Access
The gatehouse and grounds are open. The main gate may be locked when no staff are on duty, however the nearest pedestrian access to the grounds is open at Market Lane.
Due to access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure while we undertake high level masonry inspections, there is currently no visitor access to the palace. Find out more about our conservation work.
We are planning to partially re-open Linlithgow Palace by summer 2023. We will put measures in place to provide safe visitor access to as many public areas as possible. This will involve the construction of special access corridors.
Carers tickets
In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry and as advised by Capability Scotland, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate - Adult/Concession/Child. Proof of disability is not required.
We offer free entry for carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. To book a free carer ticket, please email ticketing@hes.scot and quote your order number.
Parking
The car park is stone cobbled at the front of the palace. There are two accessible bays next to the entrance. The furthest bay is 5m from the entrance.
Dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.
Visitors' dogs are allowed at Linlithgow Palace, but are not permitted in roofed areas.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
Visiting the site
Access to most of the palace is by a one-way route including a number of narrow staircases, some of which have no handrail. Please follow the directions indicated by signage. Access to some spaces may be limited.
- Entry to the palace is over a small (50mm) stone threshold. The entrance way is then level but uneven
- The visitor centre and shop will not be open at this time
- The courtyard, the king’s fountain and the old entrance are all on the level. The floor is surfaced with flagstones and some cobbles
- The first floor is reached up a spiral staircase with uneven treads and around 25 steps
- Upper levels are reached via spiral staircases with uneven treads
- The first floor includes the King’s Chambers, Great Hall and Chapel Royal
- Queen Margaret’s Bower is a small turret, reached up a series of steep stone steps
- There are many small level changes between rooms
- There are benches in the palace courtyard
Surroundings
The peel around the palace is large grassed park. There is a circular path of compacted gravel around the loch. It is about 2.3 miles long in total.
There are benches and picnic tables on the peel.
Toilets
A temporary toilet is available on site.
The nearest adapted toilet is at The Vennel, off the High Street, about 350m from the site’s main entrance.
