Historic houses and palaces
Hopetoun House
Linlithgow Palace
the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Step inside Edinburgh and the Lothians’ most magnificent historic houses and palaces and see the birthplace and the home of Mary Queen of Scots, the striking grand home of the Hope family at Hopetoun House and the home of one of Scotland’s oldest families.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands elegantly at the bottom of Edinburgh’s characterful Royal Mile.
This sumptuous Baroque Holyrood palace serves as the official residence in Scotland of The Queen and is used by the Royal Family for State ceremonies.
The palace is integral to Scottish history and is best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots, with some of the most dramatic episodes of her turbulent reign occurring at Holyroodhouse. Mary was twice married in the Abbey and, in her private apartments, witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary Rizzio by her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley.
The palace also served briefly as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s headquarters during the 1745 Jacobite uprising.
Linlithgow Palace
The magnificent ruin of Linlithgow Palace was once a luxurious, important royal residence and birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Explore the great hall and gallery and the fountain in the palace courtyard. This remarkable three-tiered structure was originally commissioned by James V in 1537, but has since undergone a complete restoration. The sculptures around the palace are beautiful stone-carved figures, including charming angel musicians in the sumptuous royal chapel.
Majestically situated in the centre of Linlithgow, beside 15th century St Michael's Kirk, the Palace overlooks parkland and a loch, which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its wildfowl population and is a beautiful location for a stroll.
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House in South Queensferry has been home to the Hope Family since the late 1600s when it was built and the present Lord Hopetoun still lives there.
One of the finest examples of 18th century architecture in Britain, Hopetoun House retains the magnificent interiors virtually unchanged over three centuries.
This remarkable and breathtaking stately home is open to the public from Easter to the end of September and holds many great events including outdoor theatre and music, Christmas events and guided walks.
House of the Binns
The House of the Binns, near Linlithgow, belonged to one of Scotland’s oldest families, the Dalyells, who have lived in the house since 1612.
See a fascinating collection of 17th to 20th century furniture, portraits and porcelain, which will give you an insight into the lives of all the family. Make sure to take a walk through the grounds of over 200 acres, past the flowers and out to a stunning viewpoint over the Firth of Forth.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
