It's just one of many royal palaces in Scotland, only this one was used as a nursery. It just happens to be where Mary, Queen of Scots was born on 8 Dec 1542. There's a statue of her in the park in front of the palace. It's a very peaceful place to be near a loch of the same name. Linlithgow is said to translate to "lake in the damp (or moist) hallow." Well, it totally makes sense due to the rainy climate. There was a public warning notice about high concentrations of blue-green algae in the lake. So, don't let your pets swim in it. Otherwise, it's nice to get a view of it when walking along the trails. We were there early in the morning for a little walk around the outside of the palace. The entrance gate in particular was in a prison scene from the Outlander TV Series. The castle looks whole from the outside, but in actuality it's missing a roof. There is an £11 admission fee to go inside as of Nov 2025. There's also a free audio guide that you can download from their website. It's very well-done in the way of showing and describing what it once looked like back in the 16th century while giving its history. Another thing to note is that it's free to visit St. Michael's Parish Church where Mary, Queen of Scots was baptized. One could easily spend an hour or so here just wandering around Linlithgow Peel. It was too short of a visit for us, but well worth a stop just to see the exterior and learn about the history here. read more

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Linlithgow Palace was another of the palaces we visited while on our British Isles cruise. This palace is located about 15 miles from Edinburgh, Scotland. Are you fans of the tv series Outlander? If you are, then you may recognize some parts of Linlithgow Palace that was featured in the series. Admission price is not too high, and the audio tour comes with the price of admission making it an even better deal. So if you've seen one castle, then you have seen them all right? Wrong because they are not all the same. Linlithgow Palace was not one of my favorites, but it was still a sight to admire and explore. Have fun learning about this historical landmark. read more

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Very well preserved castle and worth checking out if you're passing through the area. You can climb all the way to the top of one tower, and there are several well preserved rooms on other levels. Driving in is a little tricky if you're unused to narrow driving spaces. read more

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Came here when the Palace was closed due to contructions. We were aware of that, but didn't have another chance to have a look. And it was well worth a visit to see the exterior, the Queen of Scots statue and the Loch. And for a good circular walk with our dog around the Loch. The Palace is impressive. Amazing location, sitting upon a small hill, overlooking the Loch. Once the palace was a majestic royal residence of the Stewarts. Linlithgow Palace served as the royal nursery for James V - born 1512; Mary Queen of Scots - born 1542 and Princess Elizabeth - born 1596. The end came in 1746, when a great fire swept through the palace. Linlithgow Palace today lies roofless and ruined. Right on the grounds you'll find a statue of Mary, Queen of Scots and the impressive St. Michaels Parish Church. A nice place to visit. Closed or not. You could park down at the Water Yett Carpark for free. Makes a nice little stroll up to the palace (or keep going - around the Loch). read more

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One of my favorite walks on a sunny day is around the loch, seeing the beautiful palace from all its angles. I have memories as a kid of school trips to the palace where we would play hide and seek in the ruins, always followed by a picnic on the mound. Linlithgow is a lovely place to visit and the palace is certainly a highlight. read more

Linlithgow Palace - Linlithgow loch and Linlithgow palace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Linlithgow, WLN

One of my favorite "castles" to visit in Scotland and only about 40 minutes driving outside of Edinburgh. It's basically a huge 4-story castle around an incredibly elegant courtyard, which you can walk all the way around. There's great halls, huge fireplaces, amazing views of the courtyard and the loch outside. You can really get up there too onto the top of one tower and see for ways and ways. Beyond that there's a nice walk around the palace down toward the loch with swans and hills with decent views of their own. The history of it's use as a royal palace is also fascinating. There's lots of little cafes, bakeries and shops around the entrance as well if you want to make a day of it. Especially with Blackness Castle, which has a totally different feel and is only 12 minutes away. read more

Gorgeous grounds and castle. Tons of glamorous history as the Queens Pleasure Palace. Back side of castle facing the water is under construction, but the front side is still beautiful. Didn't get to see inside the church as there was a mass in session but overall the experience was great. Would visit again and highly recommend. read more

