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

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

Methil Heritage Centre

272 High Street, Methil KY8 3EQ

A popular community museum with a permanent display about the Levenmouth area.

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

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

Abbot House

Abbot House Maygate, Dunfermline KY12 7NE

Abbot House is a beautiful ‘A’ listed building, dating back to at least the 16th Century, situated within Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter.

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

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

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