📌 Blackness, Falkirk
★★★★
Built by the Crichton family in the 1400s, Blackness Castle enjoys a superb setting on a promontory extending into the Forth Estuary between South Queensferry and Bo’ness. This location combined with its boat-like appearance from the seaward side has led to it being christened as “the ship that never sailed”. The 5 following centuries have often been dark: the castle has served as state prison, ammunition store and military garrison as well as its usual purpose of family residence. Within the walls there’s a lot to explore, including a gloomy bedrock courtyard, parapet walks and three different towers with myriad staircases. Tall walls and towers cast long shadows over the courtyard in winter which makes photography tricky, but wander out onto the long pier and you’re rewarded with superb views of both the castle and the Firth of Forth’s bridges, whatever the season.
🌍 Location
📌 Minor road end, 0.5 mi east of Blackness
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 055803
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.006048,-3.516089
🚌 Bus to Blackness
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily
🎫 £7.50 adult / £4.50 child / free for Historic Environment Scotland members
🦞 The Lobster Pot in Blackness village is a superbly-decorated pub serving hearty grub – yes, lobster is on the menu.
