St. Andrew's Castle

St. Andrew\'s Castle which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
St. Andrew's Castle
St. Andrew\'s Castle showing château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture
St. Andrew\'s Castle featuring château or palace and interior views
St. Andrew\'s Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and general coastal views


Delve into this castle’s underground siege mines and eerie dungeon then explore the castle surrounds with views of the sea.

St. Andrews Castle is a 13th-century vestige that overlooks a beach and the North Sea. Its picturesque location and rustic appearance ensure it is among the most visited of Scotland’s castles. Learn about the rich past of the castle where the archbishops of St. Andrews lived and many notorious prisoners were held.

From afar, capture photos of the castle looming over the water. Arrive at the visitor’s centre to see exhibits on the structure’s history. Browse photos and drawings that tell the tale of the castle. Peruse the preserved relics from the Middle Ages.

Cross the charming bridge to enter the castle. The Bottle Dungeon, which was cut from solid rock, became one of the most infamous in medieval Britain. Hear tales about prisoners, such as religious reformists George Wishart and John Knox, who spent time in the castle.

Imagine being incarcerated in such a damp and dark place. The dungeon is entwined with a gory history of burnings at the stake and hangings.

Encounter the mine and counter-mine passages beneath the castle. These were part of the tensions between Protestants and Catholics in the 1500s. Walk through the creepy narrow paths partly illuminated by dim lights. Be aware that the mine is daunting and confining. Visit the best preserved parts of the castle, such as the kitchen tower and the south wall.

Wander through the grassy courtyard, which contains an open circular well. Enjoy the serene ambiance by the sea.

There is a fee to access the castle children get a discount. The site opens to visitors daily year-round from morning until late afternoon. Opening hours are shorter in winter.

St. Andrews Castle is in the northeastern part of the city. It is near many attractions, such as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, St. Andrews Cathedral and the University of St. Andrews.

Plan a trip to see St. Andrew's Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
MONO Suites Old Town
The Scotsman Hotel
Ocean Serviced Apartments

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel du Vin & Bistro St. Andrews

Hotel du Vin & Bistro St. Andrews

4 out of 5
40 The Scores, St. Andrews, Scotland
Hotel du Vin & Bistro St. Andrews
Rusacks St Andrews

Rusacks St Andrews

5 out of 5
Pilmour Links, St. Andrews, Scotland
Rusacks St Andrews
The Albany Hotel St Andrews

The Albany Hotel St Andrews

3 out of 5
56 North Street, St. Andrews, Scotland
The Albany Hotel St Andrews
THE SPACE TO STAY

THE SPACE TO STAY

Kilrymont Rd., St. Andrews, Scotland
THE SPACE TO STAY
Seaton House

Seaton House

5 out of 5
Seaton House, 76 The Scores, St. Andrews, Scotland
Seaton House
5Pilmourplace

5Pilmourplace

3.5 out of 5
5 Pilmour Pl, St. Andrews, Scotland
5Pilmourplace
Cleveden House by The Dunvegan

Cleveden House by The Dunvegan

4 out of 5
3 Murray Place, St. Andrews, Scotland
Cleveden House by The Dunvegan
No1. Apartments & Bedrooms St Andrews - St Mary’s

No1. Apartments & Bedrooms St Andrews - St Mary’s

4 out of 5
Inchcape house-Saint Marys Place, St. Andrews, Scotland
No1. Apartments & Bedrooms St Andrews - St Mary’s
Kinnettles Hotel and Spa

Kinnettles Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
127 North Street, St. Andrews, Scotland
Kinnettles Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Andrew's Castle

During your visit to St. Andrew's Castle, you can indulge in a variety of activities including exploring the historic site through guided tours. For golf enthusiasts, the area offers world-class courses nearby, while families can enjoy a designated play area. Additionally, you might consider unwinding at a local spa after a day of sightseeing. St. Andrews promises a delightful blend of history and leisure for all visitors.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Wellgate Shopping Centre, offering a variety of shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, you can visit Geoffrey Kiltmakers and Weavers or St James Quarter, both featuring unique local goods and a vibrant atmosphere, located 19.3km away.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at the Old Course, just 311m from St. Andrew's Castle, where you can soak in the historic sports atmosphere. Alternatively, unwind at Craigtoun Country Park, 1.9km away, offering serene walks and a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation.

Adventure

Explore the Fife Coastal Path, a breathtaking hiking trail 3.1km from St. Andrew's Castle, where you can immerse yourself in stunning coastal scenery. For family fun, visit Elie Holiday Park, located 6.8km away, offering a fantastic camping experience. Don't miss the Lochs and Glens North Cycle Route, 8.7km distant, perfect for outdoor cycling adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the cultural vibes at Dundee Repertory Theatre, just 6.8km away, featuring exciting performances. For family fun, visit The Fun Factory, also 6.8km away, offering an adventure-filled arcade. Don't miss Mills Observatory, 7.5km away, where you can enjoy stunning stargazing and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near St. Andrew's Castle

St. Andrews Castle offers a captivating blend of history and culture, with nearby attractions including the renowned St. Andrews Links and the impressive St. Andrews Cathedral. Visitors can explore the castle's rich heritage while enjoying the beautiful beach and local art museums. Admission to St. Andrews Castle provides an overview of its fascinating past, making it an ideal destination for those seeking romance and cultural experiences in this charming coastal town.

  • University of St. Andrews: As the oldest university in Scotland, founded in 1413, it boasts stunning architecture and a vibrant academic atmosphere. Stroll through its historic grounds and soak in the rich culture, with beautiful gardens and inspiring views.
  • St. Andrew's Cathedral: These impressive ruins are a testament to the grandeur of medieval architecture, once the largest church in Scotland. Explore its fascinating history while enjoying the serene atmosphere and captivating views of the surrounding area.
  • West Sands: This beautiful sandy beach offers a tranquil escape, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. With stunning views of the coastline and the iconic Old Course nearby, it’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the seaside vibes.

Best time to go to St. Andrew's Castle

The best time to visit St. Andrew's Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Andrew's Castle

To save money on your trip to St. Andrew's Castle, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings, especially on Tuesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Utilize Expedia’s price filters to find budget-friendly options, and consider eco-certified hotels for a sustainable stay. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can further reduce costs. Don't forget to explore free attractions in the area to enhance your experience while keeping expenses down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Andrew's Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around St. Andrew's Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Andrew's Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Andrew's Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To view the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it more economical to combine your hotel reservation at St. Andrew's Castle with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.