Walk in the Footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots

Discover the dramatic life of Scotland’s most fascinating queen on a private Mary Queen of Scots tour, visiting some of the most significant places in her story — including Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace and Loch Leven.

Based in Linlithgow — Mary’s birthplace — Mary’s Meanders offers a uniquely authentic and deeply personal experience, led by expert local guides who bring Mary’s world to life through rich storytelling, history, and a slower-paced, more meaningful journey.

This is a two day experience including a full day escorted tour with driver/guide around the castles and palaces in Central Scotland, plus a self-guided tour in Edinburgh (information pack included).

Discover:

• Holyrood Palace*
• Edinburgh Castle*
• Royal Mile*
• Linlithgow Palace
• St Michael’s Parish Church 
• Stirling Castle
• Falkland Palace
• Loch Leven Castle

*self-guided with free information pack

Day 1: Spend a day on a self – guided tour of Edinburgh, visiting Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, and enjoying the flavour of the Royal Mile. We will provide you with a free information pack to ensure you get the most from your day.

Day 2: Then join us as we visit key sites associated with Mary, on a fully guided day tour. Begin at Linlithgow Palace, where Mary was born in 1542. Imagine yourself meandering around this magnificent “pleasure palace” enjoying the sights and sounds of The Court. This is a photo stop as the Palace is currently closed.

We will also visit the beautiful medieval St Michael’s Parish Church (subject to restricted opening hours) where Mary was baptised and you will see the beautiful new bronze statue of Mary, overlooking Linlithgow Peel.

Then we move to Stirling Castle where Mary herself was brought to be crowned as an infant. This was her home until she was 5 yrs old. Visit the beautifully restored Royal Apartments, where you will usually be greeted by costumed guides. Hear tales of magnificent celebrations such as the baptism of her son, James VI, tinged with sadness, as this is also where she sees him for the last time.

Finally, we finish the day  at Falkland Palace, the favourite retreat of the Stewarts. Mary is thought to have enjoyed some of her happiest days here, enjoying hunting and hawking and playing tennis on the world’s oldest tennis court. On a more haunting note, it is here that her father James V was said to utter the prophecy of The Stewart Dynasty “It cam’ wi’ a lass and it’ll gang wi’ a lass” and you can also see a copy of her death mask.

Finish back in Linlithgow, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal in The Four Mary’s – historic pub, with parts dating back to the 16th century, and full of Mary, Queen of Scot’s memorabilia.

Note - due to timings it is not always possible to include a visit to Loch Leven castle hence it is not included in the itinerary above. We will discuss with you what your preferred locations are.

Explore the world of Jamie & Claire!

 Check the availability of the date you would like to join us, using this booking calendar. We'll then get in touch to talk with you about the places you'd like to go. 

Please get in touch if your group size is more than 6 people and we can provide a tailored quote for you.  

We have 3 Outlander Tour Itineraries for you to choose your locations from, please let us know your preferred locations in the Special Requirements section of the booking form. We typically can see 4 or 5 locations in a day so will work with you to create the perfect itinerary for you! 

Also available in French and German upon request

• The Private Outlander Tour lasts around  8 hours.
• Times are dependent on local traffic conditions.
• Mary’s Meanders cannot be held responsible for any site closures, which sometimes happen at short notice. Suitable alternatives will be offered.
• Please note that tour prices do not include admission fees to any paid sites, hotels, meals or gratuity.
• Many of the locations on this tour have uneven terrain or cobblestones and are not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

• Your tour confirmation email
• Comfortable footwear, such as walking boots, trainers and sneakers
• Cash, credit card, or Historic Scotland Explorer Pass for entrance fees 
• Camera, and a love of all things Outlandish.

Meeting Point

We will meet you at Linlithgow Train station (9am April to September. 9:30am from October to March), just 10 minutes from Lallybroch, and a short 20 minute train ride from Edinburgh. (How to book a train ticket)

It is a small station and we are easy to spot as we will have blue or red jackets on with Mary’s Meanders on them and a big sign! We will be standing in the main car park which is the side you disembark from if coming from Edinburgh.

After visiting our last place on the tour, we will drive you back to Linlithgow Train Station  so you can return, by train to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Let's explore Scotland together -  we have a selection of itineraries or we can create one just for you! If more than 6 in your group, please contact us for a quote.  Castles, mountains, coo's  or whisky  - you choose!

Please get in touch if your group size is more than 6 people and we can provide a tailored quote for you.  Contact us

 Let us know and we will design a tour for you! With over 10 years experience  and with nearly 400 5 star reviews, you can sit back and relax knowing you are in good hands.

Day Tour Suggestions

 Explore Scotland’s Hidden Gem: The Scottish Borders!

Embark on a journey through the rolling hills, ancient abbeys, and picturesque villages of the Scottish Borders. Steeped in history and natural beauty, this region offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

St Andrew's & Fife Coastal Villages

Explore the picturesque East Neuk of Fife and visit St. Andrews, home of golf and Scotland’s oldest university. Enjoy a walk along the charming coastline and stop by quaint fishing villages

Stirling Castle & Whisky Distillery Tour

Step back into history at Stirling Castle, home to Scottish monarchs. Afterward, visit a traditional whisky distillery and learn about Scotland’s national drink while enjoying tastings.

Check the availability of the date you would like to join us, using this booking calendar. We'll then get in touch to talk with you about the places you'd like to go. 

