Lochleven Castle

To get to the castle, you'll make the same journey Mary Queen of Scots once did, riding the waves across loch leven.

Seats on the passenger boat are limited and booking in advance is the only way to guarantee entry. You can buy tickets online until midnight the day before your visit.

When booking tickets, you'll pick a boat departure time which will show on your email confirmation. You must arrive 15 minutes before this departure time for an essential safety demonstration. Then it's anchors away!

We operate return boats throughout the day. You might need to wait a short time for your return crossing.

Boats for the castle depart from the pier at the end of Sandport Close.

Strong footwear is recommended.

View Lochleven Castle on a Google map.

Journey Planners

Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland.

Carers' tickets

Visitors with disabilities are charged standard admission rates (adult/concession/child). Proof of disability is not required. Up to two accompanying carers receive free entry per transaction.

Assistance dogs

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

Parking

The large, level gravel car park is 90m from the mainland pier.

Visitors can be dropped off nearer to the pier by arrangement – please call 07836 313 769.

Toilets

There is an adapted toilet located in the public toilets in the car park. These toilets are open from April to October.

Toilets are available on the island, down a slope which can be slippery. A hand sanitiser is provided as there is no running water.

Approach to the site

A small boat ferries visitors to the island. Visitors must be able to step into and out of the boat.

The passenger boat is not equipped to carry passengers in wheelchairs. Water levels and weather conditions may make access difficult for visitors with limited mobility.

The piers on the island rise and fall with water levels and can be slippery.

The castle is about 30m from the pier up a grass slope. This can be very muddy in wet weather.

What to expect at the site

The visitor centre is on the mainland and has step-free access over gravel.

The grass courtyard allows access to the ground floor of all the ranges. Entry to the Glassin tower and bottle dungeon are through a narrow doorway.

Access to the first and second floors of the main tower – including the room where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive – is via a modern, open-tread wooden staircase with handrails on either side.

• Baby changing facilities
• Coach parking
• Accessible by public transport
• Car parking
• No dogs except assistance dogs
• Picnic area
• Shop
• Toilets

The castle shop offers a wide range of souvenirs and Scottish-made products. Historic Scotland members receive a discount in our cafés and shops.

Every purchase helps us protect our historic places throughout Scotland.

Discover more about the castle's history with our Lochleven Castle guidebook.