Falkland Palace & Garden
Falkland Palace & Garden
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Set in the heart of Falkland conservation village, and surrounded by extensive gardens, this partly restored Renaissance palace is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Certificate of Excellence 2014 Winner Falkland Palace Part of the Palace is in ruins but the original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings. The beautiful, tranquil grounds are worth a visit alone. They are home to the oldest Real or Royal tennis court in Britain, built for King James the V. The grounds also include ruins of the 12th century Castle of Falkland, extensive gardens designed by Percy Cane and an ancient Orchard with a wild flower meadow. Please note the Shop, Palace & Gardens are open 1 March to 31 October.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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13 within 3 miles
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68 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Susan S8 contributionsFife gemWe'd walked Falkland Estate a few times but never the Palace. Rectified now, and well worth the visit. So much more to see than we thought, guides knowledge was excellent and informative, beautiful architecture, furniture and tapestries and outside there are gardens, orchard and walks. We love finding little gems like this. Go and enjoy for yourselves!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- Anne M8 contributionsA Hidden GemThis was one of the very best palaces we have been too and I will tell you why: the hospitality in Scotland is amazing and visiting the palace, garden, and gift shop was exceptional. In every room we went into there was a guide to personally answer any questions we had. They were friendly and knowledgeable. The gardens were beautifully kept and a unique sight. It smelled amazing and taking in all the visual majesty made one truly feel what the royals of the past must have felt. If you want this feeling visit Faulkland palace and gardens.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 18, 2024
- CaninecaperLondon, United Kingdom291 contributionsInteresting visitYou could feel the history in the place. We couldn’t access all areas as they were filming that day. The guides were very knowledgeable, although trying to get away from one lady was a challenge! The gardens are lovely to walk round. It is only a small place compared to others but well worth it.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 25, 2024
- Dawn W17 contributionsLovely place to visit!Lovely place to visit, the palace was lovely, gardens just gorgeous, and the staff all very helpful and friendly. In the palace you can just look around yourself but there are also guides in the rooms if you have any questions, totally up to you, can tailor your visit with as little or as much info as you want. Really enjoyed our visit.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 6, 2024
- cls827Mesa, Arizona102 contributionsMade our trip extra specialThis place is fantastic rain or shine. Taylor, Lindsay and Debbie, where I got my Outlander shawl (still SO excited to have) were beyond wonderful. Made for an amazing and memorable part of our trip to Scotland. Highly recommend this place. And for any Outlander fans...this town is better than the paid tour we took. Scotland...We LOVE you! The people of Scotland are the friendliest people on the planet! Can't wait to return.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 8, 2024
- sarah1 contributionWonderful visit thanks to friendly staff and volunteersMany friendly volunteers told us interesting facts about the kings, the keeper, and the history of Falkland Palace. By far the best visit to a castle we had all summer! Also really appreciated that my four teenage kids and I counted as a 1-parent family, even with my oldest son being 16. In all other castles we had to pay for an extra adult.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 19, 2024
- Jaxmg613 contributionsLocal history brought to lifeI recently visited with my teenage granddaughter's and have to say that it was so interesting. The place was brought to life by the guides, Christine, Souxsie & Margaret, who did an excellent job of keeping my teenagers engaged. They all told their stories of the palace's history with enthusiasm, & a great deal of humour. A most enjoyable experience for us all . Thank you.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 9, 2024
- Ann GExeter, United Kingdom17 contributionsExtremely worth a visit.Amazing place. I could have spent all day there but only went late afternoon. I will return next time I’m up that way. The information give by staff plus costumes was 1st class.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 11, 2024
- AlannahDelaware7 contributionsbeautifulFalkland Palace & Garden is a nice spot to explore Scotland's royal history, but it doesn’t quite wow. The Renaissance architecture and lovely gardens are beautiful, and the real tennis court is a fun historical feature. However, the entry fee feels a bit high for what you get, especially with limited access to some areas. The staff are friendly, but the historical info could be more engaging. The charming town of Falkland adds to the experience, though parking can be tricky. Overall, it’s worth a visit for history fans.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
879 reviews
Excellent
523
Very good
292
Average
45
Poor
11
Terrible
8
mcmonScotland
Girvan, UK806 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
A weekday visit on a rainy day.
Not very busy and plenty of time to really look around the display rooms and ask the knowledgeable staff some good questions. The staff were helpful, friendly, and happy/able to take the time to talk about the palace and answer our questions.
