St Andrews Castle
Fife, Scotland
Photo: Son of Groucho from Scotland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0 ยท August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Leuchars, 4.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Siege mine, counter-mine and bottle dungeon
Pinpoint
The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AR
Telephone 01334 477196
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm |
| 1 October - 31 March | Daily 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 45 minutes before closing
- Closed
- 25 and 26 December, 1 and 2 January. Open until 2pm on 24 December.
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A ruin on the cliff edge above St Andrews, notable for a genuine siege mine and counter-mine dug during the castle's 1540s siege - visitors can walk down into both. Historic Environment Scotland runs a well-regarded audio guide and museum alongside the ruins, and the ticket pairs naturally with the cathedral nearby.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The siege mine and counter-mine - a rare chance to walk through tunnels dug by attackers and defenders during an actual medieval siege.
Before you go
Budget more time than you'd expect for a ruin - reviewers regularly end up spending close to two hours here, and the audio guide is worth the extra time it takes.
What visitors say
St Andrews Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 4,393 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently enjoyed St Andrews Castle, praising the detailed audio guide, friendly and helpful staff, and the way a visit ties in well with the nearby cathedral.
Most found there was more to see than expected, often spending close to two hours on site; one visitor found the mines closed during their visit, and another flagged that parking in St Andrews itself can be limited.
“Ruins are great photo/instagrammable spots. But get the rich history behind it, go with a guide.”- G. A. C., visitor review
Within reach of Edinburgh (31 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Bishop Roger · 1189
St Andrews Castle began as a bishop's residence around 1189, later serving as a royal fortress and state prison. It became a flashpoint during the Scottish Reformation when it was besieged in 1546-47, with attackers and defenders famously digging a mine and counter-mine through solid rock beneath the walls.
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.
- Parking
- “We were lucky to get the last space at the car park near the beach but you might struggle to find parking in the town.” - MK W
- Guided tours
- “It was much bigger than I expected, half modern and educational with Scottish history and the other half the ruins you can explore with an audio guide.” - MK W
- How long to allow
- “Came for a quick look round, ended up spending almost 2 hours here as plenty to see.” - Skye Thain
- Facilities
- “The gift shop is really nice too, they have some very nice things in there.” - RubyPlayz54
Common questions about St Andrews Castle
Where is St Andrews Castle?
St Andrews Castle is in Fife, Scotland, at The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AR.
Do you need a ticket to visit St Andrews Castle?
Yes - St Andrews Castle 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 St Andrews Castle?
The siege mine and counter-mine - a rare chance to walk through tunnels dug by attackers and defenders during an actual medieval siege.
Is St Andrews Castle a ruin or still intact?
St Andrews Castle is a ruin - Siege mine, counter-mine and bottle dungeon.
