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The photograph shows the ruins in 2005; conservation work is currently visible in parts of the site.
Port of Menteith · Historical
Inchmahome Priory
The boat ride is part of the outing at Inchmahome Priory. It takes you across the Lake of Menteith to a wooded island with medieval ruins and space for a picnic. Children who like boats and old buildings may enjoy this short trip, but the small boat, rough paths and steps make access the deciding factor for some families.
- Best for
- Children happy with boats and uneven ground
- Cost
- Paid entry includes the boat
- Weather
- Outdoor visit and boat crossing
- Time to allow
- A morning or afternoon, including boat waits
Our family take
The crossing makes this feel like an adventure before you reach the priory. Once ashore, you can look around the ruins and spend time on the island. It is a good fit for a shorter outdoor outing, especially with children who enjoy a boat ride; allow time to catch the return sailing.
- Boat access. The 12-seat boat is the only way across. Everyone must be able to climb in and out; book ahead to secure seats.
- With a buggy. Piers and island paths are uneven, with steps at the ticket office and toilets. Check directly with the site if bringing a buggy is essential.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Boat and booking
- A small 12-seat motor boat runs from the boatshed at Port of Menteith. Seats are limited; book online by midnight the day before to secure entry and the lower ticket price.
- Admission
- Online: adult £10, child aged 7–15 £5. In person: adult £11, child £5.50. Member, family and other ticket types are available; check the booking page for your group.
- Opening season
- Daily April–October; closed November–March. October hours are 10am–3pm, with the last listed outward boat at 1.45pm. Check current sailings and any closure before leaving.
- Departure and parking
- Use the boatshed at Port of Menteith, FK8 3RA, rather than navigating to the island. The rough tarmac car park has 16 bays. Check parking arrangements before travelling.
- Access and toilets
- You must climb into and out of the boat. The piers and island paths are uneven. Island toilets are up five earthen steps; HES lists an accessible toilet on the mainland at the Lake of Menteith Hotel.
- Food and water
- There is a picnic area and a shop. Bring food and drinking water; the island water supply is not suitable for drinking.
Gift shopToiletsPacked lunch spaceParking
18 October 2026
Check boat times and book tickets (official)A little more detail
Make it work for your family
The boat, ruins and island
The boat shuttles visitors from the mainland pier to the island. The crossing is part of the fun, but most of your time will be spent ashore.
Once ashore, explore the remains of the Augustinian priory, founded around 1238, and the wooded grounds. Mary Queen of Scots sheltered here as a young child. The island suits a gentle look around rather than a full day of activities.
Conservation work is under way, with fencing and equipment visible in places. The ruins are still the focus, but the island may look different from older photos.
Official site overview · Checked 2026-10-18
Can your family manage the crossing?
Visitors need to climb into and out of the motor boat. Both piers have uneven stone paving, and there is a low threshold at the boatshed. The island is fairly level but its unsurfaced paths have roots and large stones; the ruins have grass, gravel and thresholds.
The ticket office and shop have two shallow steps. Toilets by reception are up five earthen steps. HES says visitors with limited mobility can see about half of several priory areas, with other rooms harder to reach. If someone needs step-free access or you need to bring a buggy, contact the site before booking rather than assuming the crossing will work.
Official access information · Checked 2026-10-18
Tickets, sailings and a backup plan
Choose an outward sailing that leaves time to explore before closing, and ask staff about the return boat when you arrive. If your preferred sailing is full, the outing may not work as an unplanned stop.
The priory is open April to October. Sailings and closing times change in October, and weather can affect a boat outing. Check the official page shortly before setting off and keep a mainland alternative in mind if a sailing is unavailable.
Pack a picnic if you want to linger. There is a shop, but no café is listed, and the island water is not drinkable.
Official tickets and visitor details · Checked 2026-10-18
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