Cold-water coast

West Sands

St Andrews, Scotland · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Local gem⚑ Blue FlagEurope

The vast flat strand beside St Andrews' Old Course, immortalised by the running scene in Chariots of Fire.

The sea at West Sands (St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom) is typically around 15°C in the warm season; the best months to visit are Jun-Aug. It holds Blue Flag status for bathing-water quality and safety.

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Sea temperature: ~15°C in the warm season
Water: Cold, gentle North Sea blue
Sand: Vast flat golden sand
Swimming: Shallow, calm and very cold
Best time to visit: Jun-Aug
Setting: A two-mile strand beside the Old Course, famous from Chariots of Fire
Beach type: Cold-water coast
Blue Flag: Yes
Region: Europe