Fortress overlooking the Firth of Forth – Blackness Castle

Please join us at Blackness Castle on the southern banks of the Firth of Forth for some social photography and afternoon lunch nearby.

Where: Blackness Castle, West Lothian
When: 11:45 AM, 20th June
Tickets: Castle admission tickets required (see further details below)
Lunch: From 13:30 at Mannerstons Cafe & Farm Shop (7 mins drive)

Blackness Castle
Built in the 15th century, this imposing fortress boasts a long history as a royal residence, naval stronghold and in modern times, a popular tourist site. It’s picturesque location on the banks of the Firth of Forth, and imposing stone fortifications make Blackness Castle a popular film location. Film fans might recognise it from the hit TV series, Outlander, and 2018 film, Mary Queen of Scots.

Brief: Roam around and capture Blackness Castle’s formidable and purposeful medieval stone architecture, strategic location and views.
Bonus: Those with a telephoto lens can capture the Forth Bridges, boats, seabirds and marine mammals.
Please note, drone usage is not permitted, without pre-approved permission.

Please note, the earlier start, meeting at 11:45 AM.
Carpooling is highly encouraged
Limited parking included in the castle grounds with admission ticket.

Lunch
At around 13:20, we’ll head for lunch booked for 13:30 at Mannerstons Cafe & Farm Shop (7mins drive) heading back along Mannerston Holdings / B9109, Turn right onto A904 driving just 0.3 miles, turn right at the sign.
Tickets:
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) recommend booking your ticket ahead of time to guarantee entry, members included.
Adult (16-64yrs) £7.50
Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed) £6.00
HES members – FREE, using the HES website’s listed discount codes.
Partnership organisations:
FREE for Renewal Members of English Heritage, Cadw and Manx Members, or 50% off for first year members (Using HSE codes).
Discounts for Young Scot, STGA and SITOA card holders.

Transport:
If possible, carpooling is highly encouraged. Limited parking is available inside the castle grounds for castle admission ticket holders. Alternatively, limited paid parking is available in Blackness village, a 5-minute walk away.
Public transport is limited and indirect. Train to Linlithgow, then F49 bus from Linlithgow to Blackness. Please check public transport options close to the date.