Falkland Palace & Garden

Falkland Palace was the country retreat of the Stuart kings, rebuilt by James IV and James V in the French Renaissance style between 1500 and 1541 as a hunting lodge. Mary, Queen of Scots loved it, and the real tennis court James V built in 1539 is still played on, the oldest in Britain. The Chapel Royal keeps its painted ceiling and still holds Mass on Sundays, the Keeper's apartments are furnished with tapestries and 17th-century beds, and the east range survives as a ruin. Beyond is a garden laid out by Percy Cane after the war, with an orchard, wildflower meadow and bug hotel, all cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Dogs on a short lead are allowed in the garden, except the kitchen garden and bee haven, but not in the palace. Reviewers say the garden is the best of any Scottish castle and praise the audio guide and volunteers. Tips from visitors: the King's and Queen's apartments are closed for building work, the garden is reached through the shop, the turnpike stairs rule out wheelchairs, and the free village car park has strict marked bays.