A TOWN WITH A STORY
From medieval keep to family home.
Alloa Tower is a surviving medieval tower house associated with the Erskine family, Earls of Mar and Kellie. The National Trust for Scotland describes it as Scotland’s largest surviving keep. Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI spent time here as children. Inside, eighteenth-century rooms reflect changes made by John Erskine, the sixth Earl of Mar, who led the 1715 Jacobite Rising.
Look for the contrast between the building’s defensive origins and its later interiors. Art, family collections and the roof views add different layers to a visit. It is a useful choice when you want to explore Alloa itself rather than spend the day travelling.
Read the National Trust for Scotland’s introduction to Alloa Tower for its history and collection highlights.
PLAN BEFORE SETTING OUT
Opening times & admission.
The published 2026 season runs 3 April to 31 October, Friday to Monday, 12 noon to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. The published winter closure is 1 November to 28 February 2027. Check the Trust’s calendar for your intended date.
| Ticket | Published price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £9.50 |
| Concession | £8.50 |
| Child | £5.50 |
| Family | £26.50 |
| One-adult family | £18.00 |
| Young Scot | £1.00 |
| National Trust for Scotland member | Free |
Ticket eligibility and arrangements can change. Check current opening times, prices and facilities before making the journey.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Getting there & moving around.
The tower is on Alloa Park Drive, Alloa, FK10 1PL. Plan the route from your starting point; the town’s railway station provides a public transport option.
The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, but upper floors and the roof require stairs, including a steep, narrow spiral staircase. Accessible parking at the entrance can be arranged in advance. Contact the Trust about your specific access needs through its visitor page.
Stairs are also relevant when choosing where to stay: Dhuha is an upstairs flat with external access stairs. Read our apartment access information before enquiring.
LEAVE ROOM IN THE DAY
A visit without a long journey.
Keep the tower as your main visit, then spend time in Alloa. The food and grocery guide helps with a takeaway or ingredients for dinner, while the local mosque information helps you plan prayer around your outing.
If your group wants fresh air as well, consider a separate walk at Gartmorn Dam or on the Devon Way. For another day of Scottish history, look at Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. Avoid squeezing every attraction into a single day.
Your Alloa Tower questions.
Is Alloa Tower open every day?
No. Its published 2026 season opens Friday to Monday, with a winter closure. Use the seasonal visiting information and the Trust’s linked calendar before setting out.
Can families visit?
Yes. The Trust publishes child and family admission rates. Consider the stairs and your children’s needs when deciding how much of the tower to explore.
Is Alloa Tower the same as Stirling Castle?
No. They are separate attractions in different towns. Alloa Tower is a tower house in Alloa; Stirling Castle makes a separate history-focused outing.
Where can we stay nearby?
Dhuha is a self-catering apartment in Alloa, with a halal kitchen and space for prayer. Ask about your dates for availability and a whole-apartment quote.
Visitor information checked 13 October 2026 against the National Trust for Scotland. Recheck before travel.
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