Scone Palace: Historic Crowning Place of Scottish Kings

Explore Scone Palace, the iconic Gothic Revival home where 42 Scottish kings were crowned amid stunning gardens and rich heritage.

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Scone Palace, near Perth, Scotland, is a grand Gothic-style historic house and gardens renowned as the ancient coronation site of Scottish monarchs including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Set within over 100 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, the palace blends medieval heritage with Georgian architectural elegance, offering visitors a rich cultural experience steeped in royal and religious history.

A brief summary to Scone Palace

Perth, PH2 6BD, GB
+441738552300
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during the main season (April to October) to access both the Palace and Gardens fully.
Allow at least 2.5 hours to explore the palace interiors, gardens, shops, and cafes comfortably.
Check seasonal opening times as the Palace closes in winter while the Gardens remain accessible with a suggested donation.
Bring children and pets along; the estate is family- and dog-friendly with dedicated play areas and dog water stations.
Use the self-guided audio tours and QR codes in the State Rooms for an immersive historical experience.

Getting There

Train and Bus

From Perth city center, take a local bus service towards Scone Palace, with journeys typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Buses run several times daily but check schedules in advance due to limited frequency on weekends. A return ticket costs approximately £5-£7 GBP.
Car

Driving from central Perth to Scone Palace takes about 15 minutes via the A94. Ample free parking is available on site. Note that parking is free during the main season but a £5 fee applies in the off-season (February to March).
Taxi

A taxi from Perth city center to Scone Palace takes around 15 minutes and costs roughly £15-£20 GBP. This option offers flexibility but may be limited by availability during peak times.
Walking

For the adventurous, walking from Perth city center to Scone Palace is possible but requires about 90 minutes along country roads and paths. The terrain is mostly flat but not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Scone Palace location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Scone Palace

Royal Origins and Ancient Significance

Scone Palace stands on a site of profound historical importance, originally serving as a religious center for the Picts and early Scots. It was here, on Moot Hill, that the Stone of Scone—also known as the Stone of Destiny—rested, symbolizing the crowning seat for 42 Scottish kings, from Kenneth MacAlpin in the 9th century to Charles II in the 17th century. This sacred stone, now housed in Edinburgh Castle, marked Scone as the ceremonial heart of Scotland's monarchy. The palace grounds once hosted an Augustinian priory and later an abbey, which flourished for centuries until its destruction during the Reformation in 1559.

Architectural Evolution and the Mansfield Legacy

The current palace largely dates from the early 19th century when William Atkinson was commissioned by David William Murray, 3rd Earl of Mansfield, to remodel and extend the building. This transformation preserved medieval Gothic abbey features while introducing Georgian-era grandeur, resulting in one of Scotland’s most important Gothic Revival houses. The palace has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Mansfield since 1600, with the Murray family maintaining residence for over four centuries. The estate also includes a chapel serving as a mausoleum for the family.

Gardens, Grounds, and Visitor Experience

Surrounding the palace are over 100 acres of diverse gardens and parkland, including the Murray Star Maze, Victorian Pinetum, and woodland walks. These grounds offer a tranquil setting for exploration and relaxation, enhanced by family-friendly amenities such as a children’s adventure playground and dog-friendly facilities. Visitors can enjoy the Old Servants' Hall Coffee Shop, the Old Kitchen, and retail outlets featuring local products and gifts. Seasonal opening hours apply, with the palace open mainly from April to October and gardens accessible year-round with a suggested donation in winter.

Historical Events and Cultural Heritage

Scone Palace’s history is intertwined with Scotland’s political and religious transformations. It was the site of Scotland’s first recorded council in 906 and the meeting place of the Scottish Parliament until the mid-15th century. The destruction of Scone Abbey during the Reformation marked a turning point, after which the property passed through various noble families before becoming the Mansfield seat. The palace also hosted notable figures such as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Art, Architecture, and Preservation

Inside, visitors encounter richly decorated state rooms filled with fine art, period furnishings, and historical artifacts that reflect the palace’s noble heritage. The blend of Gothic Revival architecture with remnants of medieval abbey structures creates a unique aesthetic. Conservation efforts ensure the preservation of both the built environment and the extensive gardens, maintaining Scone Palace as a living monument to Scotland’s royal and cultural history.

