- Enjoy the woodland walks and historic buildings around Kinneil Estate and make sure you take a look at the remains of a Roman Fortlet, which was part of the Antonine Wall. In the grouns you will find Kinneil House an impressive mansion dating back to the 15th century, which boasts some of the best Renaissance wall paintings in Scotland. (Open days available from 2021). If you are fan of Roman history, you cannot leave the area without visiting the Bridgeness Slab, a replica of an amazing piece of Roman art discovered in Bon’ess in 1868 and recently featured on a series of stamps from the Royal Mail.
- From Kinneil Estate you can follow Kinneil Nature Reserve Trail. Part of the Firth of Forth Special Protected Area, it was once dominated by the Kinneil Colliery, it is a great place to walk, cycle, bird watch and appreciate the landscape of the inner Forth.
- On the route, you’ll find Bo’ness Motor Museum a real hidden gem and a must for film fans. It is home to a private collection of classic cars, famous movie cars and memorabilia from 007, The Saint, Harry Potter and Thunderbirds. (open weekends only from 11am to 4pm. Please phone 01506 827007 to book an appointment for a weekday visit.)
- If you are feeling peckish, choose one of the many pubs or restaurants in Bo’ness town centre for a bite, for a small town there is a huge choice - The Corbie Inn has a beer garden and kids play area. If you fancy a traditional fish & chip supper then Corvi’s is a must and you can always pop in for an ice-cream at Mcmoo’s Ice-cream Parlour (you can check out the full range of places to eat here). While in the town centre, get around and explore the great mix of independent retailers and admire the beautifully restored Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness Town Hall and many other historic buildings.
- A visit to Bo’ness is not completed without visiting Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway & Museum of Scottish Railways. Soak up the atmosphere of this heritage railway, travel by steam train and explore Scotland's largest railway museum.
- Alternatively, you can explore a section of the John Muir Way, which links the east and west coasts of Scotland. From Bo’ness, cycle along the John Muir trail which follows the water’s edge to Blackness where you will get great views across the River Forth. Another way to get to the castle is on the Bo’ness community bus. Rest your tired feet and enjoy the warm atmosphere and quirkiness of The Lobster Pot. A great place to enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee, or a delicious lunch or dinner. When it is safe to do so, explore Blackness Castle, known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ and enjoy fantastic views across the Firth of Forth. And finish off your trip with a well-deserved homemade ice cream at the award-winning Mannerstons Café & Farm Shop.
