Blackness Castle

“it’s one of the ruins that Cromwell knocked about a bit”

Harry Bedford and Terry Sullivan

Getting there

located on the shores of the beautiful coastal village of Blackness, this castle is convenient for Edinburgh and Falkirk. just off the M9 along a rural road towards the Firth of forth, when you arrive in Blackness take a sharp right along the very narrow road to the small car park at the castle (watch out for dog walkers!).

Entry costs and services

I bagged this castle on Sunday 10th of November 2019 and the entry costs where: Adult-£6 Concession-£4.80 Child (5-15)-£3.60 Members-free. some prices may change.

Open all year April- September 09:30-17:30. October-March 10:00-16:00

there is a car park, lots of walks along the foreshore (check with owner about dogs in building) and great little pub with food and drinks and a shop in the town.

website: http://www.hisoricenvironment.scot

phone: +44 01506 834807

Review

This is another filming location for the TV series Outlander. It was used as a prison in the show, but was also a prison in its past.

Originally it was built as a home, but soon was used as a Garrison Fortress and a state prison. The outside of the castle area has a gun hole that was damaged in 1651 during Cromwells invasion of Scotland. It was poorly patched up and you can still see the damage.

Once you enter the courtyard area be aware of the very uneven ground. Sensible walking shoes are required. From the courtyard you can get to the drawbridge, which then takes you out on to a pier.

You get access to the three main towers from the courtyard, they are called the Stem, Main Mast and Stern towers. You can also get amazing views from the top of one of these towers.

The castle feels very secluded and gloomy. The towers are imposing as you stand in the rugged courtyard. This is the eeriest castle I have visited so far!

This castle has a very different feel to it than the others I have visited. You can certainly see why it was used as a prison. It must have been a bleak and dingy place to be imprisoned.

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Overall I really enjoyed my visit to this castle this time, and I have done the other times I have visited over the years. Although I wouldn’t want to spend the night here!