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    Blackness Castle

    4.4 (18 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

    Blackness Castle Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Blackness Castle

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    A gathering room

    Brilliant castle, visited here as part of my challenge to visit as many castles as possible in Scotland. I was amazed at the amount of history information that was provided both within the castle and outside of the castle. Standing in each room picturing the events that occurred there many years ago was a fantastic experience. Would highly recommend it to anyone!

    Joshua G.

    But gained its name from the nearby jagged rock coastline and how the foundation rocks, under the guise of fog, turned black after a heavy rainfall. It has remained a royal castle since I believe the 15th or 16th century. It was built in the 1450s and has taken on various roles in its life. Most recently as a filing set for Outlander.

    Hayley S.

    Blackness Castle is a must see for all Outlander fans! It stood as the set for Fort William, both when Claire was taken by Frank Randall and subsequently rescued by Jamie, and then later in the 60s when Bree and Roger visit. It has also been the set for many other films as well! I suggest visiting the binder in the Gift Shop, it includes behind the scene photos of EVERY movie that's been filmed there and shows you which parts were used for what. Outlander aside, Blackness castle is completely stunning just by itself. It has a long history that is well preserved within its walls (and has an amazing view from the top). My boyfriend (not an Outlander fan), thoroughly enjoyed himself.

    Chantelle T.

    It's a nice place to come and see, but I'd reccomended you add this on to another activity (such as exploring linlithgow palace which is a 20 minute drive away by car) as this is quite a small castle. Also, wear good shoes- the ground has a lot of rock protruding and you'll need to watch your step.

    Tanja R.

    Blackness castle is located 4m NE of Linlithgow and a half hour ride from Edinburgh. Its maintained by Historic Scotland. There are toilets and a small shop. Personally I was not particularly interested visiting this place, as all I knew was that it served as a prison and ammunition storage for a long time. BUT am I glad I visited. This stronghold holds an amazing part of history. Originally built as a residence for Sir George Crichton, Admiral of Scotland, in 1440 it soon became a strongpoint for the army and its troops due to its ideal location on the Firth of Forth. For most of its time it was in royal hands and the walls were thickened and more defence walls build. You are able to walk out onto the Forth on a bridge, which originally served the army ships to deliver ammunitions. I believe the bridge was added in the middle of the 19th century. During Mary Queen of Scots reign the castle was remodeled and fortified further. It served as a prison for 250 years and more (mainly for middle and upper class prisoners).Can you imagine? History aside, I love the fact that there are benches in the castle grounds you can easily use for a picnic or a quick rest after having climbed both towers with at least 300 steps (umpf), lots of space to walk around the castle and near the water, wonderful views over the Firth of Forth (including all the bridges) be it from the top of the towers, the castle grounds, from top of the massively thick defensive walls or the end of the added bridge where I even encountered a very lazy slumbering cat. :-) I will definitely be back! And I can defo say its worth a detour from the buzzing city life.....

    Artus U.

    I love this place. Perfect for a picnic or barbeque. Only 12 miles from Edinburgh. My favorite picnic spot. During the spring and summer time I visit this place very often.

    my Great Grandfather George Crichton scored this lovely chunk of land in the 14th century

    A beautiful BREEZY visit to the castle, the interior is open and you can climb the stairs of this 15th-century fortress, it is near the quiet village of Blackness in Scotland, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. (we hope next year their little village will be popping with the new eateries we spotted under construction) They say, the castle was built, probably on the site of an earlier ancient Viking fort, renovated by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s. Back then, Blackness was the main port serving the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, one of the main residences of the Scottish monarch. Later, the castle, together with the Crichton lands were passed to James II of Scotland in 1453, and the castle has been crown property ever since. doh! Since then, it has also served as a state prison, holding such prisoners as Cardinal Beaton and the 6th Earl of Angus. It's HUGE. and 3 cheers for the gift shop! (I left my cell phone & am sooo grateful they are good people!) We visited because the Crichton family is in the Owen Family Tree.

    Blackness Castle
    Laura Kate S.

    A small castle location with a modest grounds to wander and enjoy. The name suits it well as it's a bit dark and broody-looking. Not a lot to see, but still a pretty site.