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The ruins of Linlithgow Palace are located in West Lothian, Scotland, approximately 15 miles west of Edinburgh. During the 15th and 16th centuries the palace was one of the primary residence locations for Scottish monarchs. Today, it is pretty much in ruins, but the walls are solid and there is enough of the interior of the castle remaining to appreciate. Prior to construction of what is now the current palace, the hillside was utilized for a stately manor home that had been built in the 12th century but then replaced by a British military fortification in 1302. Many improvements were made by James III, James IV and James V (who was born there in 1512). Mary, Queen of Scots, was also born here, in 1542, and it is said that she stayed at Linlithgow at various times during her reign. It fell into disrepair in the 1600s with the collapse of the north wall in 1607. King Charles I was the last royal monarch to stay at the palace, taking lodging there for one day in 1633. The grand building lay barren for decades until 1746 when most of the structures were burned by the Duke of Cumberland. More decades passed, until the early 19th century when conservation began and management came under the control of Historic Scotland. The site is currently open year round. Almost everything that remains is accessible to enter or see. There are some fantastic views from the top of the towers. One can imagine, standing in the Great Hall, the festivities and gala events that must have taken place during its prime. Any time one is visiting Edinburgh, it is well worth the time to manage a trip to Linlithgow Palace, if only to learn more of its historic nature. read more

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Fantastic place. I have a fairly active imagination and really enjoyed the fact that the majority of the palace is open to exploration. I could imagine the additional floors and appreciate how large this palace would have been with all it's walls, floors, and ceilings intact. Really enjoyed that it wasn't packed when I went but there was a steady amount of people streaming through even though it was typical breezy, rainy, and cold winter weather. read more

Linlithgow Palace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Linlithgow, WLN

I loved Linlithgow palace, although a ruin now, in its day it was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and as you wander round you will see what was once the palace kitchen,the great hall, and the courtyard. This place is steeped in history and as you wander round, you can just image how it was back then. We climbed to the top of the tower too which gives you an amazing view of the Loch. Also there is a statue of Mary Queen of Scots and a little church nearby, well worth a visit, we loved it and would visit again. read more

A really cool place to explore! It's certainly not as touristy as Edinburgh or Stirling castle which is exactly why I love it. It's quite a large castle that takes some time to go through and its such an adventure- the peak being the top of the tower which has spectacular views. It's a scenic view with the castle overlooking the water and the town. It's also a lovely place to pack a picnic and sit outside the castle, by the water on a nice day. read more

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Great adventure for any age don't recommend biggest or wheelchairs as you get to the top of the towers but other than that really good place highly recomend read more

One of my favourite Castles in Scotland. Its a bit in ruins but still explorable which makes it feel a bit more fun. We are Historic Scotland members so I've been to this castle a few times now. Every time I'm still enchanted by it. The grounds are just grass but beautiful kept with paths that go around the loch thats there, and the fountain in the centre court has amazing sculptures! Each level and space has good signage with historical information. They have different events there at times. This past summer we go to go when they were having a jousting competition! It was AMAZING! and their were actors dress up in medieval costumes and in character! I felt like I could have been in Robin Hood! So magical! If you haven't been here you must! and If your visiting Scotland this is also a must ! read more

Linlithgow Palace is a beautiful ruins set in a small town in central Scotland. Currently it has open hours and admission fees, but I visit a couple years back and it wasn't open for viewing, but the grounds were free to wander and the window-holes free to poke your nose into. Beautifully situated along a pretty lake (full of swans and such), this palace is full of history and sadness. I'd like to take another visit! read more

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Most visited castle/palace in Central Scotland with fly fishing on Linlithgow Loch and during peak tourism season people in period fancy dress wandering its corridors and central courtyard. Partially ruined with missing upper levels and nearby St Michael's Church still holding services with stained glass windows. Hosts occasional pretend heraldic jousts and dog shows in grounds. Take bread to feed ducks, swans and geese. Worth the walk down to waterside with children's play park and nearby pubs such as Three Sisters and Italian Bar Leo to east and Golden Chippie and ice cream shops to west. Free entry with Historic Scotland pass. read more

Linlithgow Palace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Linlithgow, WLN

Not being from Scotland, I am still mystified by anything that resembles a castle, or in this case, a palace. I'm big on history as well, and having taken a Scottish History course this year, it only made that much more sense to take a wee trip out to see what this palace was all about. My boyfriends Gran used to bring him out here when he was younger, so it was nice to experience another place he and his family frequented. The Palace itself is grand. Although more in ruins than a castle, there are plenty of guide markers with drawings of what would have been where we were standing. We got lost a few times, and wound up where we started a few times while looking for certain things, but one thing is for sure, it was pretty amazing. I often found myself thinking about Downton Abbey especially in the kitchen areas, everything was just so big and I could imagine there being loads of help cooking away for whoever occupied the palace at the moment. It's rather a cheap day out if you make it before closing. Two adults only cost £11 and we were able to stay as long as we wanted as long as we were out before 4:30pm. It being Valentines Day and our anniversary, it was even more spectacular seeing a wedding party having their pictures taken in the palace. Linlithgow as a whole is a pretty amazing little town, with the added bonus of Linlithgow Palace and the loch, it makes for a great day out of the city. read more

