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

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

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

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.

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Greyfriars Kirk

1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2QQ

Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a worshipping congregation of the Church of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where a church has stood since 1620.

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

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU

Owned by The Earl and Countess of RosslynRosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel...

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

Scott Monument

Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

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

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