Skipness Castle and Chapel
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Largs, 18.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Skipness, Tarbert PA29 6XT
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A free castle on the Kintyre peninsula with a history reaching back to the 1200s, its 18th-century tower still substantially intact and open for visitors to climb to the roof. A ruined chapel a short walk away, with old tombstones by the shore, is worth the detour on its own.
Worth the trip
The view from the tower roof - reviewers rate the sightline across to Arran and Lochranza as the payoff for the climb up.
Before you go
Don't skip the chapel just along from the castle - several reviewers rate it as fascinating in its own right - and the site is accessible enough for visitors with mobility difficulties, according to reviewers who brought an elderly relative.
Reviewers consistently recommend Skipness Castle and Chapel as a free, quiet stop, praising the ability to climb the tower for commanding views and the separate chapel nearby with its interesting old gravestones. Staff are noted as welcoming and accommodating, including for visitors with mobility difficulties, and no drawbacks are mentioned.
Free castle with 16th-century tower house, Kintyre
“Super little gem just off the ferry. Very quiet and do take a trip to the chapel which has some interesting tombstones.”- Jeannette Warr, visitor review
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.
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The steps to the keep are worth the climb, with amazing vistas.” - Lee Duerden
Common questions about Skipness Castle and Chapel
Where is Skipness Castle and Chapel?
Skipness Castle and Chapel is in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, at Skipness, Tarbert PA29 6XT.
Is Skipness Castle and Chapel free to visit?
Yes - Skipness Castle and Chapel is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Skipness Castle and Chapel?
The view from the tower roof - reviewers rate the sightline across to Arran and Lochranza as the payoff for the climb up.
Is Skipness Castle and Chapel a ruin or still intact?
Skipness Castle and Chapel is a ruin - Free castle with 16th-century tower house, Kintyre.
