About St Andrews Castle
St Andrews Castle is a historic castle site, not a golf course. It stands on The Scores in St Andrews, Fife, and was a bishop’s palace, fortress and state prison during its 450-year history. The surviving remains include the castle and garden, offering visitors an opportunity to explore one of Scotland’s significant religious and military sites.
The castle is associated with the Protestant Reformation and the murder of Cardinal Beaton. His body was kept in the castle’s bottle dungeon, while Protestant preacher George Wishart may have been imprisoned there. The assassination led to the siege of 1546–47, during which opposing forces dug a mine and countermine through the rock near the battlements. The Hamilton Façade is another prominent feature.
Visitors can book standard entry to the castle and garden for a selected date and time. An audio guide is available on a visitor’s smartphone or on a supplied device. The notorious bottle dungeon and Hamilton Façade are key attractions. Historic Scotland’s Explorer Pass includes St Andrews Castle; the summer 2026 pass costs £48 for adults, £39 for concessions, £29 for children aged 7–15, or £100 for a family.
St Andrews Castle is located at The Scores, St Andrews, Fife. Pre-booking is available through Historic Environment Scotland. The Explorer Pass is valid for 14 consecutive days and allows one visit to each property. Historic Scotland members receive free, unlimited entry to Historic Scotland sites, while Young Scot card holders can visit for £1.