Mary Queen of Scots places to visit in Edinburgh, Scotland
Arguably one of the most famous Monarchs in Scottish History, the iconic Mary Queen of Scots is still talked about today. This post will showcase the sights to see in and near Edinburgh that link back to Mary’s turbulent life.
If you are a lover of Scottish royal history and want to learn about Mary’s life whilst you are visiting the capital check out this post below.
Edinburgh Castle
Inside the strong walls of Edinburgh Castle, Mary gave birth to the future King James VI here, on 19th June 1566. After a long and difficult labour, she proudly presented her new-born son James to Scotland’s leading noblemen in the room now known as "the Mary room"- it was home to the Queen's bed chamber.
On your visit to Edinburgh Castle you can see the Mary room, the walls have been re-plastered and re-painted and are now adorned with portraits of the Queen’s Stuart dynasty. Each Scottish monarch portrait was also given a crown above their name, surface gilded in 23ct gold leaf.
Another interesting thing to see is her collection of exquisite replicas of embroideries created by Mary during her exile in England. They are displayed in the ante-chamber of the Royal Apartments. There are 37 needlework pictures, each one different and each with their own story to tell.
The replica embroideries were made by the School of Ancient Crafts, 33 skilled volunteers spent more than 7,300 hours working on the project between 2014-17, using only authentic materials, tools and techniques.
If you are planning on visiting Edinburgh Castle, especially in the busy summer months then I highly suggest you pre-book your tickets online. I would allow two hours for your visit.
Craigmillar Castle
Another great castle and lesser known one to see in Edinburgh is Craigmillar Castle. Set behind the dramatic rocks of Arthur's Seat.
The ruined castle was home to the wealthy Preston family and parts of the castle date back to mid 1300's. In Mary's time, Sir Simon Preston was a loyal supporter of Mary, who had appointed him Provost of Edinburgh. Ironically, he would become her jailer for her first night as a prisoner after her capture in 1567.
The Queen would often stay at Craigmillar, it was a change of scenery away from the judgemental eyes inside Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood. After the birth of her son, Mary spent some time recuperating inside Craigmillar. It was also inside the walls of Craigmillar that the initial plot to murder her husband Lord Darnley. Her most loyal nobles (most of whom were French) gathered in the castle’s hall.
There they decided something must be done and a scheme was hatched that would become known as the "Craigmillar Bond" although over time there is no paper evidence of this remaining. Whether Queen Mary knew about the plans for Darnley or not, this was the beginning of her downfall.
You can pre-book your entrance tickets online, however you can purchase them on the day. In the winter months, the castle will close at 3.30pm.
Image by Dave Drury
Palace of Holyrood
Situated at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the Palace of Holyrood.
First founded as a monastery in 1128 under the rule of King David 1st of Scotland. Today it is the official residence of our current monarch, King Charles 3rd when he visits Edinburgh.
In 1501 James IV (Mary's grandfather) cleared the ground close to the Abbey and built a palace for himself and his new bride - Margaret Tudor. His successor James V (Mary's father) added an imposing tower in 1532 and a new front onto the south of the palace.
Mary spent most of her short and turbulent adult life in Holyrood Palace, she married two of her three husbands within its grounds. Lord Darnley and then later the Earl of Bothwell. Inside the palace you will be able to see her bed chambers, her collection of jewellery and if you can stomach it... the bloody mark left behind after David Rizzio's murder. Rizzio was the Italian private secretary to Mary, he was brutally stabbed to death inside Holyrood.
The Palace and grounds are quite extensive and I highly recommend their audio tour if you wish to explore inside. The main courtyard area outside also has links to Mary - the stone water fountain in the centre of the courtyard is a replica fountain based on the original one at Linlithgow Palace. The fountain was a wedding gift to Mary's mother - Mary of Guise. It has been reported that wine flowed through the fountain, rather than the expected water…
You can pre-book your tickets online on the Royal Collections website, or look into the Edinburgh Royal ticket which combines Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht and The Palace.
The Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Photo: Abdullah Ali
Carberry Tower Mansion House
Situated in the rolling East Lothian countryside not far from Edinburgh (7 miles) is Carberry Tower. The Castle and mansion house has a rich history dating back to 1480 and is spread over 35 acres of ground. You can stay in the house, or enjoy treat yourself to a very regal afternoon tea.
The luxurious hotel has links back to Mary's life and probably one of her most turbulent moments. It is where she spent the last few hours of her freedom…
In June 1567 on Carberry Hill (which can be seen from the south lawns of the estate) Mary surrendered to the Scottish Lords before her imprisonment in Loch Leven Castle. The Queen's Mount still stand on Carberry Hill and to mark the location you will be able to see the remains of the original earthworks that were dug into the hillside for defence.
If you check their website, the hotel also offers Mary Queen of Scots packages. A typical package includes two nights accommodation, full Scottish breakfast & dinner and a guided walk to the "Queen's Mount" from £170pp.
If you book directly with Carberry Tower on their website you will receive a complimentary bottle of Prosecco!
Photo from Carberry Tower website
Lamb’s House, Leith
Situated in the very up and coming neighbourhood of Leith, Lamb's House on the shore was the merchant house where Mary Queen of Scots landed when she returned from France in August 1561.
After becoming widowed at the age of 18 in France, she had no need to stay in France and returned to the shores of Scotland landing in the Port Of Leith.
She arrived one month earlier than was expected and so no preparations were in place, so she was taken to nearby Lamb's House, a large merchant house of Andrew Lamb for night before her onward journey to Holyrood Palace.
There is a small plaque on the ground on Commercial street bridge marking her landing by ship. I also recommend walking along The Shore area, as many of the historic buildings would have been standing in the same year that Queen Mary arrived. Especially the Kings Wark Pub, which is one of Edinburgh's oldest pubs built in 1434.
Today Lamb's House has now been transformed into luxury self catering apartments. I will link the accommodation details here, it's a great place to stay that is very much a "hidden gem".
Mary Queen of Scots self guided audio tour
I’m going to plug my own tour here, but I have created an audio tour specifically on Mary Queen of Scots in via Voicemap. The tour lasts around 60 minutes.
Have you ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots? On this walking tour, we’ll explore the hidden corners as well as the major landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, through the eyes of Scotland’s most famous monarch. While weaving in and out of the narrow closes and cobbled streets, you’ll find a new story on every corner. I’ll tell you about the murders and mysteries surrounding Mary, and how these tragic events unfolded right here in Scotland’s capital.
Starting outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you’ll walk the length of the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, I’ll tell you about two of Mary’s three husbands, Lord Darnley and the Earl of Bothwell, and about her lover David Rizzio. I’ll show you the John Knox House, and where the leader of the Reformation is buried, outside St Giles Cathedral. You’ll also hear about his conflict with Mary.
I spent many hours researching this tour and would be grateful if you’ve give this tour a go!
