Visit Blackness Castle just outside of Linlithgow
Visit Blackness Castle just outside of Linlithgow

Visit Blackness Castle just outside of Linlithgow

Blackness Castle is commonly referred to as ‘the ship that never sailed’ due to its aesthetic similarity to a large ship and its proximity to the water. It was originally constructed in the 15th century for the noble Crichton family but came into its own when, in the 16th century, the building itself was massively reinforced in order to transform it into a makeshift artillery fortress.

Since then, the historic Blackness Castle has had many lives – in the past, it’s been a grand royal castle, a state prison, and an armaments depot built for battle. In more recent times, it’s often used as a filming location! Hamlet and the BBC production of Ivanhoe were both filmed here. But perhaps most famously, so was the very successful TV series Outlander, with the castle standing in for Fort William.

Where can I find Blackness Castle?

Head out from Linlithgow and make your way to the southern shore of the Firth of Forth.

Make the most of the castle’s unbelievable location on the iconic shore of the Firth of Forth – head all the way to the top for panoramic views of Fife while you drink in all the history of this truly monumental castle.

  • Adult Ticket (16-64 years old): £6
  • Concession Ticket (65 years old+ and unemployed): £4.80
  • Child Ticket (5-15 years old): £3.60
  • Family Ticket (1 adult, 2 children): £12
  • Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £17
  • Family Ticket (2 adults, 3 children): £20.50
  • Opening times are subject to change due to poor weather
  • Open Monday to Thursday: 10 am-4 pm

Things to do in West Lothian

House of the Binns in Linlithgow

The Binns is a historic house in west Lothian, the seat of the Dalyell family. It dates back to the early 17th century and was the home of Tam Dalyell until he passed away in 2017. Its location is set in a ...

Visit a Classic and Movie Car Museum in Bo’ness

Fantastic collection of classic cars including world famous tv and movie cars and props from James Bond, Harry Potter, the 51st State and much more. Hundreds of exhibits and over 25 vehicles on display, ranging from a Baby Austin A30 to a ...

Woodland Paintball near Edinburgh

Looking to try some paintball in Edinburgh there’s no better place to play than Nationwide Paintball Edinburgh the capital’s premier paintball venue. The wooded site contains a number of Nationwide Paintball’s realistic, individual Game Zones, each setting the scene for a particular ...

Linlithgow Palace

Walk the halls of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and soak up the historic atmosphere of this incredible ruin in Linlithgow. Whether you want to take a tour or wander at your own pace, there’s plenty to discover in this ...

Linlithgow Museum

Want to learn about civic life in Linlithgow? There’s no better place to do it than at Linlithgow Museum – celebrate the town’s rich royal heritage and view the first life-size statue of Mary Queen of Scots! Learn about the rich history ...

Linlithgow Pottery Classes and Taster Sessions

Looking for something fun to do in Linlithgow? Stop by for a taster session at Linlithgow Pottery with plenty of laughs in store as you have a go at throwing for the first time. As it’s a one-off class, Zibah will do ...

Wondrous Woods in Edinburgh

Hidden on the outskirts of Edinburgh lies a magical treat for the whole family! Located in the famously beautiful Hopetoun House estate is a woodland walk like you’ve never seen! Embark on a magically light journey through the winding circular trail of ...

The Ceramic Cafe in Dunfermline

The Ceramic Cafe is a paint-your-own pottery studio – the perfect place for a family day out! Located in Dunfermline, it’s a lovely space to spend time with your friends and family while doing something creative and fun together. There’s a large selection ...

BrainyAxe in Inverkeithing

Rated #1 for Fun & Games in Inverkeithing on Trip Advisor, this experience is not to be missed! BrainyAxe in Inverkeithing offers both exhilarating axe-throwing sessions as well as access to an immersive criminological themed escape room. You and your family or friends ...

Escape Rooms in Dunfermline

Go Escape in Dunfermline is a world war 2 themed escape room where you will put yourself in the shoes of Tommy Angus and his family who are trying to flee from a air raid. The way it works is that you ...

Union Canal Tour in Broxburn

Welcome to The Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society, one of the smallest and friendliest canal societies on the Scottish Lowland Canals. Keeping the canal and its surroundings in good condition This might include pruning overhanging branches, clipping vegetation along the sides, eliminating ...

Paintball Battlezone near Edinburgh

Just 6 miles out of Edinburgh, you and your mates can go paintballing at the UK’s premier paintballing provider. Choose from 6 different package deals and let loose with your friends. With 55 acres of woodland, and 12 game zones with a ...
Browse more things to do in West Lothian