Castles and houses
Travel To Edinburgh
Outdoor Activities
Aberdour Castle
Construction of the original Aberdour Castle on the coast of Fife was started around 1200 by the de Mortimer family. It passed to the Douglas family in 1342 and has remained with them ever since. The head of the branch of the Douglases resident here became Earl of Morton in 1456 and the 4th Earl was Regent for the young King James VI. The 6th Earl imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in Loch Leven Castle in 1567/68. The 7th Earl supported King Charles I and as a result the Morton family declined somewhat thereafter.
Although originally built as a defensive tower house, it was enlarged over the centuries and became a comfortable manor house with extensive formal walled and terraced gardens. The property is now administered by Historic Scotland. There is also a large dovecote in the grounds.
Historic Scotland run a small tearoom in the castle and you can take your purchases onto picnic tables on a terrace beside the castle when the weather is fine. In addition to a terrace garden beside the castle, there is also a fine walled garden beside the castle.
Falkland Palace
The Royal Palace of Falkland, set in the heart of a unique medieval village, was the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Built between 1501 and 1541, the palace is an extremely fine example of Renaissance architecture. It includes the exceptionally beautiful Chapel Royal, and is surrounded by internationally renowned gardens, built in the 1950s. The Royal Tennis Court, reputedly the world’s oldest, is still in use today.
Dunfermline Abbey and Palace
The great abbey of Dunfermline was founded in the 11th century by Queen Margaret and the foundations of the original building lie under the stunning 12th century Romanesque style nave. The Abbey Church is the last resting place of many Scottish kings and queens.
Over the centuries, as a result of royal patronage, the abbey flourished and expanded. An important role of the building was to provide accommodation for important visitors, including the reigning monarchs. A large guest house was built and King James VI's wife, Anne of Denmark, was granted the guest house in 1589. It was remodelled to provide a palace for her use. The future King Charles I was born there in 1600.
