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Edinburgh & The Lothians

House of the Binns

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About this place

With spectacular views across the Scottish countryside, the home of the Dalyells boasts 400 years of fascinating family history.

  • Enjoy a guided tour of the house, filled with rich storytelling and an impressive collection of family portraits, furniture and porcelain that reveals the lives and interests of the family through the centuries.
  • Admire the magnificent plaster ceilings from 1630, commissioned for the visit of King Charles I to Scotland in 1633.
  • See the Scottish Renaissance painted wood decoration, a rare survival from the earliest period of the house.
  • Walk through woodland to the tower on the hill for a wonderful panoramic view of central Scotland.

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years. The present house was built in 1612 by Thomas Dalyell, an Edinburgh merchant who made his fortune at the court of King James VI and I in London.

Thomas’s son, General Tam Dalyell, formed the legendary regiment of Royal Scots Greys. There are many mementos of him in the house, as well as colourful legends about his dealings with the devil to discover.

The house contains an interesting collection of family portraits, furniture, porcelain and silver acquired over several generations.

Please note that photography and filming are not permitted inside the House of the Binns but are permitted in the grounds.

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Today's Opening Hours

House
guided tours only, between 10.00–15.00
Estate
9.00–19.30
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Entry prices

Adult
£12.50
Concession
£10.00
Child
£7.50
Young Scot
£1.00
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Membership

At all Trust places, admission is free for members.

Join from £5.20 / month

Stay for longer

Gate Lodge, situated in the grounds of the House of the Binns, is close to the River Forth and offers views over the landscaped parklands. Gate Lodge offers an opulent interior decorated with contemporary artwork. The property is an ideal setting to explore Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Holiday accomodation

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Accreditations and awards

  • A navy oval badge from the Scottish Tourist Board, showing 4 stars for a Visitor Attraction. There is an illustrated green and purple thistle at the top of the badge.
  • A green oval badge showing the Visit Scotland thistle logo and 'The Green Tourism Business Scheme' logo with the words: silver in capital letters.

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