St. Andrews Cathedral

The Basics

Strolling around the ruins makes for an atmospheric walking tour, but the real highlight is climbing St. Rule's Tower, which affords a wonderful view over coastal cliffs, St. Andrews Castle, and beyond. The Pictish St. Andrews Sarcophagus is on display in a museum housing medieval sculptures and relics excavated from the ruins.

The cathedral is a popular stop on sightseeing tours of St. Andrews, often in combination with nearby attractions such as St. Andrews Castle, St. Andrews University, and the Golf Museum. Many travelers visit on a day trip from Edinburgh, stopping at sights like the Forth Rail Bridge and Dunfermline Abbey along the way.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The cathedral site is free to enter.

• There is a charge to enter the Cathedral Museum and St. Rule’s Tower, or enter free of charge with the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass.

• There are a visitor’s center, gift shop, and restroom on-site.

• Parts of the ruins and museum are wheelchair-accessible, but St. Rule’s Tower is not.

How to Get There

The ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral are located just south of St. Andrews Castle, along the seafront. Visitors can walk to the cathedral from the town center, and there are three entrances to the site: two from North Street and one from Gregory Place.

When to Get There

The cathedral is open daily, although hours vary by season. The ruins make a popular stop for tour buses, especially during July and August when early morning is the best time to avoid the crowds.

Sightseeing in St. Andrews

Along with St. Andrews Cathedral, the seafront town of St. Andrews is home to other notable sights. St. Andrews University is the place where Prince William and Kate Middleton met. Next door, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle harbor a fascinating history of battles and sieges. Golfers won’t want to miss a visit to the St. Andrews Links, a series of seven golf courses, including the legendary Old Course.