It’s an interesting mix of a Victorian re-imagination of a medieval palace, some areas used by the Marquis, and a couple rooms that have been more authentically restored to a medieval state.
We kept to the interior areas and gave the wet gardens a miss on our visit so it only took about an hour. The shop was well stocked with reasonably priced items for souvenirs and gifts.
Overall, a great visit and worth a return in the better weather.
Not very busy and plenty of time to really look around the display rooms and ask the knowledgeable staff some good questions. The staff were helpful, friendly, and happy/able to take the time to talk about the palace and answer our questions.
It’s an interesting mix of a Victorian re-imagination of a medieval palace, some areas used by the Marquis, and a couple rooms that have been more authentically restored to a medieval state.
We kept to the interior areas and gave the wet gardens a miss on our visit so it only took about an hour. The shop was well stocked with reasonably priced items for souvenirs and gifts.
Overall, a great visit and worth a return in the better weather.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mcmonScotland
Girvan, UK806 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
A weekday visit on a rainy day.
Not very busy and plenty of time to really look around the display rooms and ask the knowledgeable staff some good questions. The staff were helpful, friendly, and happy/able to take the time to talk about the palace and answer our questions.
It’s an interesting mix of a Victorian re-imagination of a medieval palace, some areas used by the Marquis, and a couple rooms that have been more authentically restored to a medieval state.
We kept to the interior areas and gave the wet gardens a miss on our visit so it only took about an hour. The shop was well stocked with reasonably priced items for souvenirs and gifts.
Overall, a great visit and worth a return in the better weather.
Not very busy and plenty of time to really look around the display rooms and ask the knowledgeable staff some good questions. The staff were helpful, friendly, and happy/able to take the time to talk about the palace and answer our questions.
It’s an interesting mix of a Victorian re-imagination of a medieval palace, some areas used by the Marquis, and a couple rooms that have been more authentically restored to a medieval state.
We kept to the interior areas and gave the wet gardens a miss on our visit so it only took about an hour. The shop was well stocked with reasonably priced items for souvenirs and gifts.
Overall, a great visit and worth a return in the better weather.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmenda
Denver, CO730 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
This is one of the most perfectly maintained sites I’ve visited; the care and outstanding conservation efforts, are evident in every item and section of the palace. This is a self guided tour, but the palace staff is so knowledgeable and does a wonderful job with their historical accounts of each room. This is a lived in palace, so it feels physically warm and it’s so clean; no dust or cobwebs to be seen about. The number of Kings and Queens that have lived or stayed there is a who’s who of royalty! There are some incredible portraits and family photos, that really helps to put the history of the palace in perspective. There’s a good amount of vertiginous stair climbing, so I recommend comfortable shoes and caution. Many wonderful well preserved artifacts and displays. There’s a great gift shop and toilet facilities. Not suitable for small children. I’d say it takes about 2 hours or more, to fully enjoy this site. You’re even allowed to leave for breakfast or lunch, and return to the site with your ticket. This palace, right in the heart of this amazing village, is definitely worth a visit. I highly recommend it.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason D
Jackson, MI32 contributions
Mar 2020
Falkland Palace is must see if you're visiting Scotland. The palace has some of the best furniture, artwork, and guides of anyplace in Scotland. The guides made the palace come to life with their stories. Some of the furniture dated from the 1500s and was in immaculate condition. They also had several floor to ceiling portraits of Charles I, Charles II, and several other key figures in history that were truly stunning. My only complaint was they don't allow pictures in the castle so I couldn't take the experience home with me. A must see if you're visiting Scotland.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LogieBaird
Kirkcaldy, UK72 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Well worth a visit! Very atmospheric, with some beautiful restoration work. The guides are great at conjuring up the intrigue, plots and politics of the Stuart monarchs who stayed at the Palace.
Standing on the oldest tennis court in the world where Mary Queen of Scots played real tennis, is quite something. Particularly heartening to hear that the court is still used for Real Tennis.
We visited in the afternoon, after a walk up East Lomond in the morning. A Grand Day Out!
Standing on the oldest tennis court in the world where Mary Queen of Scots played real tennis, is quite something. Particularly heartening to hear that the court is still used for Real Tennis.
We visited in the afternoon, after a walk up East Lomond in the morning. A Grand Day Out!
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, and thanks very much for your 5 star review! I will pass on your comments to the volunteer guides who will be delighted to hear you enjoyed meeting them.
