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.

History and Culture

House of the Binns

House Of The Binns Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years.

History and Culture

Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh South EH16 4SY

Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!

History and Culture

Gladstones Land

477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT

Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!

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The Cadies & Witchery Tours

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The award-winning Cadies & Witchery Tours invite you to join their fearless phantoms for a suspenseful and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh's Old Town!

History and Culture

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

History and Culture

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle , Blackness EH49 7NH

Blackness Castle stands by the Firth of Forth, at the port that served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times.

History and Culture

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.

History and Culture

The Real Mary Kings Close

2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1PG

Edinburgh's deepest secret, the Real Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath the Royal Mile... a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century!

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

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

History and Culture

Lauriston Castle

2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD

When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.

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.

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