Blackness Castle stands on a rocky promontory jutting into the Forth Estuary. It was built in the 15th century to guard a natural harbour on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. The Castle was protected on three sides by sea or salt marsh and on the landward side by a deep ditch cut into the natural rock. The design of the Castle is based on that of a ship with bows, stern and stern tower. Blackness served as a seaport for the Royal Burgh and Palace of Linlithgow. The Castle has served as a Royal Castle, a state prison, a military garrison and an armaments depot. In 1990 the Italian film director, Franco Zeffirelli, used the castle for some location filming of 'Hamlet'.
Address
Bo'ness, West Lothian. EH49 7NH.
Directions
The Castle is by Blackness village on the Firth of Forth, 4 miles NE of Linlithgow and 7 miles W of South Queensferry. From the M9 Edinburgh - Stirling motorway turn off at the A803 and take the B903to Blackness. From the Forth Road Bridge and South Queensferry take the A904 Bo'ness road and turn off at the B9109.
Opening times
Please note opening times may change annually. Contact the property representative.
Open all year Closed Thursdays and Fridays in Winter. Check with Custodian 1 April - 30 September Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 6.30pm(last admission at 6pm) Sundays 2pm - 6.30pm (last admission at 6pm)1 October - 31 March Monday - Wednesday and Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm(last admission at 4pm) Sundays 2pm - 4.30pm (last admission at 4pm)
Target groups
Primary 4 - Secondary 2.
Charges
Free educational visits, provided they are booked at least 10 days in advance. Application forms from:- Historic Scotland 20 Brandon Street Edinburgh EH3 5RA Please send completed forms direct to the Custodian at the Castle.
Contact
Address: The Custodian Blackness Castle, Bo'ness, West Lothian, EH49 7NH. For educational enquiries only, contact:- The Education Officer, Historic Scotland, 20 Brandon Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5RA.