Aberdour Castle and Gardens
Fife, Scotland
Photo: Andy Hawkins, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Aberdour, 0.1 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Among Scotland's oldest standing castles; walled garden and dovecot
Pinpoint
Aberdour, Burntisland KY3 0SL
Telephone 01383 860519
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 10am to 4.30pm |
| 1 October - 31 March | Daily 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- Festive opening times to be confirmed.
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
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.
At a glance
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
Aberdour Castle and Gardens reviews · 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.
“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
Within reach of Edinburgh (8 miles), Glasgow (39 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Sir Alan de Mortimer · c. 1200
Sir Alan de Mortimer's family built Aberdour as a modest hall house around 1200, making it one of Scotland's oldest standing castles. The Douglas Earls of Morton expanded it extensively from the 14th century onward with towers and terraced gardens. A late 17th-century fire caused decline, though the gardens remain among Scotland's oldest.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “The castle is lovely and we had a picnic in the gardens.” - MK W
Common questions about Aberdour Castle and Gardens
Where is Aberdour Castle and Gardens?
Aberdour Castle and Gardens is in Fife, Scotland, at Aberdour, Burntisland KY3 0SL.
Do you need a ticket to visit Aberdour Castle and Gardens?
Yes - Aberdour Castle and Gardens is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Aberdour Castle and Gardens?
The walled garden and courtyard, which visitors consistently single out as the equal of the castle ruins.
Is Aberdour Castle and Gardens a ruin or still intact?
Aberdour Castle and Gardens is a partial ruin - Among Scotland's oldest standing castles; walled garden and dovecot.
