Venue Description

Step inside a largely intact medieval castle whose doughty defences once guarded the Firth of Forth. Known as "The Ship that Never Sailed" for its boat-like shape, Blackness Castle was built in the 1400s for Sir George Crichton, Admiral of Scotland. The castle walls contain clues to its many guises; besieged coastal stronghold, jail for political prisoners and Victorian ammunitions depot. 29 Mar to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm Last entry 4.15pm 1 Oct to 28 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm Last entry 3.15pm Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry.

Accessibility

Visitor Centre Enter via three concrete steps with a handrail on both sides. Monument The ground level of the castle is mostly uneven rock or cobbles, and is slippery when wet. The pier is of planked wood coated with an anti-slip surface. The south (stern) tower is reached over a rough cut rock stair and a stone spiral staircase of 51 steps. The east courtyard parapet (wall walk) is reached along the west spur, up a series of stone staircases or through the great hall, via a spiral staircase with no handrail. The roof of the north (fore) tower is reached up 40 stone steps to the spur battery then along the battlements and up a further two sets (1 wood, 1 stone) of 7 steps. The first floor is reached up a further 16 timber steps with a handrail on the left-hand side. The mid tower is reached through a spring mounted wooden door. The upper levels are reached via wide and even stone spiral stairs with no handrails.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot./access

Toilets

The nearest adapted toilets are at Tesco, Link Road, Bo Ness EH51 9AN; 3.4 miles.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.