Fife, Scotland, was built in early 16th century and was used as a hunting lodge by several Stuart monarchs; the palace has one of the world’s oldest ‘Real Tennis’ courts still in use.
Falkland Palace is a historic royal residence in Fife, Scotland, that was used by the Scottish Kings and Queens as a hunting lodge and a retreat from political and religious turmoil. It is famous for being one of the favourite places of Mary, Queen of Scots, who enjoyed falconry, hunting, and tennis there. It is also famous for its Renaissance architecture, its extensive formal garden, and its real tennis court, which is the oldest surviving one in the world.
Falkland Palace & Garden is a beautifully restored renaissance palace in Fife, which features a picturesque formal garden, as well as one of Britain’s oldest tennis courts. The palace was once the country residence of the Royal Stuarts, and was adored by Mary Queen of Scots herself. Come along and admire the spectacular architecture, learn about the centuries old carvings, paintings and furniture, marvel at the magnificent Chapel Royal, and enjoy a guided tour where you can delve in deeper. Within the chapel, learn about the intricate details of the ceiling, which dates from the early 1500s during the reign of James IV, and was painted in 1633 for a visit of Charles 1; he stayed here in Falkland Palace for five nights whilst on a tour of Scotland following his coronation at Holyrood Abbey. When travelling from palace to palace, the Royal party would take all the best furniture and household effects along with them. All of these effects had been loaded onto the baggage boats as they set off from Burntisland towards Leith at high tide. Not long after they set sail, a sudden squall got up and this caused one of the boats to sink. The boat is still under the Firth of Forth – should it ever be raised it will be like Scotland’s Mary Rose – with possibly many surviving items which will further help us understand the Royal Household and its belongings.
