The Peel Palace Park
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Linlithgow Palace, a former royal residence, and enjoy a scenic walk around its picturesque loch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
The Peel Palace Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Linlithgow Palace, a former royal residence, and enjoy a scenic walk around its picturesque loch.
"Lovely area, nice walk around the Loch in front of the palace, Linlithgow is a lovely little town to visit."
🎟️ Free Entry for Members
Historic Scotland or NTS members get free admission. Consider membership for cost savings if you plan multiple visits.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The loch walk is lovely but can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the palace ruins and grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Linlithgow Palace Ruins
Palace Courtyard
Explore the atmospheric ruins of this former royal residence, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
Linlithgow Loch Walk
Lochside path
Enjoy a scenic 2.3-mile loop around the loch, offering beautiful views of the palace and surrounding landscape.
Historic Jousting Event
Palace grounds
Experience a thrilling medieval jousting tournament for an unforgettable historical reenactment.
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Insider Tips
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🎟️ Free Entry for Members
Historic Scotland or NTS members get free admission. Consider membership for cost savings if you plan multiple visits.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The loch walk is lovely but can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the palace ruins and grounds.
📸 Capture the Views
The loch walk offers stunning photo opportunities of the palace. Don't forget your camera!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Special events like jousting make for an amazing day out. Check the Historic Scotland website beforehand.
Day trip from Edinburgh: Stirling or Highlands?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Free Entry for Members
Historic Scotland or NTS members get free admission. Consider membership for cost savings if you plan multiple visits.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The loch walk is lovely but can be uneven. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the palace ruins and grounds.
📸 Capture the Views
The loch walk offers stunning photo opportunities of the palace. Don't forget your camera!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Special events like jousting make for an amazing day out. Check the Historic Scotland website beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Linlithgow Palace and its picturesque setting on the loch. The free loch walk is a major highlight, offering beautiful views and a relaxing experience. Special events like the jousting tournament are highly praised for adding an extra layer of excitement. Some find the interior of the palace challenging due to steep stairs.
"First visit to the Peel (Palace) - lovely place to visit and the walk around the Loch (2.3 miles) gives beautiful views in all directions. Historic Enterprise Scotland had their Jousting Event on sane day and that was definately well worth visiting - a good day out all round."
Carol Hughes
"Amazing place.Historic Scotland let the public in free to explore the Palace.We had paid to get into the medieval jousting and the Palace was a great bonus. Gave you a wee feeling of what it must have been like to live in a 15th century icon."
David Henderson
"Linlithgow Palace, located in West Lothian, Scotland, is a stunning historical site known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It was built in 1424 and served as a royal residence, notably for Mary Queen of Scots. The palace is now a ruin but remains a fascinating place to explore.
Key Features
Historical Significance
Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots (1542)
Once a main royal residence between Edinburgh and Stirling Castles
Notable events include a fire in 1746 that led to its decline
Architectural Highlights
Impressive three-tiered fountain from 1538
Grand hall, royal apartments, and chapel royal
Spiral staircases and various chambers to explore
Visitor Experience
Accessibility
Courtyard is accessible, but the interior has steep staircases and dimly lit areas
Accessible parking available nearby
Activities
Scenic walks around Linlithgow Loch
Picnic areas and gardens for relaxation
Exploration of the palace's ruins and historical plaques
Admission Costs
Free for Historic Scotland or NTS members
£6 for adults, £3.60 for children, free for under 5s
Grounds and loch walk are free to access
Linlithgow Palace offers a beautiful blend of history, architecture, and nature, making it a perfect destination for a day trip."
Jim Walton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Peel Palace Park, also known as Linlithgow Palace, is easily accessible from Edinburgh. You can take a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow station, which is a short walk from the palace. Driving is also an option with nearby parking available.
Absolutely! Linlithgow Palace and its surrounding loch offer a fantastic day trip from Edinburgh, combining history, scenic walks, and a charming town.
