As a National Trust for Scotland member (embracing middle-age for sure!), I always have a list of places I’d like to visit. The problem is that the list never seems to get any shorter. Every time I tick one property off, I somehow manage to add two more.

Falkland Palace had been sitting on that list for quite some time, so when we were blessed with one of those beautiful sunny days in April, it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally pay it a visit.

Located in the charming village of Falkland in Fife, around an hour from Edinburgh, the palace is known for its royal connections, stunning gardens and historic tennis court. Although I’d seen plenty of photographs over the years, nothing quite prepared me for how lovely both the palace and its surroundings would be in the spring sunshine.

A Sunny Day in Falkland

The village of Falkland is one of those places that immediately captures your attention. With its traditional stone buildings, attractive village square and relaxed atmosphere, it feels as though time has slowed down a little.

Arriving on a warm April day certainly helped. The sunshine brought out the best in the village, with flowers beginning to bloom and visitors making the most of the good weather.

Before even stepping inside the palace grounds, I found myself stopping to admire the buildings and soak up the atmosphere. It’s easy to see why Falkland is often considered one of Scotland’s most picturesque villages.

Falkland and the Outlander Connection

Fans of Outlander will probably recognise Falkland long before they reach the palace gates.

The village was used as a filming location in the first series, standing in for 1940s Inverness. Several scenes were filmed around the village square, and fans can still spot familiar locations, including the famous fountain and the building that served as Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse.

Even if you’ve never watched an episode of Outlander, Falkland is worth visiting in its own right. The television connection may bring visitors here, but it’s the village’s character, history and charm that make it such a memorable place to explore.

Exploring Falkland Palace

Walking through the gates of Falkland Palace, I was immediately struck by how elegant the building is. Unlike some of Scotland’s castles, which were designed primarily for defence, Falkland Palace feels much more refined.

Built as a royal residence and retreat, it has a distinctly European feel, reflecting the influence of Renaissance architecture. It was a favourite home of the Stuart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who is said to have enjoyed spending time here away from the formalities of court life.

We opted for the self-guided tour, which allowed us to explore at our own pace. One of the things I enjoy most about visiting historic properties is being able to wander through the rooms and imagine what life might have been like centuries ago.

The beautiful painted ceilings, period furnishings and historic artefacts all help tell the story of the palace and its royal residents. Each room offers another glimpse into Scotland’s fascinating past, and there is plenty of information throughout to bring the history to life.

The Oldest Real Tennis Court in the World

One of the highlights of the visit was undoubtedly the real tennis court.

Even if you’re not a tennis expert and your only foray into the sport is the annual television coverage of Wimbledon, it’s impossible not to be impressed by its history. Falkland Palace is home to what is believed to be the oldest surviving real tennis court in the world.

We were lucky enough to see a game in progress, which made it even more fascinating. Seeing the court in use really brought its history to life, especially as the game looks so different from modern tennis. It was interesting to learn how popular it was among European royalty. It’s one of those unexpected features that makes Falkland Palace stand out from many other historic properties.

Springtime in the Gardens

After exploring the palace, we spent some time wandering through the gardens, which were looking particularly beautiful in the April sunshine.

Spring is such a rewarding time to visit gardens, and Falkland certainly didn’t disappoint. The formal gardens were starting fill up with colour, while the wider grounds provided plenty of peaceful spots to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

There is something incredibly relaxing about strolling through historic gardens on a warm spring day. The combination of colourful planting, birdsong and views of the palace created a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

In fact, the gardens ended up being one of my favourite parts of the visit, although that may have had something to do with the sunshine! They provide a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the palace and are a reminder that places like Falkland were designed not just to impress but also to be enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

What I hadn’t expected was just how easy it would be to spend several hours here. Between exploring the palace, learning about its royal past, visiting the tennis court and enjoying the gardens, the afternoon passed remarkably quickly.

There are plenty of cafés in the village if you’re looking for lunch or coffee and cake. However, with the sun shining and temperatures feeling almost un-Scottish for April, we opted for a cold lager at the The Covenanter Hotel overlooking the square. It seemed only right to celebrate what felt like the first proper sunny day of the year.

As National Trust for Scotland properties go, Falkland Palace offers a little bit of everything: fascinating history, beautiful architecture, well-maintained gardens and a unique sporting heritage. Combined with the charm of the village itself, it makes for an excellent day out from Edinburgh.

Whether you’re interested in Scottish history, enjoy visiting National Trust for Scotland properties, or simply want to spend a few hours exploring one of Scotland’s prettiest villages, Falkland Palace is well worth a visit.

Looking back, I can’t believe I took so long to visit.