St. Andrews Castle

St. Andrews Castle played a significant role in the religious and political life of Scotland during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

St. Andrews Castle is a historic castle located in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It has a rich and tumultuous history, playing a significant role in the religious and political life of Scotland during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.  

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in St. Andrews
St. Andrews Cathedral
St. Andrews Cathedral was once the largest church in Scotland and remains a site of significant historical and architectural importance.
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, located in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the world.

Related Tours

The Best of St. Andrews: Private Tour including St. Andrews Castle

Discover the historic charm of St. Andrews on this private 2-hour walking tour and unveil the city's most iconic landmarks and hidden treasures including a guided visit to the St. Andrews Castle.  

On your private tour, you will:

  • Start at St. Andrews Town Hall, an architectural gem in the heart of the historic town of St. Andrews that stands as a testament to Victorian elegance and civic pride;
  • Pass by West Port Gate, an iconic remnant from the 16th century adorned with its original iron yett, which served as the western entrance to the walled town;
  • Visit the Old Course, world-renowned for its historical significance and its pivotal role in the development of Golf;
  • Stop for a photo over the famous Swilcan Bridge, which has witnessed countless legendary moments and farewells from the sport's greatest players;
  • Explore the University of St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1413 and admire its stunning medieval and modern architecture;
  • Admire the majestic ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, a testament to Scotland's medieval religious heritage which once housed the largest church in Scotland;
  • Enjoy a guided visit to St. Andrews Castle, a formidable stronghold overlooking the North Sea, the keeper of Scottish history and resilience.

Join us on a captivating walking tour of historic St. Andrews, where every step brings a new adventure. Start your journey with a friendly welcome from our expert guide, who will lead you through the heart of this ancient town, sharing its most fascinating stories.

Start your walk at St. Andrews Town Hall, a prime example of Victorian architecture and the cornerstone of the town’s civic life. Journey on to visit Blackfriars Chapel, a peaceful ruin that offers a window into medieval monastic life. As you pass through the West Port Gate, one of the city's oldest gateways, you'll feel the presence of past pilgrims and scholars.

Our tour continues to the famous Swilcan Bridge, a favourite spot for golf enthusiasts with its stunning views of the Old Course. (Top opportunity for that profile photo). Next, you’ll visit the Martyrs' Monument, a solemn tribute to those who gave their lives for their beliefs.

Explore the University of St. Andrews next, where you’ll visit the Quadrangle and St. Salvator's Chapel. It’s the heart of Scotland’s oldest university, filled with tales of academic excellence and tradition.

No tour is complete without a visit to the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral. Once Scotland's largest church, its atmospheric ruins invite you to simply imagine the grand ceremonies that took place. Then, journey on to enjoy a 30-minute guided exploration of St. Andrews Castle. Wander through its walls and underground passages as our guide shares tales of power and conflict.

As your tour concludes at St. Andrews Castle, you can continue this adventure at your own pace. Explore the castle further, stroll through the charming streets, or take in the coastal views. Your time in St. Andrews promises unforgettable experiences.

Join us and discover the stories that make St. Andrews a place of endless fascination.

The Ghosts of St. Andrews: Private 1.5-hour Spooky Tour

Delve into the eerie depths of St. Andrews, from haunted ruins to unsettling legends of martyrs and medieval relics as you uncover the town's chilling history on our private dark side walking tour.

On your private tour, you will:  

  • Discover the dark heart of St Andrews, where history's shadows still whisper their secrets;
  • Start at Martyrs' Monument, where Scotland's turbulent religious history echoes;
  • Stop at the Old Course and uncover the infamous Rabbit War overtaking the golfing greens;
  • Wander past the Medieval Mercat Cross, a witness to public punishments and executions;
  • Venture to the historic West Port Gate, once the guardian of medieval St Andrews, now a silent witness to tales of crime and justice;
  • Hear about East Sands Beach and Lady’s Tower, rumored to be haunted by Lady Janet Anstruther;
  • Stroll along the eerie ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, where ghostly apparitions come to life;
  • Hear chilling tales of St. Andrews Castle, where gruesome battles and tragic murders once echoed through the ancient halls;
  • Uncover centuries-old mysteries that have shaped St Andrews' reputation from Al Capone's legacy to the chilling Sausage Massacre.

Step back in time on a private walking tour through St. Andrews' streets. Begin your journey at the Martyrs' Monument, where brave souls faced brutal fates during the Protestant Reformation. Hear the tales of Patrick Hamilton and others who stood against religious persecution etched into the town's ancient stones.

