The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.5 / 5 · 189 reviews GROUNDS ONLY

Clackmannan Tower

Clackmannanshire, Scotland


Clackmannan Tower
Clackmannan Tower, further view Clackmannan Tower, further view

Key facts

Operator
Historic Environment Scotland
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Grounds only

Pinpoint

High St, Clackmannan FK10 4HR

Telephone 0131 668 8600

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

A brooding medieval tower on a hilltop above Clackmannan, once part of the Earls of Mar's estate, with panoramic views over the Forth valley and the Ochils that reviewers rate among the best in central Scotland. The interior isn't regularly open, so this is chiefly a viewpoint and a walk rather than a full site visit.

Worth the trip

The panoramic view over the Forth, Falkirk, and the Ochil Hills — reviewers say it's as good as any viewpoint in central Scotland, tower or no.

Before you go

Don't plan around getting inside — the interior isn't regularly open — but there's a small car park and surrounding walks that make it worth combining with a longer walking route rather than treating it as a stand-alone stop.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.5 / 5 across 189 Google reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the panoramic views from the hilltop site over the Forth valley and surrounding countryside, along with the tower's history connected to Mary Queen of Scots and King James, and helpful, knowledgeable staff. One visitor notes the tower itself isn't open to go inside, so the appeal is mainly the exterior and the views rather than an interior tour, and parking is limited with a cattle grid to watch for.

Exterior viewable year-round; interior not regularly open

“I have a drone video from here. Great place! 5 stars! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿”— Experiment Topic, visitor review

Further reading

book
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
Castles of Britain and Ireland cover book
Castles of Britain and Ireland

Plantagenet Somerset Fry

Find it on Amazon
The English Castle: 1066-1650 cover book
The English Castle: 1066-1650

John Goodall

Find it on Amazon