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Aerial view of Linlithgow Palace and Loch in Scotland .. Unicorn figure on the courtyard fountain in Linlithgow Palace .. Side view of Linlithgow Palace ruins in Scotland .. Statue of Mary Queen of Scots at Linlithgow Palace ..

Linlithgow Palace

Visit Linlithgow Palace

During your stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront, why not visit the historic Linlithgow Palace? This ancient palace can be reached by car in under an hour. Although now in ruins, it is still a spectacular place to explore. Built in 1424 as a royal resting point between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. With plenty of surviving details, including an amazing three-tiered fountain in the courtyard, dating from 1538.

History of Linlithgow Palace

A royal residence has existed on this site since the 12th century, becoming a military fort called Linlithgow Peel in the 14th century. However, a great fire destroyed all of this in 1424.

King James I of Scotland ordered work on a grand new palace to replace it. It served as an elegant stopover for travelling royals, and was famously the birth place of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.

In 1603, James VI of Scotland was crowned James I of England, and he moved his court to London. From this point, the palace fell into decline and was finally destroyed in 1746, again by fire.

The Palace Today

Although roofless and ruined, much of the stonework remains, and there is still plenty to see and do at Linlithgow Palace. From the Great Hall to the Royal Apartments, every corner of this historic building has a story to tell. And you can’t miss the amazing fountain in the courtyard (which once flowed with wine!) complete with figures of mermaids and unicorns.

Today, it is a Historic Scotland site, open to the public for visits, with a visitor centre and shop on site. There is a large grass area around the palace, which is great for picnics. There are also some lovely local walks, taking in views of the palace and loch.

Find out more about opening times and ticket prices here.

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