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Rather impressive ruin of what must have been a mighty royal palace. The fact (?!) that Mary Queen of Scots was born in this palace (which then burned to the ground in the 18th century and hasn't had a roof since) may be important to you - but it's not vital to enjoying an hour or so at this place. For the palace ruin itself is very impressive and offers a lot of great photo opportunities. In the summer, you will also be given a free, short (c. 15 minutes) tour of the remaining principal rooms by volunteer school children from the area. Well, I certainly hope they'll get a brownie point or two from their school for this. ;) In July and August they'll also turn on the decorative fountain that sits in the middle of the palace court, but on Sundays only. The facilities are rather basic though: There's one toilet (and I do mean *one*), and a very small gift shop/ticket office. But the lawn surrounding Linlithgow Palace makes splendid picnic grounds, and of course there's the small lake below the castle to stroll along. The entrance fee is modest indeed, And you can easily reach the palace with either the No.49 bus or the train from Edinburgh (which, most times, will also be a replacement bus service rather than an actual train). Linlithgow itself is a cozy, sleepy little hovel with very little else to see. If you're staying for lunch or dinner, I do recommend The Four Marys, which is just a 5 minute walk from the palace. Beer enthusiasts should give the Platform 3, next to the railway station, a try. See my photos for further impressions of the palace. read more

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Linlithgow Palace is one of my favourite historical sites in central Scotland. It's a late medieval/renaissance romantic ruin, at the heart of scenic Linlithgow. After a fire in 1424 burnt down the old fort, James I decided to rebuild as part of his great castle construction projects that he was using to reinforce his reign. The castle which while defensive, was basically more of a pleasure palace for the monarch and their court, was built up over the succeeding Stuart reigns. One of the great things about the Palace is that by looking from the East Range around in a clockwise direction you can see the succession of of styles as the Palace grew. The palace is famous for a few reasons. This is where Margaret Tudor awaited the news of her husband's fate at the battle of Flodden, and of course where Mary Queen of Scots was born in 1542. A less well known fact is that this is where Scotland's "three estaits" (basically its parliament) met to elect the first Stuart king Robert I, beginning a dynasty that would last through the Union of the Crowns and the English Civil War and beyond. One of the highlights of the Palace is a recently restored fountain, built by Mary's father James V, in a very beautiful renaissance style. It's highly symbolic and the many figures represent the social structure of the day and the alliance between Scotland and France in the face of a common enemy down south. Robert Burns described Linlithgow Palace as "fine but melancholy". I'm not so sure about the latter but there is something poetic about it. It is a ruin, but you can still get a great sense for the time, especially in the Great Hall which at its time was supposed to be one of the finest in Europe. A great day out if you are at all interested in history, architecture, or Scotland's heritage in general. The kids seems to love it and it makes a good family day out, especially as its not quite so crowded as the likes of Edinburgh Castle. The nearby lawn and Linlithgow Loch make a great picnic spot on a sunny day, or otherwise there are many family friendly pubs and restaurants in the town centre. read more

Linlithgow Palace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Linlithgow, WLN

Located in a small but surprsingly fascinating town, Linlithgow Palace is a brooding, creepy and imposing ruined palace that sticks up from the middle of the town. It's fairly important to Scotch history, as various important people who had their heads cut off spent much of their time here pre-decapitation. It is a ruin, so don't expect too much to do, but it's a great focal point in a town that hosts many intersting nooks and crannies. read more

Very pretty! The palace was a new one to me, though the signs in the town indicated it was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots! The castle is a ruin, but there seems to be guided tours. We didn't go inside, but chose to explore the surroundings. The nearby lough is an amazing sight and felt so peaceful! The grounds are littered with boards containing a wealth of information so we didn't feel we missed out without the tour. read more

I visited Linlithgow Palace twice in one weekend so it probably should get 5*'s. A turbulent and bloody history fuelled by the story of Mary Queen of Scots, it is a ruin now but a particularly magnificent one. Now owned by Historic Scotland, it played host to jousting over two weekends. The grounds are fabulous and after hitting it during our current heat wave, it was a fab place to spend a couple of afternoons. The grounds are well maintained, slopping grassy areas with a huge (and very clean looking) lake. Lots of swans and ducks in the lakes so fun if you have little ones. There are also benches dotted around at the far end under the trees if you want to rest weary legs and lots of bins of you decide to take a picnic. The palace itself is a ruin but actually in good condition if this makes sense. You can still climb the stairs to various floors and little signs throughout in English, French and German tell you what each space is (grand hall, kitchen, royal bedroom). There are also fab little (secret) passages that run along side some of the rooms so you can imagine previous inhabitants moving between rooms whilst plotting intrigue. The jousting was well organised - good fun with 'dashing' knights jousting as well as challenging each other to sword fights, with medieval actors in full costume with little tents dotted around showing lots of medieval crafts and trades. This event was organised by Historic Scotland and was £12 for adult entry but free if you were a member of Historic Scotland. There is normally an admission charge to enter the palace but this was included in the jousting ticket price so I'm not sure how much it is normally. So, I would probably go back and explore more. The palace was really busy due to the jousting event but if this was a normal weekend, then it would be quieter and you'd have more time to explore all those hidden areas as there are a fair few. read more