Engaging Activities and Events

Beyond its historical allure, Scone Palace serves as a vibrant venue for events, weddings, and educational tours. Self-guided tours with audio notes and printed materials allow visitors to delve deeply into its stories. The estate’s extensive grounds provide opportunities for photowalks, nature escapes, and family outings. Seasonal events and festivals further enliven the site, making it a year-round destination for cultural enrichment and leisure.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Tomb Of The Minister Of Scone & Family

0.4 km

A solemn mausoleum nestled within Scone Palace grounds, honoring the minister and family amidst Scotland’s royal and religious heritage.

Smeaton's Bridge

2.8 km

Historic 18th-century stone bridge spanning the River Tay in Perth, blending engineering brilliance with scenic charm and rich heritage.

Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust

2.9 km

Explore the Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust - a cultural gem showcasing Scotland's rich history and community heritage.

Ballathie House Hotel

10.7 km

Historic Scottish country house hotel with award-winning dining and tranquil river views on a vast Perthshire estate.

Birnam Oak

17.5 km

An ancient oak on the banks of the River Tay, believed to be the last survivor of Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood – a living piece of Scottish and literary history.

Dunkeld Bridge

18.1 km

Historic Thomas Telford-designed stone bridge gracefully spanning the River Tay, linking Dunkeld’s rich heritage with Highland landscapes.

Inchbrakie Monument

21.8 km

A serene Scottish landmark honoring the vanished Inchbrakie estate, its ancient yew, and storied past.

Ruins of Kincardine Castle

22.8 km

Explore the evocative 13th-century ruins of Kincardine Castle, a royal Scottish fortress steeped in medieval history and surrounded by tranquil farmland.

Perthshire Treks

23.2 km

Explore the stunning landscapes of Perthshire with guided hiking tours from Perthshire Treks, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Tullibardine Chapel

24.2 km

Discover Tullibardine Chapel, a captivating site in Auchterarder, where stunning architecture meets rich Scottish heritage in a tranquil setting.

Balgarthno Stone Circle

24.4 km

Bronze Age stones standing sentinel over Dundee's prehistoric past, a timeless circle of mystery and ancient wisdom.

Kirkgate Park

24.7 km

Explore Kirkgate Park, a tranquil retreat in Kinross, Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens, a serene loch, and rich historical significance.

Loch Leven Castle Viewpoint

24.8 km

Explore the scenic Loch Leven Heritage Trail in Kinross, where history meets breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures await.

Lochleven Castle

24.9 km

Experience the rich history and stunning views of Lochleven Castle, an enchanting Scottish landmark set on a serene island in Loch Leven.

Camperdown Wildlife Centre

25.1 km

Explore the beauty of wildlife at Camperdown Wildlife Centre, a family-friendly zoo in Dundee, showcasing diverse species and lush landscapes.

Unmissable attractions to see

Quarrymill Woodland Park

1.5 km

Discover peaceful woodland trails, ancient trees, and friendly café charm just north of Perth in Quarrymill Woodland Park.

The Black Watch Castle & Museum

2.2 km

Explore the rich history of Scotland’s oldest Highland Regiment in the historic Balhousie Castle, Perth, with immersive exhibits and charming amenities.

Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's

2.7 km

Discover Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's—a Gothic Revival masterpiece blending rich history, spiritual warmth, and stunning stained glass in Scotland’s heart.

The Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre

2.8 km

Delve into Perth's rich heritage at The Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre, where history and culture come alive in the heart of Scotland.

Perth Concert Hall

2.8 km

A modern, flexible events centre in central Perth, hosting concerts, theatre, comedy, conferences and community events in a bright, accessible steel-and-glass building.

