Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
Visit The King's official residence in Scotland
- Admission to the Palace, the State Apartments, and Mary, Queen of Scots' historic chambers
- Admission to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey
- Free multimedia guide, available in multiple languages
- Access to the Palace's public garden
Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets and Information
- Palace of Holyroodhouse Address: Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
- Opening Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 18:00
Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse Worth Visiting
- If you like royal buildings steeped in history, then definitely, yes!
What You See At The Palace of Holyroodhouse
- The Palace
- The State Apartments
- Mary Queen of Scots historic chambers
- Ruins of Holyrood Abbey
- Palace’s Public Garden
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About The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the famous royal residence located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and closely associated with the British monarchy. It’s actually the official home of His Majesty the King in Scotland and is still used for State Ceremonies and when the Royals are entertaining in Scotland.
The palace has a rich history which spans many centuries. Originally founded as a monastery in 1128, called ‘Holyrood Abbey’, which was adjacent to the palace, it was eventually converted into a royal residence by James IV of Scotland in the early 16th century.
Constructed in various stages over the centuries, with significant renovations and expansions carried out by subsequent monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who resided there during much of her tumultuous reign in the 16th century.
It was also the site of several significant historical events, including the murder of David Rizzio, Mary's private secretary, and the killing of her second husband, Lord Darnley. Bonnie Prince Charlie was also famous for holding lavish balls at the palace.
You can also explore the Palace grounds and discover the beautiful gardens which are fit for a King! The gardens are nestled against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat (the volcanic peak, which gets its name from King Arthur of Camelot). You can wander through the newly established physic garden on Abbey Strand which showcases a vibrant spectrum of medicinal and culinary plants that were inspired by the site's ancient garden legacy.
You can also enjoy a bite to eat of a drink at the Palace Café, and savour the homemade dishes with some made from locally sourced ingredients, offering everything from light refreshments to sumptuous afternoon tea experiences.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse FAQs
- Will we see any of the Royal family on a visit to The Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- No, unfortunately not! The visitors are only given access to certain areas of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Do we need to book tickets in advance to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- We always suggest booking tickets in advance if you know when you plan to visit.
- Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is wheelchair accessible. Mobility scooters are also allowed.
- How long does it take to tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- We suggest it takes around 60-90 minutes, but it is entirely up to you.
- What is the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It has been a royal residence for over 500 years. - Where is the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- It’s at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat.
- Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse open to the public?
- Yes, the palace is open year-round, except when it is being used for official royal events.
- Who lives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- The monarch stays there when in Scotland, especially during “Holyrood Week” in the summer, but it’s not a full-time residence.
- Can you tour the inside of the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- Yes, you can explore the State Apartments, the Throne Room, the Great Gallery, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
- What is Holyrood Abbey?
- It's a ruined 12th-century abbey next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, founded by King David I in 1128.
- What happened in Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- Her secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in her private apartments by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley, and his followers.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Fun Facts
- Holyrood Name: The name “Holyrood” comes from the Scots word for “Holy Cross.”
- Origins: The palace was originally an Augustinian monastery that was founded in 1128.
- Rooms: The palace has 289 rooms!
- Royal Home: It has been the home of many Scottish kings and queens, including James IV and Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Thrones: The Throne Room still features thrones made for King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
- Bonnie Prince Charlie: Bonnie Prince Charlie held court at Holyroodhouse during the Jacobite rising of 1745.
- Secret Passage: A secret passage is said to lead from the palace to the nearby abbey!
- Art: The palace’s Great Gallery displays over 90 portraits of legendary Scottish kings and many of whom may never have existed!
Useful Information About Palace of Holyroodhouse
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets Online: The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a very popular tourist attraction in Edinburgh. We suggest booking tickets on line as it can save you time as queues do form at the ticket office, so booking online means you can avoid them and enjoy more time exploring the property!
- Combination Tickets: See our range of combination tickets for Palace of Holyroodhouse. Click HERE to see options.
- Best Time to Visit: Just after opening time or an hour before closing time can be slightly quieter times but you will never have the place to yourself.
How to get there
- Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, EH8 8DX, Edinburgh
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Friday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Saturday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:30 - 18:00
