Falkland Palace and Garden East Port, Falkland KY15 7BU | |
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Falkland Palace & Garden provides a unique opportunity to explore a royal ‘pleasure palace’ with a Victorian twist.
Inspired by the grand châteaux of France, in the 16th century James IV and his son, James V, transformed this favoured retreat of the royal Stuarts – the palace became one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland.
One of Falkland’s most famous royal residents – Mary, Queen of Scots – was enchanted with the palace, and took advantage of Falkland’s vast estate to pursue falconry and hunting, while also enjoying a game of tennis in what is now the oldest surviving real (or royal) tennis court in the world.
Today, visitors can wander through our historic orchard, complete with a living willow labyrinth, and marvel at the beauty of our formal gardens designed by Percy Cane.
Although it fell into disrepair after 1660, Falkland Palace was saved from ruin in the 19th century by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Innovative and passionate, Bute gave the palace a new lease of life.
Intricate wood-panelling, impressive painted ceilings and beautifully carved furniture provide a visually stunning insight into Bute’s artistic vision, showcasing his respect for the palace’s Renaissance roots.
Admire the towering defensive façade of a heavily fortified castle, originally built as a royal residence.
READ MOREGet up close to what is possibly Scotland's oldest standing castle. Aberdour Castle was built in the 1100s and went on to serve generations of three noble families – including a Regent of Scotland!
READ MOREOne of Scotland's only museums of communication, with a regular programme of exhibitions and events.
READ MOREAn independent charity-run museum covering the history of the Scottish fishing industryand how it became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots.
READ MOREAbbot House is a beautiful ‘A’ listed building, dating back to at least the 16th Century, situated within Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter.
READ MOREVisit a tranquil ruin amid the bustle of a busy street. Blackfriars Chapel is a rare remnant of the many Dominican friaries built across Scotland during the Middle Ages.
READ MORESt Andrews Museum is a stunning Victorian mansion nestled in the grounds of Kilnburn Park.
READ MOREA popular community museum with a permanent display about the Levenmouth area.
READ MOREExplore the ruins of a Cistercian monastery of the 1200s, once home to a community of monks and lay brothers.
READ MOREFife Folk Museum in the village of Ceres, offers an interesting and entertaining day out for all the family with activities for all ages.
READ MOREExplore the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Even in its ruinous state, the cathedral remains a prominent landmark highly visible from the sea.
READ MOREGet a sense of what it would have been like to live in Culross Palace in its prime, with original painted woodwork and beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century interiors.
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