Perth Art Gallery

2.8 km

Discover Scotland’s rich artistic heritage at Perth Art Gallery, home to iconic modern Scottish art and family-friendly interactive exhibits.

The Art Attic - Gallery, Gift Shop, Craft Supplies, Workshops

2.9 km

Discover unique artworks, craft supplies, and inspiring workshops in the heart of Perth’s historic St Paul's Square.

The Art Attic - Gallery, Gift Shop, Craft Supplies, Workshops

VisitScotland Perth iCentre

3.0 km

Your essential starting point for exploring Perth’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and scenic surroundings with expert local advice.

The Fair Maid of Perth

3.0 km

Celebrate Scotland’s rich history and storytelling tradition through the evocative Fair Maid of Perth sculpture in the heart of Perth’s historic High Street.

St John's Shopping Centre

3.0 km

Perth's premier shopping destination with 30+ retailers in a bright, welcoming city-centre mall.

Perth Museum

3.0 km

Discover Scotland’s royal heritage and iconic Stone of Destiny in Perth’s beautifully restored Edwardian museum.

Norie-Miller Walk

3.2 km

A peaceful riverside park in Perth blending natural beauty, artistic sculptures, and seasonal festivities along the River Tay.

Rodney Gardens

3.3 km

A free riverside garden sanctuary with vibrant seasonal blooms and peaceful pathways along the River Tay.

Greyfriars Burial Ground

3.3 km

Historic 16th-century cemetery in Perth, featuring Scotland’s finest gravestones on the site of a former Franciscan monastery.

Huntingtower Castle

3.4 km

Discover Huntingtower Castle’s twin towers, royal intrigues, and one of Scotland’s oldest painted ceilings near Perth.

A vibrant, family-friendly eatery in Perth serving fresh, artisanal pizzas, pasta, and bakery delights in a welcoming, lively atmosphere.

Discover the magic of crystals and mindful treasures at Bonnie Moon Crystals, Perth’s serene boutique of natural beauty and healing energy.

Historic charm meets local ales and live music in Perth’s beloved Silvery Tay pub on South Street.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Scone Palace with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Scone Palace: Historic Crowning Place of Scottish Kings

A brief summary to Scone Palace

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and Bus

Car

Taxi

Walking

Scone Palace location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Scone Palace

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Scone Palace

Royal Origins and Ancient Significance

Architectural Evolution and the Mansfield Legacy

Gardens, Grounds, and Visitor Experience

Historical Events and Cultural Heritage

Art, Architecture, and Preservation

Engaging Activities and Events

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Tomb Of The Minister Of Scone & Family

Smeaton's Bridge

Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust

Ballathie House Hotel

Birnam Oak

Dunkeld Bridge

Inchbrakie Monument

Ruins of Kincardine Castle

Perthshire Treks

Tullibardine Chapel

Balgarthno Stone Circle

Kirkgate Park

Loch Leven Castle Viewpoint

Lochleven Castle

Camperdown Wildlife Centre

Unmissable attractions to see

Quarrymill Woodland Park

The Black Watch Castle & Museum

Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's

The Fair Maid's House Visitor Centre

Perth Concert Hall

Perth Art Gallery

The Art Attic - Gallery, Gift Shop, Craft Supplies, Workshops

VisitScotland Perth iCentre

The Fair Maid of Perth

St John's Shopping Centre

Perth Museum

Norie-Miller Walk

Rodney Gardens

Greyfriars Burial Ground

Huntingtower Castle

Essential places to dine

The Maltings - Pub & Grill

Brown & Blacks

Atholl Restaurant

Deans Restaurant

North Port Scottish Restaurant

Bothy Perth

Kisa's

Paco's Restaurant

Broth3rs Restaurant

Everest Inn

Breizh

The Giddy Goose

Cridos Restaurant

Cafe Tabou

Cardo

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Rustic Retro

1097

The New Wool Shop

Loretta's Collections Boutique Perth

Marians Of Perth

Precious Sparkle

Fun Junction

Evalucia

Whispers Of The Past

Hell Yeah