About
West Sands Beach is located just west of St Andrews’ famous golf courses, stretching over two miles along the beautiful North Sea coastline. The beach gained fame after being featured in the opening sequence of the classic film Chariots of Fire. St Andrews’s heritage is rich, from its medieval streets to its historic cathedral ruins, making it a fascinating place to explore beyond the beach.
Dog Access and Rules
West Sands has dog restrictions on the main beach nearest the town between May 1st and September 30th. This means you still have a lot of beach available, and the dog-friendly parts are less busy as they are away from the town and facilities.
Things To See & Do
The sandy beach stretches for 3 km (2 miles) and is backed by large grass areas and sand dunes. It is perfect for active dogs that love to run and explore. The expansive sandy stretch gives them room to burn off energy, whether chasing a ball or splashing in the waves. Walking along the beach’s 3 km length is excellent, but the sand dunes offer additional terrain to explore.
Access and Facilities
The main car park is at the beach’s entrance, by the town, just off the A91 as you approach St Andrews from the west. You do have a few other parking options along the 3km length. It’s just a short walk across the dunes to reach the beach from any of these.
St Andrews town is just a short walk away, offering a range of dog-friendly cafes and shops. The further away from St Andrews, the less facilities you have access to.





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