Spectacular Jousting (Linlithgow) FAQs

The event takes place from 11.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July. We recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out.

There will be two jousts during the events day at 12.45pm and 2.30pm. The jousts are approximately one hour long. There will also be a full supporting programme of activity throughout the day.

Timings are the same on both Saturday and Sunday.

There is currently no visitor access to Linlithgow Palace due to access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure while we undertake high level masonry inspections. Find out more on our website. Tickets will be for the event only, there will be no access to the palace.

The event will start at 11.30am, there will not be entry before this time. The full programme for the day will be available to download in advance of the day so you can plan your visit.

We recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out. Unlike previous years, this event has a capacity limit.

This event is subject to change in relation changes to Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines.

If the event needs to be cancelled, due to bad weather or changes to COVID-19 guidelines, ticket holders will be contacted via email and automatically refunded. Funds will show within 30 days and you do not need to contact us. Please check our closures page or our Twitter channel using #HSclosure before travelling to the event.

All tickets purchased are non-refundable as per our ticketing terms and conditions.

Face coverings are not required while visiting external areas, but if you feel wearing a face covering will make you more comfortable during the event, then please wear one, as we want you to enjoy the event as much as possible.

Yes the event takes place fully outside. Please check the weather forecast in advance and dress appropriately on the day.

Dogs are welcome at Spectacular Jousting, but please keep them on a lead at all times.

There will be catering vendors serving a variety of food including burgers, street food, outlets selling coffee and tea, as well as 2 ice cream vans.

You are also welcome to bring along your own picnic.

Public transport is available to Linlithgow and the palace is a 10 min walk from the train station. Linlithgow can also be accessed by various bus routes from across the central belt.

There are three car parks with shuttle buses (there is a short walk from two of the car parks to the shuttle buses). To reach the car park area, from the West, take junction 4 off the M9 and from the East take junction 3. From the West, please drive through Linlithgow town centre, turning left beside the Oracle Car Park. From the East, turn right beside the Oracle car park. Staff will be there to guide visitors. Parking is on a first come first served basis. Yellow AA signage will be in place.

The shuttle bus is suitable for disabled access and prams.

The event has step-free access, however there are quite steep gradients and uneven surfaces to get to the peel. The peel itself is flat and there is a tarmac path around the peel. There is a separate admissions point for those with access needs. Staff will direct visitors who require this to the Market Lane entrance, which will have a staffed admissions point.

Your tickets will be attached in your email confirmation in a PDF document. Please print your tickets and bring them with you or show on your mobile phone to gain entry. Your email confirmation email should arrive shortly after booking. If you have not received this, please check your junk folder in the first instance. If you have not received this please contact ticketing@hes.scot with details of your booking (name on booking, email address used and site visiting).

Explorer Pass holders do not get free entry for this event.

We recognise that some visitors require extra assistance and therefore we offer free entry to carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. No ID will be required. Advanced booking is required. Up to 2 carer tickets can be added per booking online.

If you are a member, your tickets is free for the event but we recommend booking in advance so you don’t miss out. Please bring along your membership card as you will need to show this to gain entry.

If you have lost your membership cards, please contact the membership team in advance of the event, and they will send you replacement cards and a confirmation email.

Don’t worry if there is not enough time to order your replacement card, there will be a membership team on site at the event who can check the validity of your membership, and arrange your access on the day. If you have your membership number this will assist them.

We recognise that some visitors require extra assistance and therefore we offer free entry to carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. No ID required. Advance booking is required. Up to 2 carers tickets can be added per booking online. 

If you are an English Heritage, Cadw or Manx Heritage 1st year member, you receive half price entry to the event. English Heritage members of more than one year and life members receive free entry. We recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out and membership cards are required to be shown on arrival with your ticket to gain entry.