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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4.5
818 reviews
Excellent
663
Very good
117
Average
33
Poor
2
Terrible
4
ellen_t33
Louisville, KY15 contributions
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 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yss97
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,898 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The bridge is near the road. Just wait until the group of golfers have teed off at hole 18 and get on the bridge after the golfers have taken their photos, and before the next group tees off. Can be done but please don’t delay play.
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevenmarshall2017
Glasgow, UK30 contributions
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 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5moreminutes
Ohio69 contributions
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 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul19602013
Brighton, UK1,239 contributions
Sept 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 6 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaisersmith
Leeds, UK195 contributions
Sept 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 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pbjohio
Westlake, OH50 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Yep, it’s a small bridge. But for a golf fan it’s as big as it gets! All of the golf greats have been over it as well as many other historic figures. Fun to walk in history. Still waiting for my invitation to walk over the bridge on 12 at Augusta!
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rgmusicom
Dundee, UK27 contributions
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.
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 19 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olibot
Bishop Auckland, UK1,250 contributions
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 8 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dingus83
Scotland21 contributions
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 27 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Since the Sunday of the British Open is a golfing day, and it will be very busy during the week prior, how does one go about getting a picture if we are there on Tuesday/Wednesday of the practice days? Any advice appreciated.
Written 14 January 2022
We just asked one of the security guards .The secret was to rush on after the golfers had played their tee shot and just walked over the bridge.Hopefully you will be ok as its a practice day.
Written 16 January 2022
Danny Fenson
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Can you still walk to the Swilcan bridge and have a photo ? All the replies seem to be from 2016
Written 30 July 2020
Do you need to book the walk to go onto the swilken bridge. Are you allowed to just walk onto the course?
Written 16 January 2020
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
Written 19 January 2020
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
Written 30 May 2019
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
Written 8 July 2019
Is there a dress code to walk on the St. Andrews course? Thanks!
Written 5 August 2018
Hello,
No, there is no strict dress policy at the Links.
Written 6 August 2018
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?
Written 31 March 2018
You can easily walk out to that area. There is normally a group of people trying to get the same snap.
Written 1 April 2018
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
Written 5 September 2017
The course is closed for play on Sundays meaning non-golfers are free to walk the famous fairways and explore the golf course.
Written 6 September 2017
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 .
Written 22 November 2017
are you able to walk out to the bridge for photo on Monday -Saturday?
Written 1 October 2016
As a golfer it is really strange to see people walk out onto the fairway of the golf course and stand on the bride for a photo. But it happens and is perfectly acceptable. Just be careful!
Written 6 October 2016
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