Scone Palace & the Stone of Destiny

Step out of Edinburgh for the day and into the heart of Scotland’s royal story. This private Scone Palace and Stone of Destiny day tour from Edinburgh blends grand stately rooms, beautiful gardens, and one of the most legendary objects in Scottish history, all wrapped up with an easy, scenic drive through Fife and into Perthshire (affectionately known as “Big Tree Country”).

We’ll collect you from your chosen location in Edinburgh and head west, crossing the Firth of Forth via the striking Queensferry Crossing before continuing through the Kingdom of Fife and on into Perthshire.

Our main visit is Scone Palace, a standout historic attraction and the long-time home of the Earls of Mansfield and the Murray family. Scone (pronounced “Skoon”) isn’t just a beautiful palace; it’s a place woven into Scotland’s national identity. For centuries, this was the traditional crowning place of Scottish kings, including famous names like Macbeth and Robert the Bruce, with deep connections to the early story of Scotland itself.

Inside the palace, you’ll have time to explore elegant state rooms filled with remarkable collections: paintings, furniture, porcelain, and historic treasures that help bring Scotland’s past into sharp focus. It’s grand without being stuffy, the kind of place where history feels close rather than locked behind glass.

Scone Palace: Crowning Place of Scottish Kings

In the palace grounds, we’ll visit Moot Hill, the historic mound associated with Scotland’s coronations. Here you’ll find a replica of the Stone of Destiny, the simple-looking sandstone block tied to Scotland’s monarchs and centuries of ceremony. You’ll also hear the local folklore that gives Moot Hill its character, including the famous “boot hill” tale of nobles adding soil from their own lands.

Tour Details

• Duration: Full-day (7-8 hours)

• Departure From: Edinburgh

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £695

• Includes:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included: Lunch and entry fees (to allow flexibility and choice)

Moot Hill & the Stone of Destiny

Scone isn’t only about royal history; the grounds are part of the experience. If you fancy it, you can try your luck in the Murray Star Maze, a striking star-shaped maze made from thousands of beech trees and designed around the Mansfield family emblem and tartan.

There’s also time to enjoy the gardens, browse the gift shop, and take a break at the palace café, ideal for lunch or a lighter bite before the next stop.

Gardens, the Murray Star Maze & Time to Enjoy the Grounds

After Scone, we’ll take the short drive into Perth to visit the Perth Museum, where you can view the real Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone) itself. Because viewing is often managed by timed entry, it’s important to book a free viewing slot in advance to avoid disappointment. We’ll remind you of this when planning your tour.

Perth Museum: See the Stone of Destiny