Visit West Sands Beach in St Andrews

West Sands Beach in St Andrews offers breathtaking views of the North Sea, the surrounding Fife countryside, and the town itself. Known for its natural beauty and as the setting for the famous opening scenes of the movie Chariots of Fire, West Sands Beach is a special place to visit during your stay with us at Elderburn Lodges. Around a 15-minute drive from here, it makes for a great family day out.

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Wooden walkway over protective dunes leading to West Sands Beach

Golden sands and blue waters

The beach stretches for about two miles. Its wide, sandy expanse is perfect for walks, beach games, picnicking or simply relaxing. On clear days, the views across the water are spectacular. It maintains a natural and peaceful atmosphere and is a haven for wildlife, with surrounding sand dunes and coastal grasses. Birdwatchers may spot various species, including waders, gulls and other seabirds. Within walking distance of the town of St Andrews, you can combine your visit with a town walk or visit some of the local attractions.

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A beach signpost at West Sands, St Andrews

Chariots of Fire

Perhaps the most famous cultural reference to West Sands Beach is its appearance in the opening scenes of the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which tells the story of two athletes competing in the 1924 Olympic Games. The scene features the runners sprinting along the beach. It has become an iconic image in cinema. The music from the film, composed by Vangelis, is still associated with the beach to this day.

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Things to do at West Sands Beach

West Sands Beach is a popular destination for various outdoor activities. Its wide, flat sand makes it ideal for running, while the surrounding area offers opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. During the summer months, the beach attracts both locals and tourists, looking to relax and play on the sands. You can also enjoy a long walk across the beach and then through Eden Estuary nature reserve to the famous Old Course and St Andrews town.

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St Andrews self-catering breaks

If you’re planning a holiday in Scotland, we provide the perfect luxury self-catering accommodation close to St Andrews. From here you can access an array of Fife walks and other fantastic things to do. Explore our accommodation here or call us on 07840 801114.

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Testimonials

We stayed in lodge 4 which was by far the best holiday accommodation we have ever stayed in, immaculate, spacious, so well equipped. The books, DVDs and board games were an extra touch and came in handy for some family time after exploring during the day. The surrounding area is beautiful and so many things to see and do nearby. West Sands beach is clean and beautiful and Bishop’s Wood and Craigtoun Country Park about a mile away are both worth a look. There are so many things we didn’t get chance to explore so I think we will be back. I think we will struggle to find any other accomodation as nice as this. Many thanks to Anne and the team.

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Things to Do

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Chat with Anne, at Elderburn Lodges