Lochleven Castle
Buy tickets for Lochleven Castle
Lochleven Castle ticket options
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Standard entry
Explore the castle at a specific date and time, with options for family and carer tickets.
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Member tickets
Historic Scotland members get free, unlimited entry to all our sites
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Explorer Pass tickets
Explorer Pass holders can book their visit here
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Family tickets
Choose the family ticket that works best for you
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Young Scot Card holders
Young Scot card holders can visit our sites for just £1
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Partner organisations
Members of our partner organisations receive free or discounted entry
Imagine being imprisoned in this island stronghold. Mary Queen of Scots was once a guest here, but her former host turned her jailer in 1567. She eventually escaped, never to see Scotland again.
Lochleven Castle gallery
The tower house where Mary was held is one of Scotland’s oldest, built in the 1300s. It was here that she suffered a miscarriage and was forced to abdicate in favour of her son, James VI.
On a previous visit, as a guest, Mary had had one of her long religious debates with Protestant reformer John Knox here. And long before Mary’s time, Robert the Bruce had visited Lochleven.
Things to see and do
Cross the loch by boat to reach the island, just as Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots once did.
Stand in the tower house rooms where Mary was held against her will.
Admire the Glassin Tower, a charming circular residence built in the 1500s that projects from the enclosure wall.
Roam the quiet island at your leisure to soak up the peaceful setting.
Breathe in the heady scent of pink purslane in the south and east wooded walks from April to July.
Ready for an adventure?
Membership
Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters
Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- 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
Explorer Pass
Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing
Valid for 14 consecutive days
- 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