Next, cross the Old Course, where rabbits once staged a peculiar invasion, adding a whimsical twist to its golfing history. Learn abot the mysterious ghost of Tom Morris haunting these fairways, a legend whispered among players and locals alike.

Discover the surprising link between notorious gangster Al Capone and this tranquil Scottish town, an unexpected but intriguing chapter in St. Andrews' tale. Continue with a visit to the Medieval Mercat Cross, where people used to witness public executions and macabre punishments. 

Explore St. Andrews Cathedral and its haunted ruins, where spectral figures are said to roam among the ancient stones.

Pause at the Criterion, a historic pub steeped in ghosts with walls echoing the tales of supernatural encounters and the inexplicable. Take a stroll along East Sands Beach to Lady’s Tower, where the presence of Lady Janet Anstruther wanders the coastline, her story adds a haunting layer to the town's charm.

Your expert guide will captivate you with tales of murder, plague, and martyrdom, bringing together centuries of history and myth. This private tour offers an unforgettable exploration of St. Andrews' shadowed past, whether you're drawn to the supernatural or the deeply rooted history. Prepare to be spellbound as you uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface of this Scottish gem. 

Welcome to St. Andrews: Private 2-hour Highlights Walking Tour

Immerse yourself into a two-hour private walking tour of St Andrews, a town steeped in history and brimming with architectural splendour as you stroll through its charming streets and iconic highlights. Follow the footsteps of golfing legends, learn about the fascinating local living, students and even royalty; and discover why St Andrews is a treasure trove of Scottish heritage.

On your private tour, you will:  

  • Begin your adventure at the Martyrs' Monument, an1842 Gothic Revival obelisk which commemorates the Protestant martyrs, standing as a poignant reminder of the town’s turbulent religious history;
  • Visit the prestigious University of St. Andrews and wander through the Quadrangle as you marvel at the historic buildings where some of the brightest minds have studied;
  • Pass by St. Salvator's Chapel, a beautiful and serene place protecting centuries of academic traditions;
  • Discover the impressive St. Andrews Castle, perched on a rock overlooking the sea and learn about its significance in Scottish history as a battleground during the Reformation;
  • See the majestic ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, built in the 12th century it was once the heart of Scotland's religious life as the largest church in the country;
  • Stroll through the town's charming streets, passing the historic St. Andrews Town Hall and the Blackfriars Chapel;  
  • Pass through the ancient West Port Gate, one of the remaining medieval gates which served as the main entrance to the walled town of St Andrews;
  • Stop at the iconic Swilcan Bridge for the perfect opportunity to snap a photo with the Old Course in the background – a dream for any golf enthusiast;
  • End with a refreshing cocktail included at 18 Bar at Rusacks, overlooking the legendary Old Course!

Discover the heart of St. Andrews, a town known for its history, charm, and a touch of royalty. From its world-renowned golf courses, being home to Scotland's oldest university to stunning shorelines, St. Andrews offers something for everyone. 

On this 2-hour private walking tour, you will be immersed in the rich tapestry of Scotland's oldest university town beginning your experience at the Martyrs' Monument, a tribute to those who sacrificed for their beliefs, setting the tone for this exploration. As you stroll through the prestigious University of St. Andrews, hear fascinating anecdotes about the university's illustrious alumni, including Prince William and Kate Middleton. See the picturesque Quadrangle or simply "The Quad," surrounded by the university's oldest and most iconic buildings including St. Salvator's Chapel, a 15th-century exquisite example of late Gothic architecture.

Delve further into the town's past at St. Andrews Castle, a historic fortress that has witnessed centuries of political and religious turmoil, where royal dramas and daring sieges echo within its weathered stones. 

See the majestic ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral stand testament to its former glory as Scotland's largest cathedral, and the main point for medieval pilgrims. Constructed in the 12th century, this Gothic cathedral was the centre of the Scottish Church and its impressive architecture combined Romanesque and Gothic styles including marvellous stonework and intricate carvings.

Navigate the narrow streets with your guide and discover hidden gems like the St. Andrews Town Hall and the tranquil Blackfriars Chapel, each with its own stories to tell. Pass through the ancient West Port Gate, the main entrance to the walled city during medieval times, and pause for a panoramic view of the iconic Swilcan Bridge at the Old Course, a bucket list site for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

After your 2-hour walking tour through history, unwind with a relaxing cocktail at 18 Bar at Rusacks, taking in breathtaking views of the Old Course.  

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