The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 1,334 reviews TICKETED

Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Fife, Scotland


Aberdour Castle and Gardens
Aberdour Castle and Gardens, further view Aberdour Castle and Gardens, further view

Key facts

Operator
Historic Environment Scotland
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Aberdour, Burntisland KY3 0SL

Telephone 01383 860519

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM

One of Scotland's oldest standing castles, its ruined walls set against a walled garden and dovecot that reviewers rate as highly as the castle itself. Historic Environment Scotland runs it as a quiet, staffed site - Outlander fans may recognise it as the monastery where Jamie recovers after Wentworth.

Worth the trip

The walled garden and courtyard, which visitors consistently single out as the equal of the castle ruins.

Before you go

Parking is tight at the castle itself, but the train station car park is only two minutes' walk away if the small on-site one is full.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 1,334 Google reviews

Recent reviews on file are all five-star, with visitors consistently describing Aberdour Castle as a peaceful, uncrowded place to explore, praising the gardens and courtyard alongside the ruins and its use as an Outlander filming location. Reviewers also highlight informative placards, a good gift shop, and knowledgeable, welcoming staff. No complaints appear in the reviews on file.

Among Scotland's oldest standing castles; walled garden and dovecot

“Castle ruins in a serene, beautiful location. The placards tell the history of the castle and its inhabitants. The garden area and courtyard are fantastic. Wonderful gift shop as well.”— John Espinosa, visitor review

Further reading

Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
The English Castle: 1066-1650 cover book
The English Castle: 1066-1650

John Goodall

Find it on Amazon
book
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon