Pet Friendly Accommodation

Where to walk your dog in St Andrews

St Andrews is a beautiful town with plenty of lovely spots to walk your dog. Here are some great places where you and your pup can enjoy a stroll:

West Sands Beach

This is one of the most popular spots in St Andrews. It’s a vast, open sandy beach that’s perfect for dogs to run around and enjoy the sea. Dogs are allowed on the beach, and it’s a great place for long walks, especially at low tide when there’s more space. Just be mindful of the tide times, as the water can come in quickly.

The Lade Braes Walk

This scenic trail follows the Lade Braes, a stream that runs through St Andrews. It’s a peaceful walk through woodlands and meadows, offering a more tranquil setting away from the beach. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, and many locals take their dogs here.

St Andrews Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is a lovely spot for a dog walk, especially if your dog enjoys a more controlled environment. While dogs aren’t allowed in the main garden areas, there are walking paths around the periphery of the garden that provide a pleasant experience. You’ll pass some gorgeous flora and peaceful settings.

The Kinnesburn Path

For those looking for a more natural environment, the Kinnesburn Path is a lovely walk along the Kinnesburn stream. It’s a relatively short walk through a wooded area, and dogs tend to enjoy it due to the variety of sights, smells, and the sound of running water.

St Andrews Common

This is a large, open area of grassland and part of a park that’s perfect for dogs who enjoy some space to run. It’s a less busy option than the beach, but still provides a lot of freedom for your dog to roam around.

The Fife Coastal Path

If you want a longer adventure with your dog, the Fife Coastal Path stretches all the way from Kincardine to Tayport, and parts of it go through St Andrews. The coastal path offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding countryside. It’s ideal for dogs who enjoy longer walks and exploring new places.

Hollow Park

Located slightly to the north of St Andrews, Hollow Park is a smaller, less busy park that offers good walking paths and open spaces for dogs. It’s a quieter option if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

When walking your dog in St Andrews, always be mindful of local guidelines—especially regarding leash laws, cleanliness, and other dogs. But overall, the town and surrounding area are very dog-friendly, so you should have plenty of opportunities to enjoy walks together!

Which restaurants can you take your dog into?

Brewdog

BrewDog St Andrews is one of the popular locations of the well-known craft beer brand, and it’s definitely a dog-friendly spot! Located in the heart of St Andrews, BrewDog offers a great environment for both beer lovers and their furry companions.

The saint

The Saint in St Andrews is a dog-friendly venue that offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for both you and your pup. With indoor and outdoor seating areas where dogs are welcome, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy food and drinks after a walk around the town. The staff are friendly and accommodating, often providing water bowls and sometimes dog treats.

Mitchells Deli

Mitchell’s Deli is a popular destination in St Andrews for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or afternoon treat. Offering a dog-friendly seating area, it’s the ideal spot for you, your family, and your furry friend to enjoy homemade dishes, artisanal sandwiches, and freshly baked goodies.

Cafe In The Square

The Café in the Square in St Andrews is a charming, dog-friendly café that offers a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Located in the heart of the town, it has a lovely outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome to join their owners while they enjoy a variety of delicious homemade dishes, freshly brewed coffee, and tempting cakes. The friendly staff are always happy to accommodate pets, offering water bowls for your dog to stay refreshed. With its relaxed vibe and central location, The Café in the Square is a perfect stop for dog owners looking to enjoy a meal or drink with their furry companion.

The inn at Kingsbarns: The Inn at Kingsbarns, located in the charming village of Kingsbarns just a short drive from St Andrews, is a delightful, dog-friendly pub that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both you and your furry companion. With a cozy, relaxed setting, dogs are welcome in the bar area and outdoor seating, where they can join you while you enjoy hearty Scottish dishes, local ales, and a great selection of drinks. 

The Bank

The Bank in Anstruther is a cozy, dog-friendly pub that offers a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Located in the heart of the picturesque fishing village, dogs are welcome in the bar area and on the outdoor terrace, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or a meal with your furry friend by your side.

The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn in Elie is a popular, dog-friendly pub offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with stunning views of the Firth of Forth. Dogs are welcome both in the bar area and on the outdoor terrace, where you can relax with your pup while enjoying a drink or a delicious meal.

Best things to do in St Andrews with your dog

St Andrews, often referred to as the “Home of Golf,” offers a mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, scenic beauty, and world-class golf. Whether you’re a golfer, a history enthusiast, or just visiting for the charm of the town, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in St Andrews:

  • Swilcan Bridge: 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.
  • St Andrews Links: Recognised the world over as the Home of Golf, St Andrews Links has borne witness to over 600 years of golfing history. The Links encompasses a collection of seven courses, including the legendary Old Course, which has shaped the history and traditions of golf for centuries. It is a dream destination for golfers from around the world.
  • Craigtoun Country Park: Craigtoun Park is a 47 acre park only 2 miles from St Andrews. The park itself is open 24/7 and it’s a great day out for the whole family. During the season try the Rio Grande Railway, Crazy Golf, Putting and Puffin’ Billy – the road train that takes you round the whole park. There are rowing boats and pedalos, bouncy castles and pedal cars for the little ones and go-karts for the not-so-little ones.
  • West Sands Beach: Famous for its appearance in the film Chariots of Fire, this expansive beach is perfect for a walk, a run, or simply enjoying the fresh sea air. There are some great food options, including The Dook cafe. Head to Blownaway for paddle boarding, kite surfing, land yachting and other activities. 
  • St Andrews Cathedral: Once Scotland’s largest cathedral, its dramatic ruins are a reminder of its former grandeur and its importance in medieval religious life.
  • St Andrews Castle: Perched on cliffs is the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St Andrews, dating in part from the 13th century. On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the city’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews and the focal point of the church in medieval Scotland
  • St Andrews Aquarium: Step through our doors and be transported into an underwater world of adventure and discovery. Come face to face with some of the most beautiful, fascinating and dangerous creatures of the watery worlds. From British sharks to spiders, lobsters to lionfish, poison dart frogs to piranhas, loveable seals… and not to forget our fabulous meerkats
  • St Andrews Botanic Garden: St Andrews Botanic Garden is a living research and conservation experiment where the team explore the ways ecology and evolution unfold in the plant kingdom – right at the heart of historic St Andrews. They”re home to some of the most dynamic plants and habitats, from both Fife and around the world.
  • University of St Andrews: Founded in 1413, it’s Scotland’s oldest university. Visit sites like St Salvator’s Quad, the King’s College Chapel, and the university’s Museum to learn about its history and famous alumni.
  • Cambo Gardens: Walled Garden and more near Kingsbarns in Fife. Reinstated Georgian Stables housing Visitor Centre, cafe, crafts and unique plants for sale. Learning hub for events and activities. Woodland walks to the award winning beach. Nature play area for little ones. Dog friendly everywhere. Creative vegetarian cooking in the cafe.
  • Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre: The whisky distillery sits in a charming 18th century converted farm steading and features whisky distillery tours, tastings, a shop and cafe with an outdoor seating area. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week 10am – 5pm, with tours running daily.
 

Dog friendly accommodation in St Andrews

We love our dogs as much as you do, and we want your pets to be just as at home in our accommodation as you. See our selection of dog-friendly accommodation in St Andrews.