cakes and coffee.
Learn more about the unusual history of St Andrews at Scotland's Secret Bunker.
3. Dunino Den
- Address: St Andrews, KY16 8LU
- Price: Free
if you're on the hunt for free quirky activities in St Andrews, Dunino Den has to be on your list. It's slightly outside the town centre, but well worth a visit, as this unusual strip of land has a lot of history to it. Found within a natural woodland, this place is said to have a supernatural atmosphere to it, tied to Scottish folklore.
Researchers have connected the area to a Neolithic stone circle, which suggests that this has been significant since the Pictish era in the early middle ages. Enter via an eerie, winding staircase, to discover cryptic symbols, religious carvings and pagan offerings.
Home to all sorts of spooky tales, visiting Dunino Den is an unusual and spooky activity.
4. Eat Walk St Andrews Food Tour
- Address: Various locations
- Price: £93 per person
Having offered premium food tours of St Andrews since 2011, as well as other regions of Scotland, you can trust Eat Walk to give you a real taste of the area. You'll set off on a culinary journey around charming and historic streets, while your knowledgeable guide shares their wisdom about the Kingdom of Fife’s food heritage.
Visit a selection of top-notch pubs and restaurants, from hidden cafes to venues offering stunning sea views. You can sample all sorts of local delights, including Arbroath Smokie and The Tayberry. There's a focus on sustainability and low food miles on this trip, supporting small businesses.
Sample the town's finest delights on an Eat Walk Tour.
5. St Andrews Tours
- Address: Various locations
- Price: From £15 per person
After quirky St Andrews activities for couples or groups of friends? Then check out St Andrews Tours, where you can learn more about this beautiful place in an unusual way. Their tours are themed around everything from the history of golf to paranormal activity, which is unusually high in this region.
Secure tickets from as little as £15 per person, or £13 for children 15 and under. These run from March to November, on a weekly basis, promising guides who are experts on their subject.
Promising ghosts, golf and more, these walking tours are a great choice of quirky activities in St Andrews for kids and adults alike.
6. The R&A World Golf Museum
- Address: First Floor, Bruce Embankment, KY16 9AB
- Price: from £16 per person
It wouldn't be a guide to St Andrews without mentioning golf, one of the most popular pastimes in the region. The R&A World Golf Museum showcases the very best of the sport and its history, from all over the world, featuring expertly crafted exhibits and interactive displays.
They tell the story of golf's evolution over the years, from the medieval origins of the game right through to today. Tour the incredible collection, before having a go at putting a ball of your own on their green. Tickets start from £16 when booked online, and there are concessions available for students and over 65s.
The R&A World Golf Museum is a haven for golf-lovers in St Andrews.
7. Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
- Address: Kingsbarns, KY16 8QE
- Price: From £21 per person
Located within a restored 18th-century farm steading, Kingsbarns Distillery is a family-owned business that has won over 200 awards for their brands' spirits. There are multiple activities on offer here, from guided tours to tastings, masterclasses and behind-the-scenes insights into how their drinks are made.
Choose between whisky or gin experiences, starting from £21 per person, complete with expert guides and the opportunity to sample some of their finest blends. Whether you fancy distilling your own bottle to take home, or you'd prefer a tasting with complimentary snacks, there's something for everyone here.
From gin tastings to whisky tours, Kingsbarns Distillery is home to lots of fun activities in St Andrews.
Looking further afield? Check out the quirkiest activities in Edinburgh.
