St. Andrews Castle
The Scores, St Andrews, GBR
Just north of St. Andrews’ town center, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle sit on a windswept headland overlooking a beach. Dating from around 1200, the castle was the main residence of St. Andrews’ bishops and archbishops, and the main administrative center of the Scottish church in medieval-era Scotland.
The castle was badly damaged during the Wars of Independence and little of the original castle remains today. A new structure was built around 1400, which later served as a prison; during the Scottish Reformation it was a notable site of religious persecution. Visitors can see the bottle dungeon where the Scottish reformer John Knox may have been imprisoned. You can learn more about the castle’s dramatic history during a guided tour of St. Andrews. The ruins also offer impressive views of the North Sea beyond the rocky coast.
- St. Andrews Castle is a must-visit for Scottish history buffs.
- There is an admission fee, which is discounted for children.
- The visitor center is wheelchair accessible.
- There is no wheelchair access to the bottle dungeon, mines, or upper floors.
St. Andrews Castle is located on The Scores in the east coast town and is easily accessible from other major sites and hotels in St. Andrews. It is a 15-minute walk east of the bus station and 10 minutes from the Old Course.
From April 1st to September 30th, St. Andrews Castle is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m—last entry at 5 p.m. The rest of the year it is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last entry at 3:30 p.m.
Just steps from the castle, the St. Andrews Preservation Trust Museum is home to a wealth of objects relating to the history of the town including fine art, clothing, furniture, and more. There is also a collection of photographs, postcards, and slides that can be viewed by arrangement with the curator.
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