With best wishes
Written July 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
victoria B
Lincolnshire, UK587 contributions
Sep 2021
The Palace is like a fairy tale castle which is in the centre of the pretty village of Falkland.
It was restored from a ruined state by the wealthy Marquis of Bute in the late nineteenth century. The descendants from his younger son, the Crichton-Stuarts still live there.
The paintings are mainly very good quality nineteenth century reproductions but there are genuine Jacobean beds and tapestries. Partly ruined and partly in tact, the place is beautiful and atmospheric.
There is a good shop, toilets and pretty gardens. No cafe when I visited but there are plenty of places in the village.
There is no car park, but roadside parking is available outside and in the village.
It was restored from a ruined state by the wealthy Marquis of Bute in the late nineteenth century. The descendants from his younger son, the Crichton-Stuarts still live there.
The paintings are mainly very good quality nineteenth century reproductions but there are genuine Jacobean beds and tapestries. Partly ruined and partly in tact, the place is beautiful and atmospheric.
There is a good shop, toilets and pretty gardens. No cafe when I visited but there are plenty of places in the village.
There is no car park, but roadside parking is available outside and in the village.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Muirhead
Dundee, UK85 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Visited Falkland Palace on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Not too busy but noticed others visiting that day to be young and old alike. All the rooms have been renovated over the years so not much original features. You are prevented from taking photos inside unfortunately, perhaps to encourage you to buy the guidebook ? Gift shop leads to the beautiful gardens and the real tennis court, which appears quite run down and could do with being spruced up. If you have time, have a good wander around the village itself. Some lovely buildings streets, cafes and restaurants. All in all, an enjoyable day out.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L4481MAhelenr
North Yorkshire, UK25 contributions
Oct 2021
Great place to visit, the staff were extremely knowledable and eager to tell visitors about the family history, the building and the furnishings. The garden is a lovely colourful and peaceful place with a very interesting tennis court.
Usual National Trust shop but sadly no cafe but the quaint village of Falkland has several eateries.
Usual National Trust shop but sadly no cafe but the quaint village of Falkland has several eateries.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrisgale
Sheffield, UK1,193 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I have been before so I knew what to expect and the gardens certainly are a lovely tranquil space. I enjoyed walking around the inside but I would have preferred the option of an audio guide as the stories some guides told were quite long and people's children were restless so in the end I just wandered around by myself. I went on a Wednesday as it said there would be a sewing group but this wasn't advertised anywhere. There are lots of steps and parts of the garden are uneven, I had to help a lady get her mother down some so be aware. Parked in the large car park in the village which was free.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnneR39
Jarfalla, Sweden148 contributions
Sep 2021
There are only a few rooms to be seen but in each of them a knowledgeable guide told interesting stories about the place. There are also some impressive tapestries. The garden is large and includes a Royal tennis court where Mary Queen of Scots used to play. The palace is in the middle of Falkland which is a picturesque village with narrow streets. Well worth a visit!
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,my apologies for the delay in replying to you. This site is not monitored by NTS staff every day.
I am afraid that there are many turnpike inside the palace. There are chairs in every room for visitors to use but as reviewers have said, the stairs can be a challenge. The grounds and gardens are all accessible, albeit with grass, gravel and some slopes.
We do have a wheelchair available for use on the gardens, please just ask at reception
With best wishes,
NTS - Falkland Palace.
Written October 16, 2019
Quien es el autor de las figuras en paja o mimbre jardines del palacio
Written August 2, 2019
Hello, the willow sculpture was made by Trevor Leat, one of the leading willow sculptors in Scotland. He has work in many historic places in the country.
Written August 5, 2019
Is it possible to visit with a buggy/pram around and inside the building?
Written March 17, 2019
You should be able to walk around the grounds, but there are many stairs involved for interior so the pram wouldn’t be able to go on the tour.
Written March 17, 2019
jimwalker1943
Glenrothes, United Kingdom
is it possible to gain access to the grounds only....my partner and I have problems with stairs etc....if available what would cost be
Written August 21, 2018
Yes, you can explore the gardens only, which are well worth while as you can see the old real tennis courts too.
Written October 8, 2019
Hi, thanks for the enquiry.
The Palace & Gardens re-open on Saturday 28th February. Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 5pm, Sundays 12 noon to 5pm with last entry at 4.30pm.
Full details are on the NTS website - just search for Falkland Palace,
Hope to see you here soon.
Best wishes,
Wendy
Property Manager
Written February 3, 2015
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