Kinneil House
Explore 2,000 years of history around this impressive house, from Roman occupation in the surrounding estate to the Industrial Revolution.
Built in the middle of the 16th century next to the Antonine Wall, Kinneil House was one of the seats of the powerful and influential Hamilton family. Undergoing several extensions and refurbishments over the course of 300 years, Kinneil House reflected the Hamiltons’ high status both inside and out.
Moving forward into the future, Kinneil House has a good claim to being the birthplace of the improved steam engine thanks to pioneering Scots engineer James Watt, who contributed substantially to the industrial revolution when he developed his first engine in a small workshop beside the house in the 1700s.
Prices and opening times
You can visit the grounds and museum year-round without booking.
Guided Tours (must be booked in advance):
Every Saturday from 6 April to 28 Sept (except 1 June & 31 August).
Times: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.
Museum opening times (next to Kinneil House):
Year-round and daily except Tuesday, 12.30pm to 4pm.
Getting here
On the western outskirts of Bo’ness. Off A993 at junction with Provost Road, follow signs for Kinneil House.
For sat nav enter EH51 0PR.
Limited parking available in estate, or park outside the estate at busy times.
Grid reference - NS 982 805.
Telephone: 07780 218 632
By bus
There are regular Citylink buses (look for their Edinburgh-Stirling service) which connect Bo’ness with Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport, Grangemouth, Stirling, Cumbernauld and Glasgow. There are also regular local buses between Bo'ness and Linlithgow (where there is the nearest mainline rail station), and between Bo'ness, Grangemouth and Falkirk