When tourists, particularly the North American kind, visit Scotland they generally want to see a little bit of history, and down a few whiskys while they're at it. Edinburgh, of course, is the natural choice. But then again, said tourists will probably meet half of their countrymen and women navigating the castle and the city centre there. This is why, whenever I am charged with showing someone around, I ensure our journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh is punctuated with a stop here. Now run by Historic Scotland, the palace cuts a truly stunning figure by Linlithgow Loch and provides an inexpensive and quiet way to savour some of the most historical spots in the country. You'll realise within seconds of disembarking at Linlithgow Station that Mary Queen of Scots was born and brought up here. The town itself has a beautiful High Street with plenty of bars and restaurants, meaning Lilithgow is an ideal sight-seeing and refuelling stop at lunch-time. read more

The stunning beauty of Linlithgow palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scott's, is worth a trip from Edinburgh! I only enjoyed the grounds and walked around the property since I didn't have time to enjoy the inside tour since it was closing. This place is so peaceful and tranquil. I will have to come back here on a future trip and enjoy the inside. Definitely recommend stopping by here as it is very beautiful! read more

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Linlithgow Palace is a well visited place and always has been. It was build and restored and extended by famous kings and queens over the centuries, such like James IV, Mary Stuart, James I of England and Scotland. When walking up the driveway towards the castle gate you will see famous royal name plates on the right side wall starting with Mary Stuart and ending with Elizabeth II. Only a few spaces are left and lets see who else will be on the wall :-) Passing the wonderful ornated gate with the emblems of various European garters on top of the entrance you will see the main entrance to the castle in front of you and the west entrance to St Michael's Kirk on your right. I have visited this a few times and sadly always missed the opening hours for the KIRK visit. I can imagine this Kirk to be wonderful and powerful inside. It is old and mystic. I decided to walk around the castle first and enjoyed a brisk walk in the sunshine along the lake, taking pictures of the ruins and making friends with swans. They did not appear to be frightened by me at all, what I can't really say for myself when they came closer and closer! The palace is a massive several storey ruin and well maintained. We all should be thankful to Historic Scotland to do a good job. Its structure and splendor amazes me. The shape is rectangular with towers on the east and the west side. The original gate was on the east and you still can see the remains. In the middle of the courtyard stands the symbolic fountain build by King James IV to have represented his power, given by the almighty, to the world and especially towards Henry VIII of England. In the 1500's James IV came up with the plan to build a newer and more powerful palace on top of a previous one, which was destroyed by fire that swept through the streets of Linlithgow. Somehow this tale reminds me of Emperor Nero and Rome! The construction took a few years and soon the South, East and West wings were finished that contained the royal chambers, antechambers, kitchens and a chapel. In the 1620's the newer North side was completed after part of the of the previous building collapsed. Visitors have access to the site all year around and the entry fee is £5.50 (if not a Historic Scotland member). There are lots of events all year around. Last year I visited the Jousting event held in the gardens and they were amazing. If you have time go and check it out. It will be an adventurous day for the whole family. read more

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This is a fantastic castle that is not too far from edinburgh - there isnt much parking room - we went when there was a wedding on at the church last time and we got the last space so get there early. There is so much to look around here and it is easy to find yourself getting lost so a guide book is a good idea - Go into the courtyard and decide on a corner to start from and you will end up at a completley opposite side I always make sure I get to the north west tower - there is a little information plaque on the side of this one so you know your on the right one Go up to the top where there is queen margarets bower where she waited in vain for james to come home from battle Not recommended if your not good with hights you step out on top of the tower and there is nothing there but a little waist high rail with a twist around the corner and a fre steps up then you have to walk around the edge to get to the door Im not afraid of heights but I get a little nervous doing this bit and i have yet to persudae anyone else to come up with me The view is worth it though as it is really lovely up there and very peaceful though a little sad The gallery is fun to walk along and look down into the great hall and as always kitchens with enormous fireplaces It is free entry for historic scotland and free for english heritage (unless first year then half price) give yourslef a few hours to look around properly and enjoy it read more

