Aberdour Castle
Aberdour, Fife, United Kingdom, KY3 0SL
Fife’s Aberdour Castle is among Scotland's oldest standing castles—it dates back to the 12th century with a 500-year noble legacy. Renowned for its preserved hall-house and beautiful gardens, the castle has been both a medieval fortress and an Earl's stately home. The mix of ruins and preserved sections offers a fascinating glimpse of how it’s evolved.
The basics
Fans of the TV series Outlander flock to Aberdour Castle as it is featured in the series as a Benedictine Monastery (Abbey of Ste. Anne de Beaupré). Outlander–themed tours typically begin in Edinburgh and showcase a variety of filming locations, such as Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Falkland (Inverness), and Culross (Cranesmuir). These tours are often private to offer a more flexible and personalized service.
Some travelers visit Aberdour Castle during a private tour that focuses on local royal history and helps tick off lots of royal landmarks, such as Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace & Garden, and Dunfermline Abbey and Palace.
Things to know before you go
The castle is not suitable for wheelchair users as it has uneven floors and spiral staircases. However, some of the grounds and the garden are wheelchair-accessible.
There is a small café on the ground floor of the castle if you want to take a refreshment break. Also, in the warmer months, you can use picnic tables outside the castle garden.
There is on-site parking available at the castle with accessible parking spaces.
How to get there
If traveling by train to Aberdour Station, it takes roughly 5 minutes to walk to Aberdour Castle. There are regular train connections from Edinburgh to Aberdour Station and the journey time takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, if driving from Edinburgh, it's an easy route via the A90 and M90 and takes around 35 minutes.
When to get there
To fully appreciate the castle’s garden and exterior, it's best to go during the warmer months of the year, for example in May or June before the peak summer tourist season of July–August arrives. The castle is generally open from mid-morning until late afternoon, with slightly longer opening hours during the summer season.
What to do after Aberdour Castle
Even though Aberdour’s main attraction is Aberdour Castle, there are still things you can do nearby before leaving this pretty seaside village. Beach lovers can find Aberdour Beach, and Silver Sands Beach—which has been touted as one of Scoland’s finest beaches. Here, it’s possible to take part in watersports, such as kayaking. Golf fans can visit Aberdour Golf Club, and there are also traditional pubs and shops to visit in the village.
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