The house is closely associated with General Tam Dalyell, who formed the Royal Scots Greys cavalry regiment in 1678.
A local legend claims that the General plays cards with the Devil in the house, a story often attributed to his reputation as a stern Covenanter persecutor.
The interior plasterwork is among the finest surviving examples of the 1630s in Scotland.
The estate includes a 'folly' tower built in 1826 on the site of a prehistoric hill fort.
Despite being a museum, the Dalyell family retains a private apartment within the house.
House of the Binns is a 17th-century country house located in West Lothian, continuously inhabited by the Dalyell family for over 400 years. The property serves as a museum managed by the National Trust for Scotland, showcasing an extensive collection of portraits, period furniture, and porcelain. The interior is noted for its elaborate 17th-century plasterwork ceilings, particularly in the High Hall. The surrounding 200-acre estate features landscaped parkland and a designated viewpoint known as the Binns Tower. It remains one of the oldest residential properties in Scotland that is accessible to the public. The house was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1944 by Eleanor Dalyell. Visitors can explore rooms that reflect the changing architectural tastes from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
The south front of the house providing a view of the 17th-century architecture against the parkland backdrop.
Walk up to the Binns Tower on the hill for panoramic views of the Firth of Forth.
Ask the room guides about the history of the Royal Scots Greys, as they are often very knowledgeable about the family's military legacy.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven grass paths in the surrounding parkland.
Do not attempt to walk through the estate on foot from Linlithgow town as the roads are narrow and lack pedestrian infrastructure.
The house is generally open for limited days per week during the main tourist season and typically closed during the winter months.
No photography is permitted inside the historic interiors to protect the collection; respect the private areas of the house.
