Old Course and Swilcan Bridge St Andrews
The historic Swilcan Bridge on St Andrews' Old Course, a legendary landmark for golfers and visitors alike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Course closed, public access
Old Course and Swilcan Bridge St Andrews
Best Time
Course closed, public access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The historic Swilcan Bridge on St Andrews' Old Course, a legendary landmark for golfers and visitors alike.
"It’s a pilgrimage, even for people like me who don’t play much anymore."
⏳ Wait for golfers
Be patient and wait for players to finish the hole before crossing the bridge for photos.
🚶♂️ Walk the course on Sundays
Enjoy public access to the Old Course and bridge when it's closed to play on Sundays.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 159 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swilcan Bridge
Old Course, St Andrews
The iconic, historic stone bridge over the Swilcan Burn, a must-see for golfers and visitors alike.
18th Hole Approach
Old Course, St Andrews
Experience the dramatic final hole of the Old Course, with the Swilcan Bridge as a picturesque prelude.
Panoramic Views
Old Course, St Andrews
Enjoy stunning views of the historic golf course, surrounding grand buildings, and distant hills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Old Course
Respecting the Course and Players
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Wait for golfers
Be patient and wait for players to finish the hole before crossing the bridge for photos.
🚶♂️ Walk the course on Sundays
Enjoy public access to the Old Course and bridge when it's closed to play on Sundays.
📸 Be quick with photos
Avoid hogging the bridge; take your snaps efficiently to let others enjoy it too.
⛳ Respect the game
Remember it's an active golf course; be mindful of players and the game.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Wait for golfers
Be patient and wait for players to finish the hole before crossing the bridge for photos.
🚶♂️ Walk the course on Sundays
Enjoy public access to the Old Course and bridge when it's closed to play on Sundays.
📸 Be quick with photos
Avoid hogging the bridge; take your snaps efficiently to let others enjoy it too.
⛳ Respect the game
Remember it's an active golf course; be mindful of players and the game.
⚠️ Watch for golf balls
Be aware of your surroundings as you are within a golf field.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise the Swilcan Bridge and Old Course for their iconic status and public accessibility, calling it a 'pilgrimage' for golf fans. The historic charm and beautiful surroundings are frequently highlighted. However, some note potential rudeness from golfers and the need for patience during busy playing times.
"How could anyone not give this bridge five stars? One of the most famous places in golf, you can go right up to it. On Sundays you can even walk the course since it’s closed. Very few other places have such magnificent public access to one of the great golf courses of the world. It’s a pilgrimage, even for people like me who don’t play much anymore."
David Stejkowski
"A small but globally famous stone bridge situated on the world's oldest golf course.
The bridge is only 30 feet long and its original purpose is debated, but whatever the reason for its construction, it continues to provide a crossing over the Swilcan Burn, and is much loved by golfers from around the world.
The grand buildings surrounding the course and the distant hills on the horizon provide great backdrops to this photogenic landmark. Whether or not you're a fan of golf, the bridge is worth a look as an icon of St Andrews, which is accessible to the public when the game isn't being played."
Andrew Thomas
"I'm not a golfer or even remotely keen on golf, but our guest was. The course is lovely, right next to the beach and within stroke-distance (see what I did there? 😉) of the Golf Museum, Aquarium, Monument, Marker Street, beach, tidal pools, etc. The bridge is easily accessed, but be sure to WAIT for the players to complete their time on that hole, and cross the bridge BEFORE taking your snaps. And please ... don't be an InstaTwat and hog all the time posing.
Even as a non-enthusiast, I was happy to have seen it."
Karen E.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Swilcan Bridge is located on the Old Course at St Andrews. You can walk to it from the town center, which is a short distance. Parking is available in St Andrews, but can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
Yes, there are several car parks in St Andrews. The nearest ones to the Old Course are often busy. Look for public car parks like the one at the University or on the outskirts of town and enjoy a short walk.
No, you cannot drive directly to the Swilcan Bridge. It is situated within the Old Course, a public golf course. Access is on foot only.
St Andrews is accessible by car, with major routes leading to the town. The nearest major airport is Edinburgh (EDI), about an hour's drive away. Regular bus services also connect St Andrews to Edinburgh and other nearby cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Swilcan Bridge is part of the Old Course, which is a public golf course. There is no admission fee to walk around the course when it is not in use for play.
The Old Course is generally accessible to the public when not being used for golf. It is typically closed for play on Sundays, offering excellent access. Hours can vary due to tournaments or maintenance.
You can walk on the Old Course when it's not being played. Sundays are the best day for unrestricted public access. During playing hours, you must wait for golfers to pass and be respectful of the game.
There is no fee to cross the Swilcan Bridge. It is a public landmark on a public golf course.
The main restriction is respecting active play on the course. Avoid disrupting golfers and be mindful of your surroundings. On Sundays, access is generally unrestricted.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. Sundays, when the course is closed to play, offer the best opportunity for unobstructed shots without worrying about disrupting golfers.
Capture the bridge from both sides of the Swilcan Burn. Including the grand buildings of the R&A clubhouse and the surrounding fairways in your shot adds context and scale.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around golf courses and historic sites. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in St Andrews.
Its historic charm, picturesque setting on the world-famous Old Course, and the backdrop of the Scottish coastline and grand architecture make it incredibly photogenic.
Be quick with your photos to allow others access. Avoid posing for extended periods, especially when golfers are present.
🎫 ⛳ Golf Experience
Playing the Old Course requires booking well in advance, often through a ballot system, or by securing a tee time with a local caddie. It's one of the most sought-after golfing experiences in the world.
The Swilcan Bridge is a historic landmark on the Old Course, often considered the 'home of golf.' It's a symbolic crossing point for golfers, representing tradition and the culmination of a round.
The Swilcan Bridge is a relatively small stone bridge, approximately 30 feet long, crossing the Swilcan Burn.
The Swilcan Burn is a small stream that runs across the Old Course. The Swilcan Bridge is built over this burn.
Many legendary golfers have crossed the Swilcan Bridge, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and countless Open Championship winners. It's a place steeped in golfing history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit