
Bonnytoun Doocot
Discover the Bonnytoun Doocot, a medieval toilet at Linlithgow Palace, offering a unique glimpse into castle life and a tranquil garden retreat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooms and fewer crowds

Bonnytoun Doocot
Best Time
Blooms and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Bonnytoun Doocot, a medieval toilet at Linlithgow Palace, offering a unique glimpse into castle life and a tranquil garden retreat.
"A peaceful haven to enjoy quiet reflection with excellent information boards."

🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
Enjoy the peaceful garden and read the informative boards about its history and plants.
🏰 Connect to Palace History
Understand the Doocot's role within the larger Linlithgow Palace complex.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bonnytoun Doocot (Medieval Toilet)
Linlithgow Palace grounds
Step back in time at this unique medieval toilet, a fascinating glimpse into castle life and sanitation.

Peaceful Garden
Across from the canal
A serene garden offering quiet reflection and historical insights, beautifully maintained for visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover the Doocot's History
A Peaceful Retreat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
Enjoy the peaceful garden and read the informative boards about its history and plants.
🏰 Connect to Palace History
Understand the Doocot's role within the larger Linlithgow Palace complex.
📸 Capture the Serenity
This tranquil spot offers lovely photo opportunities, especially in soft light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
Enjoy the peaceful garden and read the informative boards about its history and plants.
🏰 Connect to Palace History
Understand the Doocot's role within the larger Linlithgow Palace complex.
📸 Capture the Serenity
This tranquil spot offers lovely photo opportunities, especially in soft light.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Bonnytoun Doocot for its unique historical insight into medieval life and the peaceful, well-maintained garden it resides in. It's seen as a quiet haven offering historical context and a pleasant spot for reflection, though some note its small size.
"Beautiful and peaceful little garden across the road from the canal. Excellent information boards explaining a bit about the history of the garden, the plant life ...etc. Very well maintained"
Brian Henderson
"A peaceful haven to enjoy quiet reflection."
Simon Hawkes
"Small garden area with a lot of History"
Eamonn Matson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bonnytoun Doocot is located near Linlithgow Palace. You can reach Linlithgow Palace by train from Edinburgh in about 30 minutes. The doocot and its garden are situated across from the canal, making it easily accessible on foot once you are in the area.
Parking is available at Linlithgow Palace. From there, it's a short walk to the doocot and the adjacent garden. Check local signage for the most up-to-date parking information.
While not always a formal part of guided tours, the doocot and its garden are within the vicinity of Linlithgow Palace and can be explored independently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the garden and viewing the exterior of the Bonnytoun Doocot is generally free. However, access to Linlithgow Palace itself may require an admission fee.
The garden is typically open during daylight hours, aligning with the general accessibility of the Linlithgow Palace grounds. It's best to check with Historic Environment Scotland for specific timings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Bonnytoun Doocot is a fascinating medieval structure that served as a 'garderobe,' essentially a toilet within Linlithgow Palace. It offers a unique insight into historical sanitation.
You can explore the small, well-maintained garden surrounding the doocot, read the informative boards detailing its history and the local flora, and imagine life in medieval times.
Yes, children might find the concept of a medieval toilet intriguing. The garden provides a safe space for them to explore and learn about history in a hands-on way.
Restroom facilities are available at the nearby Linlithgow Palace visitor center. It's advisable to use these facilities before exploring the doocot area.
📸 📸 Photography
The garden itself offers charming angles, especially with the doocot as a focal point. The canal nearby also provides scenic backdrops.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed in the garden and around the exterior of the doocot. Be mindful of other visitors enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Medieval 'Garderobe' Explained
Visiting the Bonnytoun Doocot provides a tangible connection to the daily lives of people in the medieval period. It’s a stark reminder of how much our living conditions have evolved. The structure itself, though small, is a testament to the ingenuity of medieval architecture. It’s a unique historical artifact that sparks curiosity and conversation about the past.
A Tranquil Garden Oasis
This garden serves as a beautiful contrast to the rugged history of the doocot and the grandeur of Linlithgow Palace. It’s a place where you can sit, relax, and absorb the atmosphere. The proximity to the canal adds to the scenic beauty, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of contemplation.





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