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
	Follow Falkland_Palace on Twitter
	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 and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnFife Twitter 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

Ravenscraig Castle

Ravenscraig Castle , Kirkcaldy KY1 2QG

Admire the towering defensive façade of a heavily fortified castle, originally built as a royal residence.

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

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

Fife Folk Museum

High Street Ceres, Cupar KY15 5NF

Fife Folk Museum in the village of Ceres, offers an interesting and entertaining day out for all the family with activities for all ages.

History and Culture

Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Aberdour Castle and Gardens , Aberdour KY3 0SL

Get 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!

History and Culture

British Golf Museum

British Golf Museum Bruce Embankment , St Andrews KY16 9AB

Welcome to the British Golf Museum. From the 16th century to the present day, the whole history of the great game is explored under one roof.

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

Inchcolm Abbey

Inchcolm Abbey Inchcolm Island, Burntisland KY3 0UA

Set sail for a very special island in the Firth of Forth – home to the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland.

History and Culture

Museum Of Communication

131 High Street , Burntisland KY3 9AA

One of Scotland's only museums of communication, with a regular programme of exhibitions and events.

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

The Scottish Fisheries Museum

St Ayles Harbourhead, Anstruther KY10 3AB

An 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.

History and Culture

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace St Margarets Street, Dunfermline KY12 7PE

Dunfermline Abbey has a special place in the nation’s heart. Laid to rest here are some of Scotland’s great kings and queens – including Robert the Bruce.

All History and Culture listings in Fife