Scone: History and Gardens

When planning a stay in Scone, the town’s history and the designed landscape of Scone Palace offer distinct themes to explore. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, considering whether you are particularly interested in historical connections, gardens or both can give your stay a clear focus.

History and Historic Places

Scone was built as a planned village in 1805. This date adds to an older history: Scone was the original home of the Stone of Scone. Moot Hill is another historical landmark. It lies immediately northeast of Scone Palace and was the principal coronation site for Scottish monarchs in the medieval and post-medieval periods. Moot Hill is a large, man-made, oval mound with a flattened top. Its shape and historical role are two distinct aspects of the same place. Scone Abbey was founded by King Alexander I between 1114 and 1122.

Scone Palace and the Parkland

The gardens and grounds of Scone Palace cover 100 acres. The designed landscape is among the finest and oldest in Scotland. It includes Scone Palace, which is listed as a Category A building. The 100 acres refer to the gardens and grounds, while the Category A listing applies to the palace itself. A tour of Scone Palace takes visitors through the State Rooms. Visitors are also welcome to explore the palace at their own pace.

Gardens, Walking Trails and Nature

The Douglas Trail passes through the gardens and highlights modern cultivars derived from David Douglas’s original plant introductions. The maze was created in 1991 with 2,000 beech trees and more than 800 metres of paths. These two garden attractions have different focuses: the trail centres on plant introductions and cultivars, while the maze features its beech trees and path length. Scone Wood also has several winding walking trails. For planning purposes, these attractions each offer a different emphasis: the Douglas Trail has a botanical focus, the maze is defined by its layout, and Scone Wood is characterised by its several winding trails.

The grounds of Scone Palace provide a habitat for red squirrels and deer. Wildlife is therefore another nature-related feature of the grounds, alongside the designed landscape. The Kitchen Garden supplies vegetables used year-round in the Palace Coffee Shop.

Getting to Scone Palace

Scone Palace is accessible by public transport, car or bicycle. Taxis are available from Perth railway station for the ten-minute journey to Scone Palace. If you plan to take a taxi for your journey, check the latest taxi information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Glenalmond, Bridge Of Cally, Glendevon, Auchterarder, Dull, Comrie, Invergowrie, Glencarse

For the wider travel overview: Perth And Kinross.