Lochleven Castle
Kinross, Perth and Kinross
About Lochleven Castle
Lochleven Castle offers a pleasant boat ride over to the castle proper which is steeped in significant history that'll get kids' imaginations running! There's plenty to learn too some of which could be a great extra credit resource for school agers.
The island fastness of Lochleven is associated with many colourful events and has been visited by countless notorious personalities during its history. Some of those taking the boat across Loch Leven came of their own accord, including King Robert Bruce (in 1313 and 1323). Others were held prisoner within the castle walls, such as Robert the High Stewart in 1369, some 2 years before his coronation as Robert II, the first of the royal house of Stewart.
But the castle will be forever associated in the memory with another Stewart sovereign, Mary Queen of Scots. She first visited in 1561 as a guest of the owner, Sir William Douglas. But her last stay, in 1567-8, was as his prisoner and you can stand in the rooms she was confined to - you can even pine a bit if you like! It was at Lochleven that she was compelled to abdicate her throne in favour of her infant son, James VI. The castle walls held her for less than a year. In May 1568 she escaped across the loch and before that month was out she was in exile in England. Go Mary!
It can be a relative adventure just getting there in the first place, as you can catch boat from the pier at nearby Kinross and cruise on over in style! There's parking at the boat departure point too.
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10:00-16:15
Pricing & Tickets
Adults: £7.50
Kids (5-15): £4.50
Concessions: £6.00
Under 5's: Free
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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