    Qype User (sharna…)

    Historic scotland so free to them and english heritage This is a proper defensive castle on the firth forth The walls of this 15 century castle are really thick as there was fortificaton work done in the 16 century This was also a prison but stopped when the person fortifing it was done for treason Olive cromwell took over the castle in the 17th century It changed again in the 19th century when it became a ammunition depot and barrakcs were built There are two good towers ajoined by a curtiain wall which you can walk along We got a little lost which way we came up the curtain wall and ended up back at the end we started at when we were heading for the other tower The north tower has a pit prison The central towers had lots of rooms and held the important prisoners The national trust have a small shop here and the man running it has loads of information and is really nice Ask about the shape of the castle - you wont look strange as he was telling us its hard to describe but he will know what you mean The castle has been used in several films including hamlet Walk along the pier as there is a nice view out there and if you look back you can see what I mean about the shape of the castle

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    17 years ago

    Very impressive site, well worth a visit

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    18 years ago

    nice and historic!

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    Review Highlights - Blackness Castle

    Back then, Blackness was the main port serving the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, one of the main residences of the Scottish monarch.

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    Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Highland Cow

    Almond Valley Heritage Centre

    (9 reviews)

    I visited this time for Puff's toddler group trip and was delighted to go back. Smudge has now…read moredeclared herself far too grown up for this sort of activity much to my disgust as I loved our trips here when she was little. This visit was a beautifully sunny day so the perfect day to wander around checking out all the animals; goats, donkeys, GIANT bunnies, guinea pigs, cows, sheep, rats, collie dogs, geese and puff's favourite a cat - we have a cat at home!!! As well as a farmyard full of animals to check out, you can pet lots of the wee ones. A whole barn full of fluffy bunnies, chickens and guinea pigs to stroke. Unless like me you're allergic in which case not touching is a much better option - puffy eyes, manic sneezing and a snotty nose does not make for a fun day out. Once you have spent a happy hour trying to teach a stubborn one year old any animal noise other than meeow, and failed, there is still plenty to do here with an inflatable cow bouncy castle, indoor soft play area, tractors to ride, trampolines to bounce, fossils to uncover and a lovely cafe to eat cake and drink coffee in. It has to be said that a rainy day would not completely ruin a trip to Almond Valley. There is plenty to do under cover and even a big picnic barn to eat in, not to brag but we used it for shade because it was so hot.

    This is a lovely little place, a great day out for all the family. Lots of animals to see, an lots…read moreto learn. they're upgrading it all the time so it just keeps getting better and better. They do lots of special activities, Christmas Fayres, Easter, all year round really. they have soft play for toddlers and a new bigger area for older kids. It's got a great little cafe too with friendly staff and good food. It really is worth a visit, you will undoubtedly learn something and have fun while doing it.

    Royal Burgh Of Culross - Not me lord John fan #1 getting feels from a chessboard

    Royal Burgh Of Culross

    (2 reviews)

    I can't say much more about Culross that Deborah M. hasn't said, but it's a stunning little town…read more in Fife that is beautifully conserved. From the Abbey ruins at the top of the hill running down past the Hanging Gardens, and with lovely little galleries at the bottom, it's a great place to spend a couple of hours. Just a shame you have a view of Grangemouth on the other side, but I think that just about captures the idiosyncracy of Scotland!

    Truly amazing NTS property comprising an entire 17th century town, its fabric lovingly preserved…read more Back in the day, Sir George Bruce of Carnock was an innovator and a bit of a shrewd businessman. He oversaw the first modern approach to coal mining and was heavily involved in shipping and import-export to the Netherlands. Signs of this are in the architecture throughout the town as it exists today. The Palace itself was Bruce's family residence and is as it was. Truly atmospheric 17th and 18th century furnishings. Most of the murals are very old. The surrounding gardens are a treat. The hourly tour (free with admission) takes you on a ramble through the cobbled town and into the town hall, the Bishop's house and to the Mercat Cross. You will see a place seemingly untouched by time with amazing little details like the owl holes (ask, you won't be disappointed) and the "risps" on all the doors of the older houses. This was what people used instead of a doorbell. Only things missing are the sounds and the smells. See the film about the house and town shown inside the palace. Hours can be weird and it is shut in winter, though you can walk about the town for free. Bring a packed lunch and make a day of it. There's a play park near the beach for the little people and a tea room nearby. The Abbey up the hill is also worth a look in. That's where Sir George and his family are buried in style. Two thumbs up.

    Blackness Castle - castles - Updated May 2026

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