Alloa Tower
Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Photo: chdphd, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: AllyD at English Wikipedia, Public domain · HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Alloa, 0.4 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Medieval tower house of the Erskines; seasonal opening
Pinpoint
Alloa Park Dr, Alloa FK10 1PL
Telephone 01259 211701
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
A medieval tower house that was the seat of the Erskine family, kept by the National Trust for Scotland with original timber roof structure surviving inside, rare for a building of this age. Reviewers rate the staff's knowledge of the family history, including its ghost stories and reputed curse, as much a part of the visit as the building.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The staff's stories - reviewers repeatedly mention the ghost stories and family curse attached to the tower, told well enough to be a highlight in their own right.
Before you go
The internal staircases are steep and narrow between floors, so anyone with mobility concerns should expect the upper levels to be difficult - but the roof view over Alloa and the Firth is worth the climb for those who can manage it.
What visitors say
Alloa Tower reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 272 Google reviews
Most visitors praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who share stories about the tower's history and its family ghost stories, along with good views from the top.
A couple of reviewers note the staircases between levels are tight and steep, which could be tricky for anyone with mobility issues, and one visitor rated it lower, feeling it was less interesting than other National Trust for Scotland properties and not worth a long trip just for this.
“Beautiful place walking distance from Alloa. Great views over the town and the Firth from the roof. Staff very knowledgeable about the towers and families history.”- Rob Bennett, visitor review
Within reach of Glasgow (25 miles), Edinburgh (26 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what National Trust for Scotland says
Parking at the entrance to the tower is possible by prior arrangement, and an accessible toilet is available. Large-print interpretation, a film about the tower and slides of the portraits are available on request. A detailed Accessibility Guide for Alloa Tower is published.
Taken from National Trust for Scotland’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
Erskine family
An early 14th-century tower house built as part of Firth of Forth defences, it served as the medieval seat of the Erskine family (later Earls of Mar) with walls nearly 4 metres thick. John Erskine built a large mansion incorporating the tower in 1710; the mansion burned in 1800 and was demolished after 1868. The tower alone survives as a public attraction.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Easy to get to with convenient parking.” - April L
- Guided tours
- “The guides were helpful and friendly too.” - Deborah Aitken
Common questions about Alloa Tower
Where is Alloa Tower?
Alloa Tower is in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, at Alloa Park Dr, Alloa FK10 1PL.
Do you need a ticket to visit Alloa Tower?
Yes - Alloa Tower is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust for Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Alloa Tower?
The staff's stories - reviewers repeatedly mention the ghost stories and family curse attached to the tower, told well enough to be a highlight in their own right.
Is Alloa Tower a ruin or still intact?
Alloa Tower is largely intact - Medieval tower house of the Erskines; seasonal opening.
