Linlithgow Palace, EH49 7AL

Linlithgow Palace was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries. Although maintained after Scotland's monarchs left for England in 1603, the palace was little used, and was burned out in 1746. It is now a visitor attraction

It was begun by James I in 1424, rising like a phoenix from the flames following a fire that devastated its predecessor. It became a truly elegant ‘pleasure palace’, and a welcome stopping-place for the royal family along the busy road linking Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

The Stewart queens especially liked its tranquillity and fresh air. The ancient palace served as the royal nursery for James V (born 1512), Mary Queen of Scots (born 1542) who occasionally stayed in the Palace during her reign and Princess Elizabeth (born 1596), better known as ‘the Winter Queen’. But after 1603, when James VI moved the royal court to London following his coronation as James I of England, the palace fell quickly into decline. The end came ignominiously in September 1746, when the Duke of Cumberland's army destroyed most of the palace buildings by burning.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September,
Daily:9.30 am to 5.30 pm

1 October - 31 March
Daily: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £5.50
Child £3.30
Concession £4.40

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Disabled Facilities

Parking is available at the cobbled entrance. Surfaces inside the Palace are mainly stone slabs and small cobbles in the courtyard.

The ticket office, shop and courtyard are accessible to visitors with disabilities. More mobile visitors should be able to access the first floor which forms the main part of the property.

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More Information

Telephone: 01506 842 896

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