Date spot in St Andrews

The harbour and the pier

Walk down past the cathedral to the little harbour, then out along the long stone pier to the end for a view back over the town.

A long stone harbour pier with a paved path along the top, stretching out into calm water under a pale sky

The Shore, below the cathedral

Address: The Shore, St Andrews KY16 9RG
  • Outdoors
  • Free
  • Romantic

Why it's a good date: Short, free and lovely at dusk. On Sundays in term you might see students in red gowns doing their traditional pier walk, and East Sands is just round the corner if you want to keep going.

Photo: habiloid, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)

More from our St Andrews guide

  • A rock garden with rounded conifers, heathers and small pools, backed by tall trees

    St Andrews Botanic Garden

    Canongate, south of the town centre

    Address: Canongate, St Andrews KY16 8RT
    • Outdoors
    • Cheap and cheerful
    • Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
    • Cosy

    Wander eighteen acres of woodland walks, rock gardens, ponds and meadows by the Kinness Burn, a short walk from South Street.

    Why it's a good date: Calm and green, and much quieter than the beach in summer. Bring a flask and find a bench by the water; it's a good one for a slow afternoon.

  • The Byre Theatre

    Abbey Street, town centre

    Address: Abbey Street, St Andrews KY16 9LA

    See a play, a gig, a comedy night or a student production at the town's theatre, run by the University of St Andrews.

    Why it's a good date: Small, friendly and usually good value, with something on most weeks in term. Have dinner on South Street first, which is just round the corner.

  • The New Picture House's white stepped gable and arched entrance on North Street under a blue sky

    The New Picture House

    North Street, town centre

    Address: 117 North Street, St Andrews KY16 9AD
    • Activity
    • Rain-proof โ˜”
    • Mid-price
    • Big night

    See a film in the 1930s cinema on North Street, now reopened with its main screens kept alongside a bar, food and games like duckpin bowling and golf simulators.

    Why it's a good date: A film and a night out under one roof, which suits a wet evening. Book the film ahead, then stay on for a drink or a round of bowling.

From our guide to date ideas in St Andrews

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