Visit: Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland

Located approximately 45 minutes from Edinburgh, Linlithgow Palace is a pleasant drive or train journey from the city. Make your own way to Linlithgow Palace, and then gaze in amazement as you approach the magnificent ruined palace where Mary, Queen of Scots, was born. Majestically set on a mound near the 15th-century St Michael’s Parish Church, the once grand royal palace overlooks the peel and Linlithgow Loch.
Head inside with your entrance ticket, and enjoy exploring the site at your leisure. Despite being ravaged by a fire in the 18th century and remaining roofless and uninhabited since, the palace has retained its original grandeur and almost all of the rooms and corridors are open to the public.
Make your way along a cobbled walkway to the central courtyard. Here, find an elaborate fountain that was said to have flowed with wine during visits from ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ (Prince Charles Edward Stuart). Pose for photos by the ornate feature before continuing on to explore the palace’s rooms.
Climb up one of the spiral staircases, and then make your own way from room to room. Marvel at the impressive great hall, see the beguiling angel sculptures in the royal chapel, and gaze out of the elegant windows in the king’s and queen’s bedchambers, before heading to the small museum to view artifacts from the palace and peel.
Then, perhaps head to Queen Margaret’s Bower, a tiny room inside a tower where Queen Margaret, the wife of King James IV, was apparently sitting when she heard the news that her husband had been killed at the Battle of Flodden. From the tower, enjoy stunning views across Scotland and look out for the remains of burnt beams — it was here that the devastating fire broke out in 1746.
How long you spend at Linlithgow Palace is up to you, but many visitors find 1.5 hours to be sufficient.

Visit: Linlithgow Loch, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland

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