St Andrews Cathedral

Overview

Explore the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Even in its ruinous state, the cathedral remains a prominent landmark highly visible from the sea.

What to see and do

  • Find out how the cathedral dominated Scottish religion until 1560, as headquarters of the medieval Scottish Church
  • Marvel at its scale – the cathedral was the seat of Scotland’s leading bishops (and, from 1472, archbishops)
  • Learn about the site used for worship since at least the 700s, when St Andrew’s relics are said to have been brought here
  • Get up close to Scotland’s most complete and imposing enclosure walls, encircling the cathedral precinct
  • View early and later medieval sculpture and other relics found on the site in the cathedral museum
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the cathedral. 

Opening times

The grounds of the cathedral are open and are accessible free of charge.

Due to essential maintenance, the Museum is currently closed and sections of the graveyard are fenced off due to unstable gravestones.

Free Guided tours are available and an opportunity to climb St Rule’s Tower at the end, for timings & availability, please phone St Andrews Castle on 01334 477 196. Donations are welcome.

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 9.30am to last entry at 4.45pm (closes 5.30pm) 

1 to 31 Oct:
Daily, 10am to last entry at 3.15pm (closes 4pm)

1 Nov to 31 Mar:
Fri to Mon, 10am to last entry at 3.15pm (closes 4pm)

Historic Scotland

Facilities

Download our visitor app

Discover more on the go – the Historic Scotland app lets you find out about Scotland’s most iconic places wherever you are.

Plan your visit

More than 20 of our sites are now open. Please book your tickets in advance.

Become a member

Join Historic Scotland to visit our properties free of charge for a full year and support our work at the same time.

Hire a site for filming

Use one of our fantastic locations on your next shoot for an awe-inspiring backdrop to your work.

Learning visits

Our 300+ historic places serve as creative inspiration for all sorts of learning activities – and for learners of all ages.

Search our events

See the past brought to life by the imaginative year-round programme of events at our properties.

i