The Royal Palace at Falkland, built between 1501 and 1541 and set in the heart of a medieval village, was the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots. The striking portrait collection depicts members of the royal Stuart family, who were so closely identified with the Palace. Wandering around the Palace and gardens, it is poignant to reflect that Mary, Queen of Scots spent some of the happiest days of her life here, ‘playing the country girl in the woods and parks’. The Palace is famous for its beautiful gardens and for the tennis court, built in 1539. A world away from Wimbledon, this is Britain’s oldest tennis court and is home to a flourishing local royal, or ‘real’, tennis club.