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St. Andrews
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The Swilcan Bridge
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The Swilcan Bridge

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The Swilcan Bridge
4.5
805
#4 of 59 things to do in St. Andrews
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
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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
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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
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Restaurants
121 within 3 miles
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49 within 6 miles
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69
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
805 reviews
Excellent
651
Very good
115
Average
33
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Alan L
Glasgow, UK44 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 !
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nilindy
Glasgow, UK1,133 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
5moreminutes
Ohio57 contributions
Pilgrimage Complete
Apr 2022
It's awesome to look at and even more awesome to cross at the end of your round when you were in the queue at 3:00AM. Should be a rule that you cant cross unless you are a citizen of the town or are playing the course. It was amzing to see the number of folks that just trotted over from the street to take the glam picture.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ellen_t33
Louisville, KY15 contributions
Cool photo location, but mind the golfers!
Feb 2020
Swilcan Bridge does make for a good photo. It's just as beautiful as you'd imagine and quite easy to locate. Heads up though (literally) as golfers will be in action all around you and be sure to keep an eye out for anyone playing that hole. It is a very active golf course, but no one seems to mind if you dodge out onto the course to take a few photos, so long as you don't disturb anyone.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
stevenmarshall2017
Glasgow, UK31 contributions
One off the bucket list if you are a golfer. Win the lottery and might have a game in the summer.
Jan 2020
Visiting St. Andrews had to have a picture on the bridge. Easy access, made sure didn't disturb any golfers. If I paid that kind of money to play wouldn't want my gane disturbed especially on the iconic 18th.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paul19602013
Brighton, UK856 contributions
Iconic Bridge
Sep 2021 • Friends
Having visited the famous bridge at Augusta I was pleased to visit the Swilcan Bridge. Easy access when we were there and able to take photos and walk across the bridge.Lovely views of the 18th and the 17th holes.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kaisersmith
Leeds, UK204 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.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rgmusicom
Dundee, UK29 contributions
This is a bridge
Dec 2013 • Friends
This is just a bridge. It's a small stone bridge crossing a tiny channel of water. It's one of many bridges crossing that same channel of water.

I liked the fact that it allowed me to cross from one side of the water to the other without having to pole-vault or wade.

What I disliked was that were were no souvenir shops on the bridge, no refreshment stands offered. Nope, nothing. Just a small stone bridge.
Written December 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
olibot
Bishop Auckland, UK1,250 contributions
Iconic
Apr 2019 • Couples
I have seen this iconic little bridge many times whilst watching the golf on tv. It was great to see it and the Old Course in real life!
Written April 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dingus83
Scotland20 contributions
Historic steps
Feb 2016 • Friends
One of the most iconic symbols of world golf. A must-see (and must stand on!) when you visit St Andrews. Doesn't cost anything to visit and, to be honest, there isn't much to it. But when you consider EVERY famous golfer who has ever played the game has strolled over it, from Tom Morris to Tiger Woods, then you're walking in the steps of history. Only warning is to make sure no golfers are teeing off on the 18th tee when you wander over to it. And get out of the way smartish when golfers are about to play. Best day to visit is a Sunday when the Old Course is closed and you can wander anywhere on the famous links.
Written February 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The Swilcan Bridge (St. Andrews) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Swilcan Bridge
The Swilcan Bridge is open:
  • Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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