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

In light of updated Scottish Government advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have taken the decision to close public access to our staffed properties and offices until further notice. All planned public events will also be postponed until further notice – full details of these can be found on our Events page in the coming days: historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

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

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Linlithgow Palace are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Linlithgow Palace

Water Safari - POSTPONED

21st June 2020

Discover Linlithgow Loch by Canadian canoe with the assistance of fully qualified instructors.

Spectacular Jousting - POSTPONED

27th June 2020 - 28th June 2020

Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances at the annual jousting tournament at Linlithgow Palace on 27th and 28th June!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

30th June 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

7th July 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

14th July 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

21st July 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Waters of Life - POSTPONED

26th July 2020

Join Anna Canning from Floramedica as we explore how the waters of Linlithgow would have been used for both health and beauty in Renaissance times!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

28th July 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

4th August 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Linlithgow Holiday Club - POSTPONED

11th August 2020

Check our all the great free Linlithgow Holiday Club events for ages 8 to 12 years on during the summer!

Summer Stroll - POSTPONED

23rd August 2020

Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Linlithgow Loch and Peel and discover the wildlife that calls the loch its home.

Go Bats! - POSTPONED

29th August 2020

Come along for an informative chat and night time walk around the Palace and Peel as we search for Linlithgow's nocturnal inhabitants.

Go Bats! - POSTPONED

6th September 2020

Come along for an informative chat and night time walk around the Palace and Peel as we search for Linlithgow's nocturnal inhabitants.

Crannogs: Ancient Life on Linlithgow Loch - POSTPONED

20th September 2020

Join Historic Scotland and friends from the Scottish Crannog Centre as we journey back in time 2,500 years and learn about the crannogs that were built on Linlithgow Loch!

British Sign Language Tours at Linlithgow Palace - POSTPONED

10th October 2020

Explore Linlithgow Palace with Deaf historian John Hay, whose BSL tour will be translated into English by interpreter Linda Duncan.

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