Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

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.




PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open Thursday to Monday throughout the year, except in the summer when it is open daily.

Opening times

1 November – 31 March 2026
Thursday to Monday, 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:15)


As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, sometimes additional closures can happen at short notice.​ Please check before visiting.

Palace Closures/Changes to opening hours
25 – 26 December 2025
1 January 2026 - Palace opens at 11:00
19 January 2026
14 – 18 May 2026
26 June – 3 July 2026
25 – 26 December 2026

Due to essential building conservation work, Mary, Queen of Scots’ historic chambers will be closed from Thursday, 15 January to Monday, 9 February 2026. Instead, visitors will be able to experience the West Drawing Room, which is not normally open to the public.



Images: Royal Collection Trust / © HM King Charles III 2025