
Scone Palace
Historic palace, coronation site of Scottish kings, with stunning gardens, a maze, and resident peacocks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Scone Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic palace, coronation site of Scottish kings, with stunning gardens, a maze, and resident peacocks.
"One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in my life."

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Scone Palace hosts 'Paws at the Palace' events, making it a great day out for dog lovers!
👑 History Comes Alive
Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the palace and Scottish royalty.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moot Hill
Grounds
The ancient coronation site of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. A truly historic mound.

The Star Maze
Grounds
A challenging and fun maze set within the beautiful grounds, perfect for a playful afternoon.

Palace Interiors
Palace
Explore grand rooms like the Long Gallery and Library, filled with history and impressive collections.

Gardens and Grounds
Grounds
Wander through formal gardens, woodland walks, and spot the resident peacocks strutting their stuff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Scone Palace hosts 'Paws at the Palace' events, making it a great day out for dog lovers!
👑 History Comes Alive
Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the palace and Scottish royalty.
📸 Photo Restrictions
No photos allowed inside the palace, but the grounds offer stunning photo opportunities.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Explore extensive gardens and trails; comfortable shoes are a must!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Scone Palace hosts 'Paws at the Palace' events, making it a great day out for dog lovers!
👑 History Comes Alive
Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the palace and Scottish royalty.
📸 Photo Restrictions
No photos allowed inside the palace, but the grounds offer stunning photo opportunities.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Explore extensive gardens and trails; comfortable shoes are a must!
🌟 Family Trail
Engaging activities for kids, including a play park and a challenging maze.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Scone Palace for its stunning grounds, rich history, and friendly staff. The peacocks and the challenging maze are particular highlights for families. While the no-photography rule inside the palace is noted, the overall experience is described as enjoyable and memorable, with beautiful gardens and a homely feel.
"Beautiful grounds to explore. Play park for kids, a maze which is very tricky and nearly drove me insane, also a lovely flower garden. Spent an enjoyable afternoon here, a trail for kids.
It was lovely to see the peacocks and the stunning white peacock."
Suze White
"One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in my life. I spent some of the most unforgettable days at this palace I truly enjoyed every moment. The nature around it is absolutely breathtaking and feels unreal. The shops there were beyond amazing, and I bought some really lovely gifts. I completely fell in love with this palace it’s stunning, and every corner is full of wonder. The staff were wonderful and everything was clearly explained."
Noura
"A stunning Palace steeped in history. The guides share an abundance of knowledge with the history of the Palace and Scotland. The only disappointment was not being able to take any photos inside the Palace. They say it's for security of the family who still live there but they are happy to have thousands of visitors explore their home, at a cost."
martin jasiczak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scone Palace is located just outside Perth. You can reach it by car, with ample parking available.
Local buses also serve the area, and it's a popular destination for cycling tours. For those arriving by train in Perth, a taxi or bus is the most convenient option.Yes, local bus services connect Perth to Scone Palace. It's advisable to check the latest timetables for specific routes and frequencies. Taxis are also readily available from Perth city center.
Scone Palace offers ample parking for visitors. This is particularly convenient for those traveling by car, making it easy to access the palace and its grounds.
Cycling is a great way to explore the area around Scone Palace. The palace grounds and surrounding countryside offer scenic routes for cyclists. Some TikTok videos show eventing competitions held here, indicating good access for vehicles.
Absolutely! Scone Palace is a significant historical site and a beautiful stop on any Scotland road trip, offering a glimpse into royal history and stunning landscapes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you are visiting the palace, gardens, or both. It's recommended to check the official Scone Palace website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts or family packages. Booking online in advance is often advised.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, Scone Palace is open daily during the main tourist season, with shorter hours in the off-peak months. Always check the official website for the current opening times before your visit.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets on the day of your visit at the entrance. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to avoid disappointment and potentially secure better rates.
Scone Palace may offer discounts for seniors, students, or families. They also sometimes have special offers for group bookings. Check their website or inquire directly for the latest discount information.
Often, there is a combined ticket for the palace and gardens, but sometimes garden-only tickets are available, especially during events like garden shows.
Confirm the ticket options when booking.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic palace interiors, including the Long Gallery and Library,
wander through the beautiful gardens, tackle the star-shaped maze, and visit the ancient Moot Hill, the coronation site of Scottish kings. There's also a play park for children and resident peacocks to admire.No, photography is generally not permitted inside the palace. This is often stated as a security measure for the family who still reside there.
However, the grounds and gardens offer plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.Yes, knowledgeable guides are often available to share insights into the palace's history and its connection to Scottish royalty.
You can also find information via printed cards, QR codes, or audio guides.Scone Palace is very family-friendly, with a play park, a challenging maze, and engaging trails for kids.
The peacocks are also a big hit with younger visitors.Moot Hill is a significant historical site within the Scone Palace grounds, believed to be the ancient coronation and inauguration site for Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Scone Palace has a restaurant and gift shops that are generally well-regarded for their quality and reasonable pricing.
They offer a place to rest and refuel during your visit.The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, snacks, cakes, and beverages. It's a good spot to enjoy a break while surrounded by the palace's historic ambiance.
While not explicitly mentioned, the extensive grounds and gardens usually provide ample space for picnics. It's always a good idea to check with the venue if dedicated picnic areas are available.
Generally, bringing your own food and drinks for consumption in designated areas or picnic spots is acceptable at most attractions. However, it's best to confirm Scone Palace's specific policy.
Given its proximity to Perth, there are numerous dining options available in the city, ranging from traditional pubs to various restaurants, should you wish to explore beyond the palace grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens, grounds, and the exterior of the palace itself offer numerous picturesque locations for photography.
The Moot Hill and the resident peacocks are also popular subjects.Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and private residences like Scone Palace. It's essential to check their specific drone policy and obtain any necessary permissions before flying.
While interior palace photography is prohibited, exterior photography for personal use and social media is generally welcomed. Always be mindful of other visitors and respect any specific signage.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a good smartphone, will work well. The varied scenery from grand architecture to lush gardens offers diverse photographic opportunities.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the grandeur of the palace exterior, the vibrant colors of the gardens, and the unique presence of the peacocks.
The maze also provides fun, quirky photo moments.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏰 History Buffs
🚶♀️ Garden Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal History of Scone Palace
While the current Gothic-style palace was largely built in the 19th century, the site's royal connections date back much further. The Murray family, Earls of Mansfield, have owned Scone Palace for over 400 years and continue to reside in parts of it today. This blend of ancient history and continuous family habitation gives Scone Palace a unique, lived-in feel, making it more than just a museum but a living piece of heritage.
Exploring the Scone Palace Grounds
A unique feature of Scone Palace is its resident peacocks, which roam freely across the estate. These magnificent birds add a touch of exotic beauty to the landscape. For those who enjoy walking, the grounds feature well-marked trails of varying distances, up to 5km, allowing visitors to explore the woodlands and parkland at their own pace. The presence of the ancient Moot Hill also adds a layer of historical intrigue to the outdoor experience.
Events and Activities at Scone Palace
These events often bring a lively atmosphere to the historic site, offering visitors a chance to experience Scone Palace in a different light. Keep an eye on their official website for the latest event listings, as attending during a special occasion can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit. Some events, like 'Paws at the Palace', are specifically designed to be dog-friendly, broadening the appeal of the venue.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit