Access

Special arrangements are currently in place at Blackness Castle, to comply with Scottish Government guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic. These arrangements are detailed below, and will be regularly updated. Last updated: 28 July 2020.

Although things may be a little different, we hope that you will have an enjoyable visit and will be greeted with a warm and friendly smile by staff.

Safety measures

Our staff have been trained in hygiene and physical distancing and have been provided with the necessary PPE
Signage is on site to guide visitors, including one way systems and marked areas that are currently closed to visitors
We have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, including our toilet facilities, to make visitors feel comfortable while visiting
In line with Scottish Government legislation and guidance, face coverings are now mandatory if you are visiting any indoor/enclosed spaces at our sites including retail and catering areas (subject to some exceptions)

Watch our video on what to expect when you visit our sites

Carers tickets

In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry and as advised by Capability Scotland, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate - Adult/Concession/Child. Proof of disability is not required.

We offer free entry for carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. To book a free carer ticket, please email ticketing@hes.scot and quote your order number.

Parking

The car park is only available to those who have booked tickets to visit the castle.

The car park has a rough gravel surface and no accessible spaces marked. Visitors can also be dropped off at the entrance.

Approach to site

The shop will not be open at this time, but staff will be available to offer help and advice.

The main castle building is about 30m along a level gravel roadway and about 10m down a fairly steep, uneven path.

Dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Visitors' dogs are allowed at Blackness Castle, but are not permitted in roofed areas.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.

What will be open during your visit

All external spaces with visitor access accessible for those that have booked tickets
Stern Tower (up to the Great Hall level)
One-way route round the Stern Tower, East Wall Walk, Stem Tower, West Wall Walk, Spur Defence Wall Walk and Exit
Car park has limited spaces and will be monitored. It is only available for those that have booked tickets to visit the castle and its grounds

What will remain closed during your visit

Mid Tower
The pier
Stern Tower (anything above Great Hall level closed)
Shop

Visiting the site

There is a one-way route in place around many parts of the castle, while in others visitors can explore freely. Please follow the blue safety signage as you move around the castle. Social distancing measures will be in place. Access to some spaces may be limited.

The entrance to the site has a gently sloping concrete plinth with a single handrail before stepping down to uneven natural rock at the entrance
The ground level of the castle is mostly uneven rock or cobbles, and is slippery when wet
The pier is closed at this time
The south (stern) tower is reached over a rough cut rock stair and a stone spiral staircase of 51 steps
The great hall is reached up historic stone staircases, with some handrails in place. The wall walk is accessed from the great hall, via a spiral staircase with no handrail
The roof of the north (fore) tower is reached from the wall walk. The first floor is reached up a further 16 timber steps with a handrail on the left-hand side
The mid tower is closed at this time
The upper levels are reached via wide and even stone spiral stairs with no handrails
There are picnic tables and benches on the lawn in front of the castle