Linlithgow Palace

Explore the magnificent ruins of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.

About Linlithgow Palace

	Linlithgow Palace Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL
	01506842896
	Linlithgow Palace Website
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture

This impressive retreat was an ideal place for royals to break the journey between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. High towers look out over lush greenery and a loch brimming with wildfowl, which is today a Site of Special Scientific Interest cared for by our rangers.

Several monarchs were born in this royal ‘pleasure palace’, surrounded by its peaceful gardens and grounds. Our annual Spectacular Jousting event each summer harks back to the days of medieval tournaments on Linlithgow Peel.

What to see and do:

Step inside the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace

Gain unique insights into the domestic life of Scottish royalty

See the ornate fountain in action every Sunday in July and August

Admire elegant architecture such as the oriel windows of the king’s and queen’s bedchambers

Enjoy open views from Queen Margaret’s Bower over the peel and loch to the Forth bridges

Have a picnic by the loch and spot some local wildlife

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Upcoming Events at Linlithgow Palace

Tour

Trees in Winter

18th January 2026

Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow

Join a ranger to learn the tips and tricks to identify trees in winter around the lovely setting of Linlithgow Peel and Loch on Sunday 18th January!

Tour

Winter Wetland Wander

1st February 2026

Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow

Join a ranger on Sunday 1st February to celebrate World Wetland Day and discover why the wetland of Linlithgow Loch is so important for wildlife!

Family and Kids

Linlithgow Family Adventure

11th February 2026

Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow

Aimed at age 5yrs+, come along and discover more about Linlithgow's wildlife, history and landscape with these fun filled sessions at at Linlithgow Loch and Peel.

Music

Party at the Palace

8th August 2026 - 9th August 2026

Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow

Party at The Palace is coming home this summer! The annual festival returns to The Peel, right next to the Palace, on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August!

History and Culture

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.

History and Culture

Curious About Edinburgh Tour

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Have fun discovering Edinburgh with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt... buy or instantly download & get curious!

History and Culture

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HG

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas.

History and Culture

Barnton Bunker

R4, ROTOR Complex, Barnton Bunker 35 Clermiston Road North, Edinburgh West EH4 7BN

Hidden within the affluent Edinburgh suburbs Barnton Bunker complex is a unique setting steeped in history!

History and Culture

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

Canongate Kirk is the parish church of Canongate in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a congregation of the Church of Scotland.

History and Culture

Military Museum Scotland

Legion Hall Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston , Kirknewton EH27 8EJ

Come and learn about the Scottish involvement in the British military from WW1 to the present day at the Military Museum Scotland!

History and Culture

Surgeons Hall Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9DW

Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.

History and Culture

Traquair House

Traquair House , Innerleithen EH44 6PW

Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the famous Brewery!

History and Culture

John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

History and Culture