What exactly will we see at each location?

Linlithgow Palace (Mary's birthplace) with St Michael's Parish Church and bronze statue; Stirling Castle (where she grew up); Loch Leven Castle (her year-long prison); and Falkland Palace (her favourite residence, home to the world's first tennis court).

Is this tour connected to the Mary Queen of Scots film?

The tour references the 2019 film starring Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan and includes film location details. Linlithgow Palace was also used as Wentworth Prison in Outlander. Your guide can share behind-the-scenes insights.

How much time do we spend at each castle?

The tour is 6 hours total including travel between sites. Your private guide can adjust pacing based on your interests, spending more time at locations that fascinate you most.

Can we go inside the castles?

The itinerary focuses on the key historical sites and exteriors/grounds where Mary's story unfolded. Interior access varies by location and season; your guide will confirm what's available on your tour date.

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (Scotland's weather can be changeable), and a camera. The tour involves exploring palace grounds and castle exteriors across four locations.

Is this suitable for cruise passengers?

Yes—this is listed as a shore excursion. The 6-hour duration fits typical port schedules. Confirm your ship's docking time when booking to ensure timely return.

Linlithgow Palace , birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots

Linlithgow Palace, Wentworth Prison in Outlander

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Mary Queen of Scots tours - Private Tours Edinburgh

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsShore ExcursionsLuxuryBus & Minivan Tours

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About this activity

Trace the dramatic life of Mary Queen of Scots across four iconic Scottish locations—from her birthplace at Linlithgow Palace to her imprisonment at Loch Leven Castle. This 6-hour private tour weaves together royal history, film locations (including Outlander and the 2019 Mary Queen of Scots film), and stunning castles that shaped one of history's most turbulent monarchs.

Our tour features a visit to the key places in the life of Mary Queen of Scots including her birthplace Linlithgow Palace , Stirling Castle , Loch Leven and Falkland Palace. The latest Mary Queen of Scots film featured Oscar Nominee Saoirse Ronan as Mary.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace is where Mary was born in 1542.
Next to the Palace is St Michael’s Parish Church where Mary was baptised . A bronze statue of Mary has been erected next to the church .
Linlithgow Palace featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander.

Stirling Castle
Mary grew up in Stirling Castle.

Loch Leven Castle
Mary was locked up in Leven Castle for a year .
Falkland Palace was a favourite haunt of Mary . She played tennis there at the first tennis court in the world.

Mary Queen of Scots film was released in 2019 , based on John Guy's biography Queen of Scots. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Queen of Scots .

Highlights

✓Linlithgow Palace, Mary's birthplace in 1542, with adjacent St Michael's Parish Church where she was baptised
✓Stirling Castle, where Mary spent her formative years growing up
✓Loch Leven Castle, the fortress where she was imprisoned for a year
✓Falkland Palace, her favourite retreat and home to the world's first tennis court
✓Film location insights from Outlander and the 2019 Oscar-nominated Mary Queen of Scots film

Insider tips

★The 2019 Mary Queen of Scots film starring Saoirse Ronan provides excellent context—consider watching before or after the tour to deepen your understanding of the historical narrative
★Linlithgow Palace's role as Wentworth Prison in Outlander appeals to both history enthusiasts and TV fans; ask your guide for specific filming location details
★Spring and early summer offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the palace grounds and castle exteriors

Good to know

•Private tour allows flexible pacing and personalised commentary suited to your interests
•6-hour duration includes travel between four separate locations; wear comfortable walking shoes
•Meet your guide in Edinburgh; exact pickup location will be confirmed post-booking
•Some castle interiors may have uneven floors or stairs; check accessibility requirements in advance if needed

Who it's for

History buffs interested in Scottish royal history and Tudor-era politicsFilm and TV enthusiasts (Outlander and Mary Queen of Scots fans)Cultural travellers seeking immersive private experiences beyond standard group toursCruise passengers looking for a comprehensive shore excursion from Edinburgh

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Mornings are ideal to beat tour groups at the major castles, particularly Stirling.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Joe G.

May 2026

our guide Amani was brilliant and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and honestly better than the tour we did in Kyoto last year.

Nina R.

Feb 2026

our guide Tariq sorted everything for us and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight. Used it for our summer trip so it wasnt too busy. Spot on for a couples day out, and 6 stops in about 3 hours, and perfect for first-timers, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question, 10/10

Sarah C.

Jan 2025

our guide Elena couldnt do enough for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight. Over easter break so it wasnt too busy. Miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in cancun, and over easter break. Would book again no question.

from€335.62€335.38/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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