the official scottish residence of the king

THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of King Charles the 3rd when he is in Scotland. It's steeped in history and a must for anyone who wants to discover more about Scotland's past.

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The Palace of HolyroodHouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse plays an important role as the official residence of King Charles the 3rd when he visits Edinburgh. As well as its significance in state life, The Palace of Holyrood House offers a vivid insight into the history of Scotland and its sometimes turbulent past.

The State Apartments

Visitors can explore a number of splendid state apartments as well as taking the opportunity to enjoy some magnificent artworks that depict royal lineage and historical moments. In addition to the permanent collection of works, there is a number of special exhibitions throughout the year.

The Palace of Holyrood House is very much a working palace and as such, some staterooms may be closed for state functions. If you have a particular interest in a specific aspect of the palace, do contact the offices to ensure you’ll be able to access the appropriate area when you visit.

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Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2024
Check tour & ticket availability now.

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Mary Queen of Scots

One of the most famous residents of Holyrood Palace was Mary Queen of Scots and the historical apartments provided the setting for some of the significant events of her reign. Various artefacts such as needlework created by the deposed queen and a miniature portrait rendered by Francois Clouet may be on display for visitors.

There are lots of other things to enjoy at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The gardens are a wonderful place to wander and relax, whilst imagining the history of this majestic city, whilst Holyrood Abbey offers a place for quiet contemplation and reflection.

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Tours & Highlights

Whether you are interested in the Royals, British History, historical fashion or architecture, the Palace has it all. Book your visit today.

History of the Palace of HolyroodHouse

Holyrood Palace History

Dating back to the early 1100's, the Palace of HolyroodHouse started life as the Holyrood Abbey. It was only in the 16th century that the palace began to evolve next door to the abbey.

Visit Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Abbey

Wander through the Abbey nave and gardens where kings and queens have walked. See the East Processional Doorway, the only surviving part of David I’s original monastery

Visit Holyrood Palace Gardens

Holyrood Palace Gardens

overing 10 acres, the stunning gardens of Holyroodhouse are cultivated by an expert team of landscapers and professionals.

Visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2024

The palace of Holyrood House can be visited by means of a timed ticket – this means we can manage visitor numbers and ensure everyone’s safety.

To help everything run smoothly and be sure of being able to visit at the time you wish, we recommend you book your tickets online.

Opening Times

Note: Kensington Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and between 24th - 26th December.

April – October

Open: 09:30 - 18:00 - Last admission: 16.30

November – March

Open: 09:30 - 16:30 - Last admission: 15:15

Accessibility

The Palace of Holyrood house is mostly accessible for visitors who use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs.
We also offer a number of solutions for visitors who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted or who have autism.
Where possible we offer parking for visitors with disabilities.

Visitors Frequently Asked Questions

It is best to book in advance to ensure entry as tickets often sell out. Book Now
Children under 5 enter for free.
Current Ticket Prices for 2024
Adult (25+) £20.00
Child (5-17) £10.00
Young Person (18-24) £13.00

Please Note: Concessionary tickets are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.
Please contact +44 (0)303 123 7324 or specialistsales@rct.uk or visit the Royal Collection Trust website.

Yes, the Palace offers both self-guided audio tours, which are included in the admission price, and guided tours by a warder for an additional fee. The audio tour is available in several languages and provides extensive information about the palace's history and its rooms.

Yes, tickets for The Palace of Holyroodhouse can be purchased online here. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to ensure entry on your preferred date and to avoid long lines at the ticket office.

Yes, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, and there are accessible toilets. Please contact the palace before your visit if you have specific accessibility needs.

The Palace is located at the eastern end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and taxis. If you are driving, there are public parking areas nearby, but parking on site is limited to disabled badge holders.

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, but smart casual dress is recommended, especially if you are attending any special events or functions.

Don't miss the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, the beautiful 16th-century ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the Queen’s Gallery, which hosts a rotating exhibition of items from the Royal Collection.

Yes, there are several attractions and landmarks near the Palace. Some popular options include Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Canongate Kirk, all within walking distance.

The Palace of HolyroodHouse

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