Things to see and do Saint-Andrews

The remains of this noble cathedral bear witness to a much larger building, which was the epicentre of Catholic Scotland in the Middle Ages. Abandoned after the Reformation, it fell into disrepair and ruin, so that many of its stones were reused for other buildings. It was not until 1826 that some attention was paid to its preservation and attempts were made to perpetuate it. The St Rule's Tower at its heart is older than it is and was part of the early 12th century church that preceded it.

The Museum of the famous Scottish University is dedicated to the prestigious institution and its powerful heritage. There are three areas to visit: Wardlaw Museum (exhibition on the history of the university), Bell Pettigrew (natural sciences) and the Collection Centre where many valuable objects accumulated over the centuries are on display, such as 15th century ceremonial sceptres, a 16th century astrolabe, an 18th century telescope and many others.

This Victorian manor house in the middle of Kinburn Park is home to the local St Andrews City Museum, which tells the story of its history and heritage over time. Its religious and academic development is recounted here, alongside its world-renowned sporting excellence in golf. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly in the Kinburn Gallery. There are also lectures, concerts and workshops for children. The museum has its own café, a very pleasant place where you can eat at good value for money.

Overlooking the cliffs and the sea, the castle of St Andrews was first built in the 12th century and for a long time hosted the city's bishops. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The version we see today is the work of Bishop Walter Trail (1400). Parts of it were used as a prison. He also saw monarchs pass through, since James I received part of his education there. James III may even have been born there. The Reformation overcame his religious function, and then quickly overcame his condition once he was abandoned.

Some would have been offended if St Andrews had not had a museum dedicated to its star sport. It reopened in 2015, at the 144th Open, after some work. More than 500 years of history are told and there is the largest collection of objects related to the discipline in Europe. Clubs, balls, trophies, medals, decorative arts, films, photographs and archives follow one another to reveal all the secrets of golf, to the layman and the unconditional. There is also a brand new café on site.

The St Andrews Botanic Garden is considered to be the living treasure of this small city with an immense heritage. More than 8,000 varieties of plants and flowers of all kinds live there. Some are native to Scotland, but the majority come from the rest of the world. Each season offers a different approach. Explanatory panels, ideas for walks through the flowers and a visit to the botanical greenhouses enhance the visit. Between April and September, you can discover the Butterfly House (extra charge for admission) or the Tropical Butterfly Experience.