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Kinneil House

Provost Road, Bo'ness
Historic Environment Scotland logo
Guided tours of the house run on Saturdays through the summer
Aerial view of a large, tall stately house, in two sections connected by a corner. The house sits on a neat grass landscape, with large green trees surrounding it.

Explore 2,000 years of history around this impressive house, from Roman occupation in the surrounding estate to the Industrial Revolution.

Built in the middle of the 16th century next to the Antonine Wall, Kinneil House was one of the seats of the powerful and influential Hamilton family.

Undergoing several extensions and refurbishments over the course of 300 years, Kinneil House reflected the Hamiltons’ high status both inside and out.

Moving forward into the future, Kinneil House has a good claim to being the birthplace of the improved steam engine thanks to pioneering Scots engineer James Watt, who contributed substantially to the industrial revolution when he developed his first engine in a small workshop beside the house in the 1700s.

A noticeboard sits on a grass landscape, it reads 'Kinneal Estate', with notices pinned below it. Below is a sign to Kinneil Museum. There is a building in the background, and it is a sunny day.
A group of young children, with a few adults, look up at a large stately home, with grey and brown stone. They stand on a path leading up to the building, with grass either side. There are two trees either side of the house.

Explore the house with a tour

On Saturday's from April to September, you can join our tour guide as you are taken through the house to hear about the history of the Hamilton's.
Book a tour
A woman with a lanyard points at a detailed stone carving while talking. The stone has two crests, with animals carved below. There is a girl looking at the carving.

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
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Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

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  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online
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