About Linlithgow Palace
Explore the magnificent ruins of this royal Scottish palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born, featuring grand halls and stunning lochside views. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking and facilities.
What's nearby
- St Michael's Parish Church next door
- Linlithgow Peel (Palace) next door
- The Cross Well next door
- Linlithgow Museum 200m away
- Court Residence 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Some areas are boarded off and there's scaffolding in place while it's being carefully renovated. But you can feel the age and sense the history as soon as you walk beneath the impressive portals. From the courtyard with its magnificent central fountain, you can get a sense of its former grandeur. The four lofty towers have spiral staircases with stone floors weathered deep by the passage of many footballs over the centuries. The birthplace of both Mary Queen of Scots and her son, later James I of England/James VI of Scotland, it offers beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and nearby Loch Linlithgow. It was not merely a pleasure palace though. A dark and damp cellar used to house prisoners close to the drawbridge, where they would hear the thundering clatter of hooves as riders entered and left the palace. Meager portions were passed down via a bucket via a square hole in the floor. If only these ancient stones could speak ... And right next door is St Michael's Presbyterian Church (originally Roman Catholic, where Mary was Christened) with its beautiful stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, also well worth a visit. A video on loop details the meanings of each and its history. There's a nominal entrance fee to the Castle. It's free to visit the church.
· via Google
Linlithgow Castle is an absolutely beautiful place to visit and such an incredible piece of Scottish history. Exploring the castle was fascinating, and it was amazing to imagine what life was like there centuries ago. We were also lucky enough to watch the jousting event, which was such a fantastic experience and really brought the history to life. I’m so glad I had the chance to visit and experience a little piece of Scotland’s past. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history or looking for a great day out!
· via Google
We actually enjoyed this place. It's a nice 30-minute train ride from Haymarket station. The palace is essentially open (it's a ruin) but if it's a beautiful day so going up to the top is great cause you get nice views of the palace from the top as well as the surrounding town and lake. Unfortunately, the St Michaels Parish Church next door (which is supposed to have magnificent strained glass windows) is closed....so don't go on a Sunday if you want to see this church. If you come by train, buy your palace tickets online (with GOOD25 code) and get 25% off. They give this code as an encouragement to take public transportation.
· via Google
mary queen of scots born here. it's a ruin, also expect scaffolding. parking available inside for visitors, but car needs to be able to pass through the actual outer gate get an explorer pass and also check out blackness castle, 15min drive
· via Google
Visitors say this palace offers extensive ruins to explore, including numerous rooms, halls, and towers with stunning views of the surrounding area and loch. They also highlight the well-preserved historical details and informative displays. Guests mention the friendly and helpful staff, and appreciate the reasonable admission fee.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Kirkgate, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL Get directions
- Category
- Sightseeing & Attractions
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (5,688 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Linlithgow