Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Standing at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official home of His Majesty The King in Scotland, and is used by The King and members of the Royal Family for State ceremonies and official entertaining.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Discover the medieval Holyrood Abbey and Palace Gardens
- Multilingual multimedia guide is included with your entrance ticket
What's included
- Entrance Ticket
- Multimedia Guide
Overview
The Palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is closely associated with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the Palace includes the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, which were the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short and turbulent reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her husband, Lord Darnley. Her Bedchamber has been described as 'the most famous room in Scotland'.
In the Palace's State Apartments, visitors can see the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held lavish balls when he set up his Jacobite Court at the Palace in September 1745. The State Apartments today reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs, and are
renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. They are furnished with numerous works of art from the Royal Collection, many of which have long associations with Holyroodhouse and Scotland.
A visit to the Palace includes the opportunity to explore unique gardens, which are set against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat. A newly created physic garden situated on the Abbey Strand contains a colourful array of medicinal and culinary plants inspired by some of the earliest recorded gardens on the site. At the Café at the Palace, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from locally sourced produce, from light refreshments and lunch to afternoon tea.
Opening Hours
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except 24 May - 7 September 2025 when it is open 7 days a week.
April to October: 09:30-18:00 (last admission 16:30)
November to March: 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:15)
Palace closures
13 December 2024 - Palace closing early. Last admission at 14:15 and Palace closed at 15:30.
26 December 2024 - Palace closed all day
As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, sometimes additional closures can happen at short notice.
Please check before visiting.
Images: Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III 2024
Know before you go
Evan Evans tickets are valid anytime during regular opening hours on the date shown. As a working royal palace the opening hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting. A printed copy of your ticket is required.
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
