Photo: Sam Styles / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About this place
Falkland Palace in Fife was built primarily between 1501 and 1541 by James IV and James V, with the major French Renaissance transformation taking place in the 1530s and early 1540s.
It served as the favoured country retreat of the Stuart monarchs, and the palace retains much of its original French Renaissance architecture, which is unusually intact for Scotland.
Mary Queen of Scots visited during her reign from 1561, and the palace is said to have reminded her of her time in France.
The National Trust for Scotland has cared for the property since 1952.
The royal tennis court within the grounds dates from 1539, making it the oldest in Britain still in use.
Read more on WikipediaFacilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Ladybank Rail Station (3.5 miles)
Open March to October; check the official NTS website for exact dates and times.
Nearby properties
Abernethy Round Tower
View Abernethy Round Tower on heritage mapBurleigh Castle
View Burleigh Castle on heritage mapHill of Tarvit
View Hill of Tarvit on heritage mapElcho Castle
View Elcho Castle on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 10 miles of Falkland Palace there are 8 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings and 3 castles, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Falkland Palace there are 35 historic properties, including 11 castles, 7 historic buildings and 6 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
- Type
- castle
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Get Hidden Britain
A free weekly newsletter on Britain's overlooked historic places.