Queen Mary’s Trail

Palace of Holyroodhouse: Mary, Queen of Scots spent most of her turbulent life in the Palace - a dramatic and often tragic chapter in the history of the building. She married two of her husbands in the palace. Her private secretary David Rizzio was murdered in her private apartments by a group led by her husband Lord Darnley, who was jealous of Rizzio's influence over Mary. 

Edinburgh Castle: Mary’s most obvious connection to Edinburgh Castle is that she gave birth to the future King James VI here, on 19th June 1566. Mary was the first monarch to be crowned with the Honours of Scotland, the crown, sceptre and sword that make up Scotland’s crown jewels.

Linlithgow Palace: Mary’s birthplace in 1542. After a fire in 1424, James I started construction of the present palace, but this took over 200 years to complete.

St. Michael’s Parish Church: Where Mary was baptised, with a bronze statue overlooking Linlithgow Peel.

Stirling Castle: Where Mary was crowned and lived as a young child. Stirling Castle was a Scottish Royal residence and a fortress and several Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned at Stirling, including Mary who was crowned Queen of Scots on 9 September 1543. King Henry VIII wanted Mary to become the wife of his son in the hope to unify England and Scotland.

Falkland Palace: Was one of the favourite places of Mary, Queen of Scots, who took refuge there from political and religious turmoil of her times. Mary enjoyed hunting, tennis and falconry while there.

Lochleven Castle: A medieval tower on the island of Loch Leven which is famous for its association with Mary Queen of Scots - it was here in 1567 that Mary was imprisoned and forced to sign an abdication document passing the throne to her son. Mary escaped from the castle in 1568, with the help of George Douglas, son of the castle's keeper.

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Please note that this itinerary is adaptable, and we are dedicated to accommodating any special requests, whether it's a photo stop, a coffee break, or a detour to explore something unique.