Falkland Palace and Garden

A fine Renaissance palace with an extensive formal garden and one of Britain’s oldest tennis courts

About Falkland Palace and Garden

	Falkland Palace and Garden East Port, Falkland KY15 7BU
	0131458020
	Falkland Palace and Garden Website
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Days Out

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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Falkland Palace and Garden are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Fife? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Fife Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Falkland Palace and Garden

Sorry, but we have no upcoming events for Falkland Palace and Garden. If you know of an event taking place at Falkland Palace and Garden or anywhere else in Fife tell us about it and we'll list it on the website, for free!

More History and Culture in Fife

History and Culture

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle The Scores , St Andrews KY16 9AR

St Andrews Castle was a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history.

History and Culture

Kellie Castle and Garden

Kellie Castle and Garden Pittenweem, Anstruther KY10 2RE

Kellie Castle in Fife dates from as early as the 14th century and has magnificent plaster ceilings, painted panelling and fine furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer.

History and Culture

Culross Palace

Culross Palace , Culross KY12 8JH

Get 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.

History and Culture

Culross Abbey

Culross Abbey Kirk Street, Culross KY12 8JD

Explore the ruins of a Cistercian monastery of the 1200s, once home to a community of monks and lay brothers.

History and Culture

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL

Explore 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.

History and Culture

St Andrews Museum

Kinburn Park Doubledykes Road, St Andrews KY16 9DP

St Andrews Museum is a stunning Victorian mansion nestled in the grounds of Kilnburn Park.

History and Culture

Merchant House Laws Close Kirkcaldy

339-343 High Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 1JL

Law’s Close is a category A-listed 16th Century Merchant’s House with spectacular period decoration on Kirkcaldy’s High Street.

History and Culture

Hill Of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens

Hill Of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens , Near Cupar KY15 5PB

Hill of Tarvit is a wonderful example of Edwardian stately living and also has the only exclusively hickory golf course in the UK.

History and Culture

Blackfriars Chapel

Blackfriars Chapel South Street, St Andrews KY16 9EH

Visit 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.

History and Culture