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Linlithgow palace sits atop a hill next to Linlithgow Loch. Well known for being the birthplace of Mary Queen Of Scots. It is a lovely old palace but is a bit run down compared to some castles in Scotland. You are free to roam about almost all of it and explore as you wish. There are information plaques in a lot of places to help you understand what rooms were used for and provide historical information. You can climb up to the top and are treated to great views once you get there. On my last visit I did not do this because my 2 and a half year old daughter was with me and I remember it being quite open. I prefer to park at the loch when I go and walk round the waters edge to get to the palace. The carpark here is really small however and it can be hard to get a space. There is a bigger car park at the railway station which is a short walk from the palace and the last time I used that there was no charge. The loch is home to swans, ducks and geese. It is also well stocked with fish and there are rowing boats for hire. Lovely setting and worth a visit. read more

Linlithgow Palace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Linlithgow, WLN

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A lovely ruin sitting atop a local high point overlooking Linlithgow Loch. Plenty of history and beautiful presentation. Lovely to walk around in the evenings before a meal in town. read more

The Palace itself is now a ruin, but it still gives you an impression of what it was like to live there. A good range of rooms, over a number of floors, are accessible and there are interpretation signs with (hand-drawn) illustrations to give an idea of the room in use. My little one loved exploring all the corridors and rooms and climbing the circular staircases to the tops of the towers, several of which are in tact. There's a small shop and a warm, dry room with seating and a toilet next to it. Very useful on colder days. Adjacent are loch-side walks, boating in the summer and a good children's play park. read more

Attractive large character dwelling. Complete with very attractive views and open outlook/roof. Requires some renovation read more

I LOVE this sort of thing! This old palace ruins has it all: gorgeous architecture, informative signs from Historic Scotland explaining the why's and what's of the castle rooms, the lovely loch and scenic views you can peer out the ancient windows at... What's not to love? It costs a little over £5 for an adult to enter, but to me this seemed not only reasonable, but absolutely worth it. A history lesson and way to pique the imagination of what has once been... To me, that experience is worth far more in the end. :) read more

This is a lovely site to visit in Scotland. I thought that the palace itself was amazing and I liked that we could climb to the top of the tower and have a view of the inside. I can only imagine what it would be if there hadn't been a fire! This is a must see if you are in the area. Check out the history before you go so you know who was married...lived...died and well killed here over the years (and that's a lot of years). read more

We visited in route to Stirling Castle and really recommend doing both together . Built by King James at same time as the changes to Edinburgh the renovations at Stirling give an insight as to how magnificent Linlithgow was . As it is the sender place is overwhelming as a building and location . Only the floors and roofs are missing having been burnt away by a careless soldier . Its a bit off beaten track but its the best ruin I have ever visited . read more

Excellent day out in a palace ruin, lots of history, lots of spiral staircases, and lots of hiding places for the kids. Free guided tours by local children in historical costumes during the summer holidays (don't forget to give them a tip.) There is also a very pleasant walk round the loch starting from the palace which takes about an hour. Wednesday evenings in the summer there is scottish dancing in the courtyard. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be coming to the palace on August 13th 2009. It will be a one-hour version of the full tattoo, and should be a great setting, with the ruined palace & loch in the background. Parking is likely to be difficult, so probably worth arriving early, or coming by train. read more

Linlithgow Palace is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. What was once one of Scotland's grandest royal residences was destroyed by fire in 1424. What remains today are empty remains requiring visitors to imagine what it was like previously. With only information leaflets to go on, no audio or guided tours provided, today's modern visitor could perhaps find it hardpushed to understand the significance of the place. Those interested in seeing Mary Stuart Queen of Scots bloodline (traced all the way to today's Queen Elizabeth II) can see it on the wall leading up to the palace. read more

Linlithgow Palace is the birth place of Mary Queen of Scots. located in the centre of town surrounded by the peel a large lawned area great for picnics you also have the loch so if you like to fish or just feed the ducks it is great for young and old. the palace itself has a lot of interesting facts and history attached it is also very picturesque so remember that camera. read more

linlithgow palace is one of the few places left untouched by the cash hungry tourist trap merchants, its a ruin. there is a very small gift shop. it doesn't cost a small fortune to get in. there are many signs around the palace describing the uses of the rooms, and various features, (try climbing to the very top of the tower to read the inscriptions on the walls) marvel at the amazing views from the parapits. run around like a looney in the surrounding park. and if you've any energy left hire a rowing boat and go out around the loch. now thats what i call a day out! and you'll sleep like a log...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz read more