Lochleven Castle
Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Lochgelly, 5.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Island prison of Mary Queen of Scots; boat access
Pinpoint
Pier Rd, Kinross KY13 8UF
Telephone 07836 313769
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 10am to 4.30pm |
| 1 October - 31 October | Daily 10am to 3pm |
Last entry: Last outward sailing is 1 hour before closing
- Closed
- 1 November to 31 March.
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
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.
At a glance
Who to know
Mary, Queen of Scots · held prisoner here until her escape in 1568
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.
What visitors say
Lochleven Castle reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 486 Google reviews
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.
“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
Within reach of Edinburgh (19 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Walks at Lochleven Castle
Lochleven Castle is on our walks roll because a visitor described a walk here in their own review:
“The only down side was there were so many flies at that time of year it was impossible to do the woodland walk.”- MK W, visitor review
Comparing options? See every UK castle with a walk visitors describe.
One visitor's account, not a route guide. We hold no distances, waymarks or start points. For the actual route, check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map before you set out, and treat coastal and clifftop paths as weather- and tide-dependent.
History
1300s
Built on an island in Loch Leven in the 1300s, making it one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, this fortress gained lasting fame through Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment there in 1567-68. She was forced to abdicate during her confinement before escaping with help from her gaoler's family.
Drawn from Historic Environment Scotland's own page.
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
- “Plenty of parking with clear signs and toilets nearby.” - LJ M
- Facilities
- “The castle is small but full of history and charm, with picnic spots and great views (you can even see Kinross House).” - LJ M
Common questions about Lochleven Castle
Where is Lochleven Castle?
Lochleven Castle is in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, at Pier Rd, Kinross KY13 8UF.
Do you need a ticket to visit Lochleven Castle?
Yes - Lochleven Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Are there walks at Lochleven Castle?
Visitor reviews describe walking here - one reviewer wrote: “The only down side was there were so many flies at that time of year it was impossible to do the woodland walk.”. That is one visitor's account rather than a route guide, so check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map for distances, paths and start points before setting out.
What is the highlight of visiting Lochleven Castle?
The boat crossing itself, followed by the dungeons and what reviewers cheerfully call the Queen's long-drop loo.
Is Lochleven Castle a ruin or still intact?
Lochleven Castle is a partial ruin - Island prison of Mary Queen of Scots; boat access.
