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Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh

4.6

·21k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow

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Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The King's official residence in Scotland, steeped in royal history from Mary, Queen of Scots to modern-day ceremonies.

4.6

(21k reviews)

"Much LESS CROWDED and you really get a feel for the palace and how grand it really is."

TIP

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.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 22,200 reviews

Type

Castle

Address

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

Website

rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Royal Access

Secure your tickets for the Palace of Holyroodhouse in advance, especially if visiting during peak times or royal events. This ensures entry and can save you time queuing. Consider package deals with other Edinburgh attractions for potential savings.

Timing is Key for Crowds

To experience the palace with fewer crowds, aim for early morning visits or consider an 'after hours' guided tour for a more intimate exploration. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

Crowd

Low

When

After hours tours

Why

Exclusive access, knowledgeable guides

Crowd

Low

When

Late June/early July

Why

The King's official visit

Crowd

High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Right in the middle of Edinburgh, at the very end of the Royal Mile, you’ll find these haunting ruins. This is Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I, once the site of royal weddings, coronations, and burials. You can’t visit it separately, it’s only accessible with a Palace of Holyroodhouse ticket. But if you’re into moody ruins and real Scottish history, it’s well worth it. #edinburgh #...

@scotlandhiddenadventures

12.7K likes • 111.8K views

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.

A glorious entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. #Scotland #ScotlandTikTok #Scottish #ScottishTikTok #Holyrood #HolyroodPalace #PalaceOfHolyroodhouse #Holyroodhouse #RoyalFamily #Edinburgh #PlacesToVisit #VisitScotland

@scotland

10.1K likes • 130.1K views

#holyroodhouse #holyrood #royalpalace #oldtown #edinburgholdtown #edinburgh #scotland #glasgow #inverness #skye #aviemore #fortwilliam #scotland_greatshots #scotland_insta #scotland_lover #scotland_ig #scotlandexplore #scotlandtravel #scotlandshots #scotlandphotography #scotlandhighlands #alba #scozia #movimondoviaggi #unmondodiricordi #travellingcouple

francescorapaccioni

143 likes • 0 views

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.

Visita ao Palácio de Holyroodhouse, Palácio oficial da Família Real Britânica na Escócia. Na origem, foi fundada aqui a Abadia da Santa Cruz pelo Rei Davi I, filho de Santa Margarida da Escócia. Conta a tradição, que o rei viu aqui um cervo que tinha uma cruz entre os chifres, o que o fez decidir fundar nesse lugar a abadia, hoje em ruínas.

claudiomar.silvasouza

113 likes • 0 views

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

🚶 'After hours' guided tours offer a unique, less crowded perspective.

Royal Closures Possible

👑 Check for royal events; the palace may close or have tighter security.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(21k reviews)

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

Less crowded than Edinburgh Castle

Rich historical context

Impressive State Apartments

What People Dislike

Perceived high admission cost

Relatively short visit duration

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.