The Swilcan Bridge, St. Andrews: Hours, Address, The Swilcan Bridge Reviews: 4.5/5
The Swilcan Bridge
The Swilcan Bridge
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf. The bridge was originally built over 700 years ago so shepherds could move their flock across the Swilcan Burn which meanders through what is now the 1st and 18th fairways. Today the Swilcan Bridge, with the 'Auld Grey Toun' providing the most beautiful of backdrops, is one of the most iconic settings in golf. So much more than a little stone crossing, the Swilcan Bridge is the history of the game, it's the magic moments, it's felt the footsteps of the true greats.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
121 within 3 miles
The Seafood Ristorante
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0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Healthy
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1,005
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Scottish
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579
0.3 mi$$$$ • Seafood • British • Healthy
Golfer's Corner Lounge Bar at Dunvegan
365
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
The Jigger Inn
468
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Restaurant at The Russell
306
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • European
Ziggy's
698
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • British
Road Hole Restaurant
197
0.2 mi$$$$ • British • Grill • Contemporary
Hams Hame Pub & Grill
402
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Greyfriars Hotel Restaurant
295
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Attractions
37 within 3 miles
Eden Mill
1,025
0.1 miDistilleries • Breweries
St Andrews West Sands Beach
756
0.2 miBeaches
British Golf Museum
364
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
St Andrews Aquarium
581
0.3 miAquariums
University of St Andrews
258
0.5 miEducational sites
St Andrews Museum
41
0.3 miSpeciality Museums
Holy Trinity Church (Town Kirk)
66
0.3 miReligious Sites
Museum of the University of St Andrews
157
0.5 miSpeciality Museums
St Andrews Botanic Garden
367
0.6 miGardens
St Andrews Castle
1,126
0.6 miCastles
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
797 reviews
Excellent
644
Very good
114
Average
33
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Steve
London, UK597 contributions
The Most Famous Bridge In World Golf
Sep 2020
A piece of golfing history, wonderful picturesque views up the 18th and back to the road hole 17th green
Written February 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
x_Boots_x
Sutton, UK268 contributions
I'm just like Jack
Oct 2020
You should be like Jack too.. and Tiger, and Seve, and all the rest of the heroes that have walked that hallowed turf. It's a great feeling to walk over the Swilcan Bridge.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan L
Glasgow, UK43 contributions
Piece of history
Sep 2020 • Couples
If you visit St Andrews and have an interest in golf you just have to have an iconic picture taken on the Swilcan Bridge. All of the great golfers over time have all crossed over the swilcan with many stopping to have a photo taken for ongoing posterity. Where else can you enter such a historic sporting arena and simply wander about taking the customary photographs - course is closed on Sundays and public free to walk on/across the famous links.
While many others will be doing the same just wait your turn and in not too long you are posing on the bridge like others before you. What a wonderful experience - a must for all golfers !
While many others will be doing the same just wait your turn and in not too long you are posing on the bridge like others before you. What a wonderful experience - a must for all golfers !
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaisersmith
Leeds, UK203 contributions
Piece of history.
Sep 2020 • Friends
You can’t come to St Andrews without stepping onto the Swilcan Bridge. To make your experience better go on a Sunday when the Old Course is closed to play but free to stroll around. You literally are walking on a piece of history !
There wasn’t much of a wait for a photo opportunity.
Highly recommended.
There wasn’t much of a wait for a photo opportunity.
Highly recommended.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
richsimpsonhk95
Leeds, UK3 contributions
Picturesque
Aug 2020
What more can you say when visiting the home of golf with the sun setting on a beautiful day. Photos on the bridge on the Sunday was perfect and certainly makes the golf enthusiasts of our family jealous!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
robnh61
Stockport, UK1,358 contributions
Photo opportunity
Jul 2020 • Friends
This little bridge in the 18th fairway is an iconic image of the Old Course. An ideal photo opportunity
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nilindy
Glasgow, UK1,087 contributions
Iconic - like the zebra across Abbey Road
Feb 2020
Perhaps the most iconic view in golf; the old bridge over the Swilken burn with the R&A clubhouse in the background. No sportsman can ask for more. Was a bit like the zebra crossing on Abbey Road with queues of non-golfing tourists waiting for a chance to be “snapped” while crossing the bridge.
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hallmark35
Kings Langley, UK124 contributions
Lives up to the hype
Mar 2020
You have to have your photo on the Swilcan Bridge if you come to St Andrews.
