Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Pier Rd, Kinross KY13 8UF
Telephone 07836 313769
Website www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/lochleven-castle
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
An island ruin that held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner until her escape in 1568, reachable only by a short Historic Environment Scotland ferry crossing from the loch shore. The isolation is part of the appeal - once you're there, it's just the castle, the water and the interpretation boards.
Worth the trip
The boat crossing itself, followed by the dungeons and what reviewers cheerfully call the Queen's long-drop loo.
Before you go
Book the boat crossing ahead - one reviewer regretted turning up without a booking - and expect flies around the loch in summer.
Recent reviews of Lochleven Castle are all five-star, with the Mary Queen of Scots history and the boat trip across the loch to reach the island repeatedly named as highlights. Staff on the boat and at the castle are consistently described as friendly and informative. Several reviewers strongly recommend booking your boat crossing in advance rather than risking availability on the day, and one mentions that summer flies can make the woodland walk unpleasant, though this didn't spoil the overall visit.
Island prison of Mary Queen of Scots; boat access
“Fantastic little castle to visit. The trip there is by boat to the island, and the island itself is absolutely beautiful. Perfect for those who want to visit castles that are a little off the usual touristic path! Staff…”— Debbie, visitor review
