Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh
The King's official residence in Scotland, steeped in royal history from Mary, Queen of Scots to modern-day ceremonies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The King's official residence in Scotland, steeped in royal history from Mary, Queen of Scots to modern-day ceremonies.
"Much LESS CROWDED and you really get a feel for the palace and how grand it really is."
Book Tickets in Advance
:admission_tickets: Secure your entry to Holyrood Palace online to guarantee access and avoid queues.
Audio Tour Included
:iphone: An audio guide is automatically provided, offering rich historical context for each room.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holyrood Abbey Ruins
Palace of Holyroodhouse grounds
Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of this 12th-century abbey, a site of royal weddings and burials.
The Great Gallery
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Marvel at the 110 portraits of Scottish monarchs, a stunning display of royal history and art.
Mary, Queen of Scots' Historic Apartments
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Step back in time to the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and imagine the dramatic events that unfolded here.
Throne Room
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Admire the opulent Throne Room, a testament to the palace's enduring role as the King's official residence in Scotland.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Royal Access
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets in Advance
:admission_tickets: Secure your entry to Holyrood Palace online to guarantee access and avoid queues.
Audio Tour Included
:iphone: An audio guide is automatically provided, offering rich historical context for each room.
No Photos Inside
:camerawithflash: Photography is strictly prohibited within the palace interiors.
Explore the Abbey Ruins
:ruins: Don't miss the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey, even with ongoing restoration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets in Advance
:admission_tickets: Secure your entry to Holyrood Palace online to guarantee access and avoid queues.
Audio Tour Included
:iphone: An audio guide is automatically provided, offering rich historical context for each room.
No Photos Inside
:camerawithflash: Photography is strictly prohibited within the palace interiors.
Explore the Abbey Ruins
:ruins: Don't miss the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey, even with ongoing restoration.
Consider Guided Tours
:walking: 'After hours' guided tours offer a unique, less crowded perspective.
Royal Closures Possible
:crown: Check for royal events; the palace may close or have tighter security.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Palace of Holyroodhouse to be a historically rich and less crowded alternative to Edinburgh Castle, offering a tangible connection to Scottish royalty. While some feel the admission price is high for the duration of the visit, many appreciate the included audio tour and the grandeur of the State Apartments and Great Gallery. The atmospheric abbey ruins are also a significant draw.
"Don’t think it was worth the cost of admission compared to some other attractions I’ve been to. I took my time and still only spent about an hour here. Got there early and was probably one of the first 50 people in line so got to enjoy some of the rooms by myself for a bit which was great. Loved that they automatically give you the audio tour. There’s maybe 10 or so rooms that you get to walk through so it goes by quickly."
Katherine Haywood
"Interesting castle and history. Recommend taking the after hours guided tour. No one else around. The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. The tour also includes the gardens and the abbey. And they give you a souvenir book!"
Linda McVicar
"Our visit was a life long (or at least since college) bucket list item accomplished. No pictures allowed inside, but it's magnificent. Only a tiny part is preserved from Mary, Queen of Scots time. The rest is a remarkably comfortable stately house. The furniture and art are impressive. The back stairs to Queen Mary's apartments are so tiny and steep it's amazing that so many people could use them to commit murder!"
Melanie Stensrud
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. You can easily walk there from the city center, or take a bus. Many visitors combine a visit with Edinburgh Castle, walking down the Royal Mile between the two. +1
On-site parking is very limited. It's best to use public transport or walk. The nearest public parking is often found at Holyrood Road or nearby NCP car parks.
Yes, the walk down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a popular and scenic route, taking about 20-30 minutes without stops.
Walking the Royal Mile is the most recommended way to travel between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, allowing you to explore historic closes and landmarks along the way.
Yes, several Lothian Buses routes stop near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, making it easily accessible by public transport from various parts of Edinburgh.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking in advance is recommended. Check the official Historic Environment Scotland website for current pricing and to purchase tickets.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season or if you wish to join a specific tour, to guarantee entry.
A standard ticket typically includes access to the historic apartments, the Great Gallery, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the palace gardens. An audio tour is also usually included.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, children, and families. Consider purchasing a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass for access to multiple sites.
No, Holyrood Abbey ruins are only accessible with a ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, the State Apartments, the Throne Room, and the Great Gallery with its impressive collection of royal portraits. +2
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can take photos of the exterior and the grounds.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the palace and its grounds. Some reviews suggest it can be a quicker visit if you don't linger.
Yes, the palace gardens are usually open to visitors with a ticket, offering beautiful views and a peaceful escape.
The enfilade is a series of rooms aligned along a facade, with windows on one side and staterooms on the other, designed to reflect court hierarchy. This architectural feature can be seen at Holyrood.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe on-site offering light refreshments and snacks. For more substantial meals, numerous restaurants and cafes are available along the Royal Mile and in Edinburgh's city center.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the palace interiors. You can usually enjoy them in designated outdoor areas or before/after your visit.
The area around the bottom of the Royal Mile and the Canongate offers various dining options, from traditional pubs to contemporary restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the palace, the Holyrood Abbey ruins, and the palace gardens offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic areas and around royal residences. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the palace and abbey ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
👑 Royal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Residence Through History
+1The palace you see today largely dates from the 17th century, built after destruction during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It features grand State Apartments, the opulent Throne Room, and the impressive Great Gallery, which houses a unique collection of portraits of Scottish monarchs.
Visitors often remark on the blend of preserved historical elements and the palace's function as a working royal residence. The Holyrood Abbey ruins adjacent to the palace are a poignant reminder of its ancient origins and offer a starkly beautiful contrast to the palace's grandeur.
Exploring the Palace Interiors
While photography is not allowed inside, the audio guide provided with your ticket is invaluable for understanding the context and stories behind each room.
Many visitors find the palace less crowded than Edinburgh Castle, allowing for a more personal experience.
The Significance of Holyrood Abbey
Once a thriving Augustinian monastery, it was the site of royal coronations and weddings. Although now in ruins, the scale and remaining architecture are impressive, evoking a sense of history and solemnity. Even with ongoing restoration work, visitors can still access the abbey ruins and gain a sense of its former glory.
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