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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > House of the Binns

House of the Binns

Set in 200 acres of beautiful parkland with views over the River Forth, this has been the home of the Dalyell family since 1612. It is located near Linlithgow, West Lothian, and uses the postcode EH49 7NA.

What to Expect and Enjoy
This is a “lived-in” family home filled with personality and strange stories rather than a cold museum.

  • The Legends: The house is famous for “Bluidy Tam” Dalyell, a general who supposedly played cards with the Devil. You can actually see the table where the game supposedly happened—look for the mysterious “hoof mark” burned into the wood!
  • The Boots: You’ll see a pair of massive Russian leather riding boots from the 1600s. Legend says they used to march around the house on their own at night.
  • The Tower: Take a short, scenic walk through the woodland to the tower on the hill. The panoramic views of central Scotland and the bridges are fantastic from up there.
  • The Peacocks: Keep your eyes peeled for the resident colony of peacocks that roam the grounds. They are very vocal and love to show off their feathers in the spring.

Best For and Time Spent
Great for families and couples who like ghost stories and social history. It’s particularly lovely for seniors who enjoy grand interiors and peaceful walks.

  • Duration: You’ll likely spend 1 to 1.5 hours on a house tour, plus another hour if you explore the grounds and walk to the tower.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Tours: Access to the house is by guided tour only. These fill up fast, so it is highly recommended to book your spot online before you arrive.
  • Parking: There is a free car park on-site, with designated spaces near the main door for those who need easier access.
  • Food & Drink: There are no cafe facilities at the house, so it’s a perfect spot to bring a picnic to enjoy in the parkland.
  • Season: The house is usually open for tours from March through October (typically Thursday to Monday), but the parkland and grounds are open daily all year round.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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