Blackness Castle

The castle is in the village of Blackness, close to Bo'ness and Linlithgow.

View Blackness Castle on a Google map

By bus and train

The F49 bus service from Linlithgow to Bo’ness stops in Blackness Square. The castle is 0.3 miles from this bus stop. This bus service does not run on weekends.

There are regular direct trains to Linlithgow from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

By bike

Blackness is on National Cycle Route 76. There is space to park up to 12 bicycles at the castle.

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

By car

A small car park is available to ticket holders only and is monitored by staff. Visitors are limited to a 90-minute stay in summer and 75 minutes in winter. There are extremely limited spaces for larger vehicles. Contact the castle in advance to book a spot.

Please also be aware that Blackness village has limited parking and alternative means of travel are encouraged. Please help us to avoid traffic congestion and support the local community.

Plan and save with Good Journey

Plan your visit by public transport using Good Journey. Book a car-free visit online with the code GOOD25 and receive a 25% discount.

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 car park has limited spaces and will be monitored and will also be limited to 75 minutes due to capacity restrictions. It is only available for those that have booked tickets to visit the castle and its grounds. At peak times please also be aware that Blackness village has limited parking and alternative means of travel are encouraged. Please help us to avoid traffic congestion and support the local community.

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

Toilets

Toilets are available at the castle.

The nearest adapted toilets are at Tesco, Link Road, Bo’ness EH51 9AN; 3.4 miles away.

Approach to the site

Access to the visitor centre is via three concrete steps (with handrails)

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

What to expect at the site

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 planked wood with an anti-slip surface

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 reached via a spring mounted wooden door

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

Discover Blackness Castle reviews with Euan's guide

• Dogs welcome in outdoor areas
• Baby changing facilities
• Accessible by public transport
• Bicycle rack
• Car parking
• Coach parking
• Picnic area
• Self-service tea/coffee
• Shop
• Toilets
• Water bottle refill