Private Mary Queen of Scots Tour 1-4 people

 Begin at the beginning. Meet at Linlithgow Train Station at 9:30am where your guide will meet you and then go straight to Linlithgow Palace.This is 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.

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.

Time for a photostop looking towards Loch Leven, to recall one of the more sombre periods in Mary’s life. Loch Leven Castle where Mary was imprisoned for nearly a year, suffered a miscarriage and was forced to abdicate in favour of her son James. She eventually escaped with the help of George Douglas but went on to suffer defeat at The Battle of Langside, and on to imprisonment in England.

Finally, we finish the day on a happier note 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.

Entry fees and meals are not included in the tour price