House of the Binns
West Lothian, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA
Telephone 01506 830175
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
The House of the Binns has been home to the Dalyell family for around 400 years and retains plasterwork ceilings from the 1630s. Reviewers say the house is seen by guided tour only, and rate the guides highly for their knowledge of both the building and the family. The grounds are free and open year round, with a wooded walk up to a hilltop tower and views that visitors mention often.
Worth the trip
The guided tour of a house still lived in by the family, which reviewers say the guides bring to life with detail and stories.
Before you go
Reviewers say tours need to be booked in advance and that there is no cafe on site, though some tours include tea and shortbread; parking is described as easy and the grounds are free all year.
Reviewers stress that the house can only be seen on a guided tour and that booking ahead is expected, though one visitor who rang on the day found staff able to fit them in. The guides draw consistent praise for their knowledge of the house and the family, and several mention the free tea, coffee and shortbread served before the tour begins, which reviewers note makes up for there being no cafe. Visitors describe the grounds as free to walk and open year-round, with the climb through woodland to the tower singled out for its views, although more than one reviewer warns the incline is steep. Parking is described as easy, and one reviewer mentions peacocks roaming the estate.
Home of the Dalyell family for around 400 years, with 1630s plasterwork ceilings.
“Fantastic house and great views. It has a forest on its way to its tower at the top of the hill. Peacocks are loose throughout the area.”- Javisa Australia, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Interesting artifacts Easy parking Some tours offer coffee and shortbread” - Sharp Pam
- Guided tours
- “Our lovely tour guide Juna was extremely knowledgeable and was happy to answer questions.” - Amanda Melia
- Terrain & accessibility
- “You walk through woodland areas which are a steep incline but if you can manage it slowly then definitely get up there.” - Keri Smith
- Facilities
- “The pre tour tea/coffee and biscuits is a nice touch, as it doesn't have a cafe.” - Amanda Melia
Common questions about House of the Binns
Where is House of the Binns?
House of the Binns is in West Lothian, Scotland, at Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA.
Do you need a ticket to visit House of the Binns?
Yes - House of the Binns is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust for Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at House of the Binns?
Yes - House of the Binns offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting House of the Binns?
The guided tour of a house still lived in by the family, which reviewers say the guides bring to life with detail and stories.
Is House of the Binns a ruin or still intact?
House of the Binns is largely intact - Home of the Dalyell family for around 400 years, with 1630s plasterwork ceilings.