What a view up the 18th and so much history
What a view up the 18th and so much history
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LMarie M
Saint Louis, MO41 contributions
You Are There Do It!
Sep 2019
Just make sure you are not intruding on players from Hole 17, and just run out and get your picture. It is fine with the course staff, so just do it. You may never be back, and you are walking on history!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron B
5 contributions
The most photographed bridge in the world!!!
Apr 2019
BUT That's my opinion. If you like history too bad this bridge couldn't talk. It is said to be over 600 years old, and sets the stage for many great events pictures. I don't know of a person or group of golfers that wouldn't stop to get their picture taken.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danny Fenson
Greater Manchester, UK0 contributions
Can you still walk to the Swilcan bridge and have a photo ? All the replies seem to be from 2016
scotty0604
2 contributions
Do you need to book the walk to go onto the swilken bridge. Are you allowed to just walk onto the course?
ChazBroon 🏴
South Ayrshire, UK733 contributions
As said before, St Andrews is a public course. You can walk out on it just about any time. You just need to respect golfers teeing off. Beautiful place
Traveler22482981284
0 contributions
Hi, Can you tell me how your arranged your tour? We've contacted the Golf Course but haven't heard back/ Just curious if you had a different route or if you know how to contact Douglas.
I'll surely appreciate any light you can shed on getting a tour.
Best regards,
Joyce
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK0 contributions
Hi Joyce.
If you're looking to book a Guided Walk of the Old Course, you can do so via our website (St Andrews Links) under the 'Relax' section.
Best wishes,
St Andrews Links
Altdebbie
Atlanta, GA31 contributions
Is there a dress code to walk on the St. Andrews course? Thanks!
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK0 contributions
Hello,
No, there is no strict dress policy at the Links.
Trudy C
Orange County, CA2 contributions
I will be visiting St.Andrews on Sept 20, 2018 and was hoping to take the super-touristy photo on the Swilcan Bridge. I had planned to take the Guided Tour of the Old Course, but I see that it is not being offered that day. Will I still be able to at least walk out to the bridge for a photo?
Scott C
Dundee, UK2,277 contributions
You can easily walk out to that area. There is normally a group of people trying to get the same snap.
Joma2901
Buenos Aires, Argentina5 contributions
QUe dias podes ir libre si jugar , solo caminar la cancha? se que podes ir por los costados , pero estas dentro de la cancha? y podrias ir despues de la ultima linea a caminarla? gracias
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK0 contributions
The course is closed for play on Sundays meaning non-golfers are free to walk the famous fairways and explore the golf course.
Ashleigh W
7 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the bridge
greggo772
Cricklade, UK11 contributions
I Think St Andrews would frown about a dog on the course . Wouldn't hurt to ring and ask especially as you only needed to go on The Swilken Bridge .
Paul W
Grand Cayman8 contributions
are you able to walk out to the bridge for photo on Monday -Saturday?
StAndrewsLinks
St. Andrews, UK0 contributions
It is possible to get a photo on the Swilcan Bridge. We would however advise you to be extra careful when entering the course. Please be aware of the golfers playing off the 18th tee as, understandably, priority must be given to them. When there is a safe opportunity to enter the course, please do so quickly to ensure you do not interrupt play in any way. Please also be aware you enter the course at your own risk. It must also be noted that this week the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is being played therefore course access is restricted. Thanks.
howery2016
Leslie, MI83 contributions
Are there set tour times on Sunday?
Jane M
Clapham, UK125 contributions
They do a tour of the old course if would want other wise you can as everyone has said just wonder on but only on Sunday's !!
Frequently Asked Questions about The Swilcan Bridge
- The Swilcan Bridge is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Swilcan Bridge tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 The Swilcan Bridge tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Swilcan Bridge:
- (0.11 mi) Rusacks St. Andrews
- (0.19 mi) Fairways of St Andrews
- (0.19 mi) The Dunvegan Hotel
- (0.21 mi) Five Pilmour Place
- (0.20 mi) Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
- Restaurants near The Swilcan Bridge:
- (0.15 mi) The Jigger Inn
- (0.12 mi) St Andrew's Surf & Turf at the MacDonald Rusacks Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Golfer's Corner Lounge Bar at Dunvegan
- (0.19 mi) Road Hole Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Tom Morris Bar & Grill