A ruined royal palace and the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, beside Linlithgow Loch, with St Michael's Parish Church and the Union Canal towpath nearby.
Linlithgow is a historic town in West Lothian, about 26 km west of Edinburgh, and one of the quickest rail day trips from the capital. ScotRail trains from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket take 20 to 25 minutes, with up to four per hour and off-peak returns from about £7. Driving via the M9 takes about 30 minutes, with parking near the palace. The palace on Kirkgate is about a 10 minute walk from the station, so no other transport is needed.
Linlithgow Palace is a ruined royal residence and the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, set on a rise beside Linlithgow Loch and managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The roofless quadrangle, great hall and fountain courtyard can be explored, and the tower views look across the loch. Next to the palace, St Michael's Parish Church is a medieval building with a distinctive modern spire. Linlithgow Loch has a footpath around the shore that takes about an hour, with swans and other birdlife, and the Union Canal towpath is close to the town for those who want a longer walk. The High Street has independent shops, cafes and pubs for lunch.
A typical plan is to arrive at 10:00, tour the palace for about an hour, walk around the loch for another hour, have lunch on the High Street, and then continue by train to Falkirk for The Kelpies if time allows. The trip is light and suits half a day or a full day when combined with Falkirk. April to October offers the best walking weather and longest daylight, while the palace is also atmospheric in autumn. Palace entry is about £8, and a budget of £25 to £40 per person covers travel, entry and lunch. Because the walking is gentle, the trip suits families and those who prefer a relaxed pace.
| Distance | 26 km west of Edinburgh |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 20-25 min by train |
| Getting there | ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket to Linlithgow, about 20-25 min, up to four trains per hour; off-peak return from about £7 (~$9). The palace is a 10-minute walk from the station. |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Linlithgow Palace, Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Cost
- Return from about £7 (~$9)
- Frequency
- Up to 4 per hour
- Mode
- Car
- Cost
- About 30 min via the M9; parking near the palace
- Frequency
- Any time
Location
Linlithgow Palace, Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL
55.9768, -3.6000 View on map
Highlights
- Linlithgow Palace ruins and birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots
- Walk around Linlithgow Loch
- St Michael's Parish Church beside the palace
- Union Canal towpath
- High Street cafes and shops
Tips for visiting
- Catch a train from Waverley or Haymarket, as trains run up to four times an hour.
- Visit the palace first, then walk the loch when the light is best.
- Combine with Falkirk by train for The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.
- Buy palace tickets from Historic Environment Scotland in advance in summer.
- Bring a light waterproof, as the loch shore can be breezy.
When to visit
April to October for walking weather. Arrive by 10:00 to see the palace before the busiest period.
Accessibility
The loch path is largely level, and the palace has uneven ground and stairs in the ruined sections. The walk from the station includes a gentle slope.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Edinburgh to Linlithgow?
About 20 to 25 minutes, with up to four trains per hour and returns from about £7.
How far is the palace from the station?
About a 10 minute walk.
How long does the loch walk take?
About an hour at an easy pace around Linlithgow Loch.
Can Linlithgow be combined with other sights?
Yes. Many visitors continue by train to Falkirk for The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.