Blackness Castle was one of the castles we visited when were in the United Kingdom ( specifically in Scotland). This castle is known as "the ship that never sailed with its pointed stem, square stern, and tall mast". Have you ever watched the show Outlander? If you have, then you are sure to recognize Blackness Castle when you go inside. It was built around the 1440s. In its past, it has been a royal castle, a garrison fortress, a state prison, and an ammunition depot. We had a nice relaxing time exploring the grounds and the castle. It is not too far from Edinburgh, Scotland so well worth the side trip. Have a good time visiting Blackness Castle and check out the gift shop while you are there. read more

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On this years Road Trip through the UK we've seen many many castles, palaces and ruins. As we did back in 2017. And this one here - the Blackness Castle - stands really out and is definitely one of the best experiences we've had. We booked a time-slot online. Since we are members entrance was free. We arrived within our time slot and got to park right on the property. It's very much recommended to book a slot before visiting. "Outlander" fans might recognize this place from several scenes and episodes from the TV show. In real life the castle is even more spectacular. The waterfront location is just breathtaking and it's a masterpiece to have built it that long ago on these rocks. It's stunning. A bit about the history: Blackness Castle stands by the Firth of Forth, at the port that served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times. Though built in the 15th century as a lordly residence for the Crichtons, one of Scotland's more powerful families, it soon took on other roles like a royal castle in 1453, a garrison fortress, a state prison and an ammunition depot in the later 19th century. So it has quite the colourful history. And it still stands until today. It's impressive how well preserved it is and how well maintained. You can visit countless rooms, climb the towers and curtain wall. Or walk on the pier to get great views of the Firth of Forth and the castle. Dogs are allowed on all grounds except indoors. There's a shop, several friendly staff members with lots of useful information (some fully dressed up historically accurate). Of course toilets as well. Also so tables for a picnic or just to rest your legs. An amazing visit. I can't praise this place enough. A must-do. It's worth a (long) drive. I could go on. But just check the pics and come see yourself. You won't regret it. read more

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This is the first "real castle" we took the kids to see. We did Edinburgh Castle before it, but that's more of it's own small city than it is a castle the way the kids expected. Then there was Linlithgow, which is really cool, but not so much a castle as a palace. This is definitely a castle. First of all, this is on the sea, so expect it to be cool and windy even in the summer. The blustery winds add to the feeling as you walk around on top of the walls though. The place is one part fortress, one part prison, one part palace, but the emphasis is on the defensive structure, which makes it feel very much like a castle. You can go up and down steep spiral staircases, walk through narrow hallways with narrow slits to fire out at the enemy from, and explore the prison tower in the center of the courtyard. The courtyard itself isn't a flat space, but instead showcases the mostly bare rock the structure sits on. Just really fun space to visit and let the kids explore. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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..... read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Blackness Castle - Blackness Castle - Castles Near Me - Blackness, FAL

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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 read more

Blackness Castle - Castles Near Me - Blackness, FAL

Great views of the river Forth from the south, with stone beach and sailing boat harbour. Fortified outcrop in North West Lothian. Planned development to take cruises from castle up river. read more

Blackness Castle - Castles Near Me - Blackness, FAL

One of my favourite castle in West Lothian. Fantastic view and wonderful historic site. read more

Blackness Castle is a fab wee visit on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Great views of the Firth of Forth, the Bridges and the castle itself is an intriguing one. How many castles have you seen that are boat shaped? Well then! While we were visiting, there was a fun family day (Siege on the Forth) that looked at medieval battles - or in other words, allowing kids to attack parents with foam pikes. Relatively inexpensive for Historic Scotland as well. There are some walks around the coastline as well as other places to visit (Hopetoun House, House of Binns) to keep the activities going after you finish at the castle as well. read more

Very impressive site, well worth a visit

Very picturesque. Not as expensive as other historic scotland sites but that's because it'll take you less than an hour to see everything. on a nice day you could have a picnic here but on a cold day you'll be in, round and out as quick as you can because it's freezing. the man in the shop is lovely and very helpful. read more

nice and historic!