West Sands Beach — Attraction in Scotland

I've reliably visited here for more than 20 years now. My wife's granny swam here into her 80's- a feat few will match. Its an amazing place that leaves an impression on anyone who comes here. Stunning expanse of sand facing into the North Sea. Hemmed in by Leuchars, Tentsmuir and of course St Andrews. Dunes fenced off to allow them to regenerate. A thousand cars could park on the grassed parking area-so plenty of room. Loos provided. There's nothing here to protect you between the sea and the sky- both its strength and its weakness. The wind is harsh here. Expect wind surfers and even horses etc. To build sandcastles etc. some sort of windbreak or tent is needed for little ones. Neither my wife nor I tire of coming here. Its the ultimate fresh air walk. She insists on holding my hand here- and I like it that way. Tired of looking at floppy haired people fawning around in University gowns (for no discernable reason)-or ancient Yanks in Rupert the Bear trousers? Skip them all. Walk here, feel the peace- and a little serenity- among the scampering dogs and kite flyers. Drink in the clearest air in Scotland. 20 degrees too cold to be a rival to Surfers Paradise....but its a beauty spot all of its...

Would have got the fifth star if it was a bit warmer but the Easterly breeze off the North Sea kept the temperature down. If you like long flat beaches, epic views of the famous St Andrews skyline, and get up close to the Old Course, R&A HQ, R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews University and the Swilken Bridge, the West Sands can offer total escape to relax in the vastness of miles of sand and lapping shallow water for a paddle. My family launched their paddle boards into the sea and had great fun. St Andrews is a contrast of history, hotels, restaurants, university and sport but don’t do all that and miss the West Sands wander. A few hours in the this colossus of colour, dander north towards the Tay estuary where golf courses blend to forest, sky and sea merge in panoramic beauty, maybe seals will join you in the shallows the turn back towards St Andrews and absorb the skyline where steeples and towers fight for supremacy above the old...

Beautiful white sandy beach, plenty room for everyone, which is good because its busy most of the time, plenty parking as well and most importantly free toilets , good location for taking along walk on the bench or doing both beach then st Andrews shops and bars, Normally we do both abit of walking on the beach then a nice wee restaurant for lunch in st Andrews, St Andrews has loads to choose from even if you just want a quick snack, It also has alot of shops to do some window shopping before heading back to the beach to chill, West Sands beach can be very windy but you can find some sand dunes for...