My short visit to St Andrews: the cathedral, the castle, and a university straight out of Harry Potter.

I only had a few hours in St Andrews, Scotland. I walked through the cathedral ruins and the castle, and took a look at the campus of Scotland's oldest university.

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral was once the largest church in Scotland and still amazes with its majestic ruins. It sits on the coast with sea views and offers an evocative atmosphere and a fascinating glimpse into the past. Walking among the remaining walls and tombs, it's easy to imagine how grand it must have been in its day.

St Andrews Cathedral was burned during the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. Protestant reformers inspired by the teachings of John Knox played a key role in its destruction. In 1559, when tensions between Catholics and Protestants reached a climax, the cathedral was attacked and largely destroyed. It was never rebuilt and gradually became the picturesque ruin we know today.

Entrance to the cathedral ruins is free.

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle stands on a cliff overlooking the North Sea and once served as the residence of Scottish bishops as well as a fortress. Today only ruins remain, but its history is full of dramatic events — from sieges to a dark prison with a torture chamber. The most fascinating part is the underground tunnel dug during a 16th-century siege.

The underground tunnel at St Andrews Castle is one of the most interesting surviving pieces of medieval siegecraft. It was dug during the 1546 siege, when Protestant rebels held the castle against royal forces. The besiegers tried to break in using mining techniques — digging a tunnel under the walls to collapse them. The defenders discovered this and dug a counter-tunnel, leading to a dramatic encounter underground. Today you can walk through these narrow, low passages and literally immerse yourself in a history full of tension and courage.

There is an admission fee to enter the castle.

University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews is the oldest in Scotland, founded in 1413, and ranks among the most prestigious in Europe. It is known for its academic excellence and its picturesque historic campus, which evokes the settings of the Harry Potter films.

Notable people have studied there, including Prince William and Kate Middleton. A stroll among the university's ancient buildings offers a unique insight into the history of education and the charming atmosphere of this intellectual town.

Where to eat

As I wandered the town, three places stood out to me.Pret a Manger (baguette shop), The Bothy St Andrews and Central Bar.

I had originally wanted to go to Central Bar, but I ended up at The Bothy because Central Bar was full. The food, drinks, and service there were all good.