Private Tour for up to 6 people
- Duration: 2 days, (1 with driver and guide, 2nd self-guided – information pack provided.)
- Location: Day 1 in Edinburgh, Day 2 beginning in Linlithgow, a short train ride from Edinburgh
- Available: All year
Walk in the Footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots
Discover the dramatic life of Scotland’s most fascinating queen on a private Mary Queen of Scots tour, visiting some of the most significant places in her story — including Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace and Loch Leven.
Based in Linlithgow — Mary’s birthplace — Mary’s Meanders offers a uniquely authentic and deeply personal experience, led by expert local guides who bring Mary’s world to life through rich storytelling, history, and a slower-paced, more meaningful journey.
Private | Bespoke | Immersive | Historically Rich
Highlights
Day 1: Self-guided:
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse: visit Queen Mary’s apartments
- Edinburgh Castle: birthplace of Mary’s son James and home to the Honours of Scotland
- Royal Mile
Day 2: With dedicated driver and guide
- Linlithgow Palace: birthplace of Mary
- St.Michael’s Parish Church: where Mary was baptised
- Stirling Castle: where Mary was crowned and lived as a young child
- Falkland Palace: hunting, falconry and tennis were the order of the day here
- Loch Leven Castle ** – where Mary was imprisoned. Please note due to timings it is not always possible to include a visit to Loch Leven castle hence it is not included in the itinerary. We will discuss with you what your preferred locations are.
Inclusions
- Local Scottish Guide with expert knowledge of local history
- Dedicated driver
- Transport in a modern, comfortable vehicle
Who is this tour for?
Perfect for Admirers of Mary, history buffs, solo travellers, heritage seekers. Ideal for those who love storytelling, castles and Scottish royal intrigue.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Edinburgh
Spend a day on a self – guided tour of Edinburgh, visiting Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, and enjoying the flavour of the Royal Mile. We will provide you with a free information pack to ensure you get the most from your day.
Day 2: Linlithgow, Stirling and Falkland
On Day 2 we visit key sites associated with Mary, on a fully guided day tour. Begin at Linlithgow Palace (photo stop as Palace is closed), where Mary was born in 1542. Imagine yourself meandering around this magnificent “pleasure palace” enjoying the sights and sounds of The Court.
We will also visit the beautiful medieval St Michael’s Parish Church (subject to restricted opening hours) where Mary was baptised and you will see the beautiful new bronze statue of Mary, overlooking Linlithgow Peel.
Then we move to Stirling Castle where Mary herself was brought to be crowned as an infant. This was her home until she was 5 yrs old. Visit the beautifully restored Royal Apartments, where you will usually be greeted by costumed guides. Hear tales of magnificent celebrations such as the baptism of her son, James VI, tinged with sadness, as this is also where she sees him for the last time.
Finally, we finish the day at Falkland Palace, the favourite retreat of the Stewarts. Mary is thought to have enjoyed some of her happiest days here, enjoying hunting and hawking and playing tennis on the world’s oldest tennis court. On a more haunting note, it is here that her father James V was said to utter the prophecy of The Stewart Dynasty “It cam’ wi’ a lass and it’ll gang wi’ a lass” and you can also see a copy of her death mask.
Finish back in Linlithgow, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal in The Four Mary’s – historic pub, with parts dating back to the 16th century, and full of Mary, Queen of Scot’s memorabilia.
