Lochleven Castle

Lochleven Castle, Pier Road, Kinross, Perth and Kinross, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Lochleven Castle is a dramatic island stronghold located in the middle of Loch Leven in Kinross, Scotland. Reached only by boat, this historic castle is best known as the prison of Mary Queen of Scots in 1567. Surrounded by peaceful waters and scenic views, it offers visitors a powerful glimpse into Scotland’s royal past. 

Visitors cross the loch by boat to reach the island, just as Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots once did. You can explore the 14th-century tower house where Mary was imprisoned, see the charming Glassin Tower built in the 1500s, and walk around the quiet island grounds. Seasonal woodland walks, wildlife, and a fun fact-finding quiz add to the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable. 

Online admission prices are £10.00 for adults, £8.00 for concessions and £6.00 for children, with family tickets ranging from £20.00 to £34.00. Walk-up prices are slightly higher, with adults at £11.00, concessions at £9.00 and children at £6.50. 

With its unique boat access, royal connections and tranquil island setting, Lochleven Castle offers a memorable and atmospheric day out. It’s an ideal destination for history lovers, families and anyone wanting to explore one of Scotland’s most fascinating historic sites.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • 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.
  • 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.

Facilities

  • Parking: Parking available.
  • Toilets: Toilet available. 

What to see

  • 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
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle. 

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission (Online price / Walk-up price)

  • Adult: £10.00 / £11.00
  • Concession (65yrs+ & unemployed): £8.00 / £9.00
  • Child (7–15yrs): £6.00 / £6.50
  • Family (1 adult, 2 children): £20.00 / £21.50
  • Family (2 adults, 2 children): £29.00 / £31.50
  • Family (2 adults, 3 children): £34.00 / £37.50

Pricing URL: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/lochleven-castle/prices-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 10am to last outward sailing at 3.30pm (closes 4.30pm)
  • 1 to 31 Oct: Daily, 10am to last outward sailing at 2pm (closes 3pm)
  • 1 Nov to 31 Mar: Closed

Address: Lochleven Castle, Pier Road, Kinross, Perth and Kinross, UK

Post Code: KY138UF

Council: Kinross

County: Perth and Kinross

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