Name: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Rating: 5.0

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.

Enjoy the ultimate royal experience at the home of Scottish royalty. The Palace is open to the public all year round and we can’t wait to welcome you in and make some magical memories together. See the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie partied, and the remarkable Throne Room, where George IV famously wore Highland dress at a levée or royal reception.

Price starts from £21.00 for Adults, £13.50 for Young Person (18-24 yrs), £10.50 for Children(5-17 yrs) and Under 5 are free. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Glimpse the Great Stair: What would a royal palace be without a grand entrance? As you enter the Palace you will see the impressive stone staircase built for Charles II. Don't miss the spectacular ceiling plasterwork where a life-size angel holds the Scottish crown, as well as amazing Tapestries on the walls which were sent to the Palace by Prince Albert.
Be charmed by Charles II: Come for the majesty, stay for the masters. There are amazing paintings to see on your visit to the Palace. A highlight has to be the magnificent portrait of Charles II by John Michael Wright hanging in the Throne Room. Much of the Palace you can see today is from renovations and rebuilding work started during Charles II's reign, however he never actually visited the Palace himself. The Palace is packed with other extraordinary treasures including incredible furniture and tapestries.
Discover the Royal Dining Room: Want to see where the Royal Family dines? Queen Elizabeth II used the lavish Royal Dining Room when she stayed at the Palace. It was however Queen Victoria who first decided that this room should be used as a royal dining room. Don't miss the wonderful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which was specially commissioned to hang at Holyroodhouse.
Be dazzled by the Darnley Jewel: Well it wouldn't be a royal residence without some bling! As you make your way through the rooms where Mary, Queen of Scots lived, you will see this spectacular heart-shaped locket made from blue glass, rubies, and an emerald! Made for Mary's mother-in-law, Lady Margaret Douglas, the Jewel features emblems and inscriptions that reveal Margaret's ambitions for her grandson the future James VI and I.
Spot a spectacular unicorn: Did you know Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn? While you make your way around the Palace and grounds keep an eye out for unicorns on gate posts, carved into walls and on ceilings. There are some on the ceiling of the Presence Chamber and see if you spot the unicorns above the Palace's front door.
Keep the kids keen: Free multimedia guide has a children’s version where Holly and Rudy help guide you through the Palace. The kids can search for hidden unicorns and lions and find out more about the Palace's famous royal inhabitants, past and present.
Glide through the gardens: Want to see where Queen Elizabeth II hosted garden parties while in Edinburgh? You can wander through the beautiful 4-hectare Palace gardens which have uninterrupted views towards the Queen's Park, also known as Holyrood Park. The gardens include the Wentworth Elm, a species which until recently was thought to be extinct! You can also visit the Physic Garden which contains medicinal and culinary plants that would have grown at the site in the 17th-century.

Facilities

Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
Food & Drinks: The Café at the Palace serves food and drinks, however eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
Toilets: Toilets and baby-care facilities are located in the Mews.

What to see

Events:

Private Guided Morning Tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for groups: 2 Oct 2025. Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (2 Jan 2025 - 29 Dec 2025). Excl dates: 25 Dec 2025, 26 Dec 2025. 08:30 - 10:30. This special tour of His Majesty The King's official residence in Scotland highlights both the Palace's dramatic past and its important role today.
Edinburgh: Royal Reminiscence, Dementia-friendly afternoons: 23 Oct 2025, 3 upcoming events. 23 Oct 2025; 20 Nov 2025; 18 Dec 2025, 14:00 – 14:30. Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions offer the chance to explore the paintings and objects in a calm environment and discover the stories behind them.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.rct.uk/whatson

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £21.00 Advance & £25.00 On the day.
Young Person(18–24): £13.50 Advance & £16.50 On the day.
Child(5–17): £10.50 Advance & £12.50 On the day.
Under 5: Free.
Disabled Person: £10.50 Advance & £12.50 On the day.
Access Companion: Free Advance & Free On the day.
Groups(15 people or more): £18.90 for Adults, £12.10 for Young Person(18-24) & £9.40 for Child(5-17).
Exclusive Guided Tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: £55.00 Per Person.
£1 Ticket(for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits): Book £1 tickets.

Pricing URL: https://tickets.rct.uk/product/11/6103?_ga=2.247805447.1614708199.1759230586-71858084.1759230586

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

1 November - 31 March: 09:30 - 16:30
1 April - 31 October: 09:30 - 18:00

Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh, UK

Post Code: EH8 8DX

Council: Edinburgh

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

By car: There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit theHistoric Environment Scotland website for more details.
By train: The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15 minute walk from the station.
By coach/bus: Bus number 35 stops near the Palace. Open-top tour buses stop nearby. Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By tram: The nearest tram stop is Picardy Place. The Palace is a 20 minute walk from the stop.
By bike: A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament.
Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.