• Private Tours lasts around  8 hours.
• Times are dependent on local traffic conditions.
• Mary’s Meanders cannot be held responsible for any site closures, which sometimes happen at short notice. Suitable alternatives will be offered.
• Please note that tour prices do not include admission fees to any paid sites, hotels, meals or gratuity.
• Some of the locations are not suitable for those with mobility issues - please do let us know in advance

• Your tour confirmation email
• Comfortable footwear, such as walking boots, trainers and sneakers
• Cash, credit card, or Historic Scotland Explorer Pass for entrance fees 

This depends on the tour route but it typically is Linlithgow which is just outside Edinburgh.

Want to read some reviews about our tours? Click here

For groups up to 6 people. For larger groups, please Contact Us

Available all year round

Experience the rugged beauty of Scotland’s first National Park! From breathtaking lochs and misty mountains to charming villages and ancient woodlands, every moment in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs promises wonder, adventure, and lasting memories.

Options on this tour include - 

Duke’s Pass Drive: One of the most scenic routes in the region, this drive connects Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine and showcases breathtaking panoramas of the Trossachs’ rolling hills and lochs.

As well as the awesome scenery we have 2 spectacular cruises for you to choose from! Will it be Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine that takes  your fancy?

 Loch Lomond Cruise
Relax and unwind on a scenic boat cruise as you glide across the sparkling waters of Loch Lomond. Witness spectacular views of Ben Lomond, hidden islands, and the unspoiled beauty of Scotland’s largest loch!

Loch Katrine & Historic Steamship Cruise
Hop aboard the Sir Walter Scott, a classic steamship, and journey across the stunning Loch Katrine. Perfect for capturing Scotland’s pristine wilderness.

Step Back in Time in Luss Village
Explore the storybook village of Luss, where charming stone cottages and quaint cafes meet lochside views. It’s a perfect stop for photos and a peaceful walk by the water.

There will be time for a delicious lunch too!

Join us as we venture into the soul of Scotland's whisky-making tradition with a curated tour through Stirling and Perth. Visit celebrated distilleries, sample world-renowned single malts, and discover the art and history of Scottish whisky.

 We recommend that you book this tour as soon as you have your dates, so that you have more flexibility when booking tastings at the distilleries.

3 Distillery Visits are recommended - please choose from below

Deanston Distillery

Just outside Stirling, Deanston Distillery offers a rich taste of the Highlands with its riverside location and fascinating whisky production techniques. Tour the historic mill-turned-distillery, sample its smooth single malts, and take in the peaceful beauty of this countryside gem.

 Glenturret Distillery (Perthshire)
Claiming the title as Scotland’s oldest working distillery, Glenturret in Perthshire is an essential stop for whisky lovers. Experience an in-depth tour of its handcrafted methods, sample their distinctive malts, and see the art behind the making of “The Famous Grouse.”

 Tullibardine Distillery (Near Perth)
Nestled at the gateway to the Highlands, Tullibardine Distillery offers a behind-the-scenes look at whisky craftsmanship, complete with tastings of their classic, award-winning malts. This stop is perfect for those interested in the intricate aging processes that give Scotch its character.

Blair Athol Distillery
One of Scotland's oldest working distilleries, Blair Athol Distillery is celebrated for its smooth, rich, and nutty single malts. Located on the edge of Pitlochry, this iconic distillery offers in-depth tours, tastings of limited-edition cask whiskies, and insights into the unique flavour profiles that have made Blair Athol a favourite among Scotch enthusiasts.

Raise a Glass to Scotland's Finest!

Exclusions

Entry Fees

Tastings

Drinks

Meals

Gratuities 

Here are some wonderful options you can include on this tour:

Rosslyn Chapel

A remarkable 15th-century chapel famed for its intricate stone carvings and mysterious symbolism. Made world-famous by The Da Vinci Code, it’s steeped in legend and beautifully atmospheric.

Abbotsford House

The historic home of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers. Explore rooms filled with fascinating personal treasures, then enjoy the gardens and peaceful setting beside the River Tweed.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland

A stunning showcase of skill and storytelling—this extraordinary tapestry brings Scotland’s history to life in a vivid, surprising, and memorable way.

Scott’s View

A favourite viewpoint of Sir Walter Scott, offering sweeping panoramas over the River Tweed and the Eildon Hills. A perfect photo stop and a real taste of Borders charm.

Thirlestane Castle

A magnificent 16th-century castle set within the beautiful Lauderdale Estate in the Scottish Borders—historic home of the Duke of Lauderdale and full of character.

Peebles

A charming riverside town known for its independent shops, artsy finds, inviting cafés, and lovely walks along the Tweed.

Jedburgh Abbey

A dramatic abbey ruin with a small on-site museum—ideal for history lovers and anyone who enjoys Scotland’s medieval past.

St Mary’s Loch

A serene loch surrounded by rolling hills—perfect for a scenic drive, a short stroll, and a moment of calm in the Borders landscape.

There will also be time to enjoy a wonderful lunch during the day.

As you can see, there’s so much to discover in this region—so you’re guaranteed a fantastic day out.

Return to Edinburgh

Follow in your family’s footsteps.

In advance of all Ancestry tours we will cross-check the family information you have given us and do further research around it, to ensure that we are taking you to the places that will mean the most to you in terms of your family history.

This will often mean small villages and country churches, or Glasgow’s inner city, old dockyards, textile mills or former coalmines, rather than grand castles. But we are happy to take you to your clan castle too. In most cases, even if the place no longer exists, we can show you how your ancestors would have lived, either through visits to similar places or local museums or heritage centres.

One thing about Scotland is we do have a lot of old churches, so we can often trace the family to a particular church, and graveyard, but often the stones are too worn to read. But some of our guests have been very lucky and found a family gravestone.

We can assist with research in advance of your tour, there is an additional fee for this if required.

*For groups over 4 people, please get in touch for a quote