Linlithgow Palace

United Kingdom · United Kingdom · Tier C

Linlithgow Palace, a C-tier castle in United Kingdom

Linlithgow Palace stands on a promontory beside Linlithgow Loch in West Lothian, Scotland, 15 miles west of Edinburgh. A royal manor occupied the site from the 12th century, but after a fire destroyed much of the town in 1424, James I transformed it into a grand stone palace. James V later added an elaborate courtyard fountain and outer gateway, making it one of Scotland's finest Renaissance residences. Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in December 1542. After the 1603 Union of the Crowns ended regular royal patronage, the palace fell into disuse; a fire in January 1746, accidentally set when government troops were billeted there, destroyed the roof and interiors.

The roofless ruin is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to visitors year-round.

Official site · Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
United Kingdom
Country
United Kingdom
Tier
C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
Coordinates
55.9785, -3.601
Official site
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/overview/

Frequently asked questions

Where is Linlithgow Palace?
Linlithgow Palace is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 55.9785, -3.601).
Can you visit Linlithgow Palace?
Yes — Linlithgow Palace is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/overview/ for hours and tickets.
What tier is Linlithgow Palace on the Castle Atlas?
Linlithgow Palace is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
What can you see at Linlithgow Palace?
Linlithgow Palace stands on a promontory beside Linlithgow Loch in West Lothian, Scotland, 15 miles west of Edinburgh. A royal manor occupied the site from the 12th century, but after a fire destroyed much of the town in 1424, James I transformed it into a grand stone palace. James V later added an elaborate courtyard fountain and outer gateway, making it one of Scotland's finest Renaissance residences. Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in December 1542. After the 1603 Union of the Crowns ended regular royal patronage, the palace fell into disuse; a fire in January 1746, accidentally set when government troops were billeted there, destroyed the roof and interiors.

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The Castle Atlas
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Methodology

A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.