There are several parking options near Linlithgow Palace, including car parks within walking distance of the palace and town center.
Yes, many day tours from Edinburgh include Linlithgow Palace as a stop, often combined with other Scottish landmarks.
Yes, regular train services run from Edinburgh to Linlithgow, making it a convenient public transport destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and the loch walk is free. For access to the interior of Linlithgow Palace, there is an admission fee, but it's free for Historic Scotland or NTS members.
Yes, Historic Scotland and NTS members receive free entry. Family tickets and concessions are also available for purchase.
The palace grounds and the loch walk are generally accessible year-round. The interior of the palace has specific opening hours, which vary by season. It's best to check the Historic Scotland website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can typically book tickets for Linlithgow Palace online through the Historic Scotland website, which can sometimes offer a small discount and save you time.
The grounds and loch walk are always open, making it suitable for spontaneous visits. For the palace interior, checking opening hours is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive ruins of Linlithgow Palace, walk around the scenic Linlithgow Loch, and enjoy the charming town of Linlithgow. Special events like jousting are also held here.
A leisurely walk around the loch takes about 1-1.5 hours. Exploring the palace ruins can take another 1-2 hours, depending on your interest.
The courtyard and loch walk are generally accessible. However, the interior of the palace has steep staircases and uneven surfaces, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
While there may not be daily scheduled guided tours, information boards are available throughout the palace. You can also find audio guides or join special event tours.
Facilities typically include restrooms and picnic areas. Information on cafes or shops within the immediate vicinity can be found on the Historic Scotland website.
📸 📸 Photography
The views from across Linlithgow Loch are iconic, especially at sunrise or sunset. The palace interiors and courtyards also offer dramatic photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the palace ruins and grounds for personal use. Professional photography or drone usage may require special permits.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for capturing the palace and loch. Midday can be harsh but still offers good opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites like Linlithgow Palace to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. Always check with Historic Scotland for specific regulations.
From the loch, you can capture stunning wide-angle shots of the palace reflected in the water, as well as panoramic views of the entire complex.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the palace interior has steep stairs, many areas are still accessible and spark imagination. Special events like the Jousting Tournament are particularly engaging for children, offering a fun and educational experience. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the loch for a budget-friendly and enjoyable family outing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
For those without membership, the admission fee is modest, offering significant historical value for the cost. Bringing your own snacks and drinks for a picnic by the loch further reduces expenses, making it an ideal day trip for those watching their spending.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Explore the palace's interior for dramatic shots of the ruins, playing with light and shadow. The surrounding landscape also offers opportunities for nature photography. Remember to check for any specific photography regulations, especially if using professional equipment or drones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal History
Despite its grandeur, the palace suffered significant damage. A fire in 1746 led to its decline, and it is now a roofless ruin. However, its historical significance is undeniable, having played a key role in Scottish royal life between the major castles of Edinburgh and Stirling.
Today, visitors can explore the impressive remnants of this once-magnificent structure, imagining the lives of kings and queens who walked its halls. The site is managed by Historic Scotland, ensuring its preservation for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
The Scenic Loch Walk
This accessible path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or even a gentle jog. You'll often see local wildlife, including various bird species, adding to the natural charm of the area. The path is well-maintained, making it enjoyable in most weather conditions.
Combining the loch walk with a visit to the palace interior offers a comprehensive experience of Linlithgow. It's a chance to appreciate the historical site within its natural, picturesque setting, a combination that many visitors find particularly rewarding.
Experiencing Special Events
These events offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness historical reenactments firsthand. The atmosphere during such events is often described as amazing, with the palace ruins providing a dramatic backdrop. It's a chance to see the site come alive with the pageantry and action of medieval times.
It's highly recommended to check the Historic Scotland website for any upcoming events. Attending one of these special occasions can elevate your visit from a historical exploration to an immersive and memorable adventure.
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