Scone Palace
Perthshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Murray family (Earl of Mansfield)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Perth PH2 6BD
Telephone 01738 552300
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Scone Palace is the historic crowning place of Scottish kings and the home of the Earls of Mansfield. Reviewers describe it as a genuinely significant site with plenty of family and national history to take in, though photography inside is not allowed and several found that a shame. The gardens, maze and free-roaming peacocks are widely praised, and opinions are more mixed on price, with some visitors finding the tickets steep.
Worth the trip
Standing on a site reviewers describe as central to Scottish history, with gardens, a maze and peacocks that many rate as a visit in themselves.
Before you go
Tickets are tiered, with reviewers reporting a separate cheaper price for gardens and parking and more to go inside, so check what your ticket covers.
The gardens are the most consistently praised part of a visit, with the maze, the Earl's walk and the free-roaming peacocks, including an albino one, mentioned by several reviewers, and most advise allowing several hours. Inside, reviewers describe a palace of curios and stories rather than simply grand rooms, though the no-photography policy inside draws comment; one accepts it as understandable given the privately owned contents. Opinions are mixed on value, with one visitor quoting £28 for two adults for the gardens and parking alone and saying you need good weather to feel you have had your money's worth. The catering also divides opinion, described variously as reasonably priced, moderately expensive, and let down by poor coffee. One reviewer who came for an event enjoyed the day but felt the programme was short and the arrangements poorly communicated, while another who stayed in the Balvaird wing rated the accommodation and staff very highly.
Historic crowning place of Scottish kings, home of the Earls of Mansfield.
“Really enjoyed our day at Scone. The palace is very interesting - the sort of place where it is not just grand rooms but lots of little interesting curios and stories. Very nice (though moderately expensive coffee…”- Marion McCune, 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
- “Lovely place to visit - pricey though - two adult tickets for the gardens (and parking) was £28.” - Dorothy Granger
- Facilities
- “Had a late lunch in the cafe, which was reasonably priced (but terrible coffee!).” - Dorothy Granger
Common questions about Scone Palace
Where is Scone Palace?
Scone Palace is in Perthshire, Scotland, at Perth PH2 6BD.
Do you need a ticket to visit Scone Palace?
Yes - Scone Palace is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Murray family (Earl of Mansfield). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Scone Palace?
Yes - Scone Palace 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 Scone Palace?
Standing on a site reviewers describe as central to Scottish history, with gardens, a maze and peacocks that many rate as a visit in themselves.
Is Scone Palace a ruin or still intact?
Scone Palace is largely intact - Historic crowning place of Scottish kings, home of the Earls of Mansfield.
