St Andrews Cathedral , Scotland

The Cathedral of St Andrew dominated the history of the medieval church in Scotland from its construction in 1158 until it fell into disuse after the Reformation in 1560.

It was Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church and the seat of Scotland’s leading bishops. The ruins indicate the great size of the building at 350 feet (over 100 metres) long. It occupies a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here.

The cathedral buildings are surrounded by a graveyard, and encircled by the most complete and imposing monastic enclosure walls in Scotland. Even in its ruinous state the cathedral remains a prominent landmark, the focus of the three medieval streets of St Andrews, and highly visible from the sea.

St Rule's tower is located in the Cathedral grounds but predates it, probably itself having been part of the Cathedral up to the early 12th century. The building was retained to allow worship to continue uninterrupted during the building of its much larger successor.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Daily: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

1 October - 31 March
Daily: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

St Andrews Cathedral
Adult £4.50,
Child £2.70,
Concession £3.60

St Andrews Cathedral and Castle
Adult £7.60,
Child £4.60,
Concession £6.10

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Disabled Facilities

Parking is available on the adjacent busy street.

The grounds are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs although help may be needed to cross foundation stones.

The primary display of carved stones in the visitor centre is accessible but there are four steps to the shop and a further four steps to the secondary display of post reformation grave stones.

St Rule’s Tower is not suitable for visitors with physical disabilities.

Disabled toilet facilities are provided in the west cloister range, accessed by a token available from the cathedral shop.

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More Information

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