Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body set up to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.
From brochs, castles and palaces to abbeys, towers and tombs there are over 5000 years’ worth of history for you to enjoy.
Entrance Fees To 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.
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
– Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the palace available on site (also in French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Scots and Spanish)
Must be pre-booked
NOTE:
Due to access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure while undertaking high level masonry inspections, there is currently no visitor access to the palace.
The gatehouse and grounds are open. The main gate may be locked when no staff are on duty, however the nearest pedestrian access to the grounds is open at Market Lane.
It is planned to partially re-open Linlithgow Palace by summer 2023.
OPENING TIMES: TBC
Complimentary policy: one free tour leader ticket per group order.
The below ratios apply for groups arriving with children under 16 years:
Under 5s (1 adult for every 2 children)
Ages 5-7 (1 adult for every 6 children)
Ages 8-15 (1 adult for every 10 children).
