The ruins of St Andrews Castle lie right on the coast, with magnificent sea views. In its near 500-year history, the castle has served as a palace, fortress and prison – and now a rather marvellous stop on a hike. The castle has an extraordinary history, so be sure to read about it and check out the information boards.

Brian

March 1, 2017

Hiking

Here you can explore a castle that was caught in the Protestant Reformation struggle for hearts and minds. St Andrews Castle was a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history. Protestant preacher George Wishart may have been imprisoned in the castle’s bottle dungeon. Cardinal Beaton’s murdered body was certainly kept in the dank and airless hole. The assassination sparked the brutal siege of 1546-47, when opposing sides dug the remarkable mine and countermine into the rock close to the castle battlements.

brownie

April 8, 2018

Hiking

Interesting ruin right on the sea.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near St Andrews Castle

4.7

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242

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1. St Andrews Castle – St Andrews Harbour loop from University of St Andrews

6.56km

01:43

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0

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2. St Andrews Castle – St Andrews Cathedral Ruins loop from St Andrews

9.68km

02:34

100m

90m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8

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3. St Andrews Castle – St Andrews Cathedral Ruins loop from Mount Melville

7.07km

01:51

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Opening times: 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm Last entry 5pm 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm Last entry 3.30pm

St Andrews Castle only
Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE
Adult: £9.00
Concession: £7.20
Child aged 5-15: £5.40
Child under 5: FREE

St Andrews Castle and Cathedral Joint Ticket
Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE
Adult: £12.00
Concession: £9.60
Child aged 5-15: £7.20
Child under 5: FREE

Contacts

The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AR

www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrews-castle/

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/contact-us/

01334 477196

Weather

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Saturday 21 March

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Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Royal Burgh Of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

St Andrews Cathedral Ruins

Rock and Spindle

Swilcan Bridge, St Andrews Links

Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA)

Market Street, St Andrews

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews

The Old Pavilion

Lade Braes Walk

West Port City Gate, St Andrews

Historic Building by Kinness Burn

Salt and Pine Food Truck at Tentsmuir Nature Reserve

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle

1. St Andrews Castle – St Andrews Harbour loop from University of St Andrews

2. St Andrews Castle – St Andrews Cathedral Ruins loop from St Andrews

3. St Andrews Castle – St Andrews Cathedral Ruins loop from Mount Melville

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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