What do Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets include?

Most tickets include palace entry, access to <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="VYpcQFwe" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6a0c77a4f071466f7deaceae" text="Holyrood Abbey" uid="www.edinburgh-tickets.com.palace-of-holyroodhouse-tickets.holyrood-abbey" lang="en" />, and a multimedia guide. Some combos also include <experience type="Popup" tgid="38457" title="galleries" id="BKZFIs6y" />, <experience type="Popup" tgid="44698" title="guided tours" id="XsMJn3OH" />, <experience type="Popup" tgid="37519" title="buses" id="rqOx10ZG" />, or additional Edinburgh attractions.

Does every ticket include The King’s Gallery?

No. The King's Gallery entry is only included with specific <experience type="Popup" tgid="38457" title="combo" id="Ut71KEA5" /> or <experience type="Popup" tgid="9634" title="gallery tickets" id="wl9IKlUY" />.

Are multimedia guides included?

Yes, palace tickets include multimedia guides in multiple languages for self-guided exploration through the State Apartments and abbey grounds.

How long does a Palace of Holyroodhouse visit take?

Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours inside the palace and abbey. Combo experiences or gallery visits can extend this to half- or full-day itineraries.

Can I visit Holyrood Abbey with my ticket?

Yes, <experience type="Popup" tgid="7886" title="standard palace admission" id="NV63gJzV" /> includes access to the historic ruins of <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="wyFjGEQB" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6a0c77a4f071466f7deaceae" text="Holyrood Abbey" uid="www.edinburgh-tickets.com.palace-of-holyroodhouse-tickets.holyrood-abbey" lang="en" />.

Are guided tours worth booking?

Can I combine the palace with other Edinburgh attractions?

Yes. Available combos include <experience type="Popup" tgid="43414" title="Royal Yacht Britannia" id="50vI5SYm" />, <experience type="Popup" tgid="38459" title="Edinburgh Zoo" id="WBDKiAIC" />, <experience type="Popup" tgid="37519" title="sightseeing buses" id="IsPkuipl" />, <experience type="Popup" tgid="38458" title="whisky experiences" id="uMGFBgBT" />, and <experience type="Popup" tgid="38729" title="Edinburgh Castle tours" id="k68gVVEn" />.

Are Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets refundable?

Cancellation policies vary by ticket type. Always check your selected experience carefully before booking.

Is photography allowed inside the palace?

Photography is not permitted inside the State Apartments. Outdoor photography is generally allowed in the courtyard and abbey areas.

Is the palace still used by the royal family?

Yes. The Palace of Holyroodhouse remains the official royal residence in Scotland and is still used for ceremonies and state events.

Can children visit the palace?

Yes. Families can visit the palace, though younger children often engage more with the <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="RekQbzQy" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6a0c77a4f071466f7deaceae" text="abbey ruins" uid="www.edinburgh-tickets.com.palace-of-holyroodhouse-tickets.holyrood-abbey" lang="en" />, gardens, and multimedia storytelling elements.

Experience the best of Palace of Holyroodhouse

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Tickets

Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Tickets

What's not allowed

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm are not allowed in this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Additional information

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Last admission is at 3:15pm from November to March and at 4:30pm from April to October.
Under 5s must be booked with a paid ticket.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Guided tour

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

What's not allowed

Edinburgh Castle

Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm are not allowed in this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility

Edinburgh Castle

The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Additional information

Edinburgh Castle

The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 mins before your scheduled start time.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Last admission time is 3:15pm.
Under 5s must be booked with a paid ticket.
The tour is only available when the Palace is closed to other visitors.
Please arrive at least 15 mins before your scheduled tour time.

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Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Guided tour

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Palace of Holyroodhouse + Royal Yacht Britannia Tickets

What to bring Palace of Holyroodhouse + Royal Yacht Britannia

Ensure your entry tickets and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.

What's not allowed Palace of Holyroodhouse + Royal Yacht Britannia

Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping, bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm are not permitted in this experience.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility Palace of Holyroodhouse + Royal Yacht Britannia

This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users. Only some parts of Holyroodhouse, such as the Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms, are not accessible.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Britannia’s five decks are highly accessible via a central lift.
Due to the construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, there may be loud noises.

Additional information Palace of Holyroodhouse

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Last admission time is 3:15pm.
Under 5s must be booked with a paid ticket.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Available facilities: audio guide, parking, baby changing facilities

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Palace of Holyroodhouse + The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

What to bring

Palace of Holyroodhouse + The King’s Gallery

Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.
Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive multimedia guide experience.

What’s not allowed

Palace of Holyroodhouse + The King’s Gallery

Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside for security reasons.

The King’s Gallery

Alcohol, food & beverages, drones, sharp metallic tools or objects, knives, pepper spray, scissors, kirpans with blades exceeding 3 inches, aerosol sprays, paint, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and folding bikes are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

The King’s Gallery

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
A free companion ticket is available.
The lift at the King's Gallery is currently out of order, so you can only access it via staircase.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open to the public on December 23. It is, however, closed on Christmas.
As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The King’s Gallery

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
Pushchairs are permitted during off-peak hours, but if the gallery gets busy, you’ll need to leave them at the designated drop-off area.
Facilities: parking, cloakroom, restroom, multimedia guides, cafe, baby-care facilities.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Guided Tours

Palace of Holyroodhouse Small-Group Exclusive Guided Tour

What's not allowed

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm are not allowed in this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Additional information

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The tour is only available when the Palace is closed to other visitors.
Please arrive at least 15 mins before your scheduled tour time.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr 30 mins

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points. You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket. Red route

First bus: 8:45am from stop #1 Waterloo Place
Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 Waterloo Place
Frequency: Every 10 minutes
Popular stops: Waterloo Place, St. Andrew Square, Holyrood, Our Dynamic Earth

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 8%): Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets + Scotch Whisky Experience Silver Tour

What’s not allowed

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside for security reasons.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Sharp metallic tools or objects and weapons are not allowed in this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Smoking is not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

This experience is wheelchair accessible.
Elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
Hearing loop technology, audio-visual guide, BSL, ASL, and ISL are available for this experience.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

Palace of Holyroodhouse

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open to the public on December 23. It is, however, closed on Christmas.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

This experience may include alcoholic beverages. Availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws. Please carry a valid ID. Drink responsibly.
This is a family-friendly tour—while adults sample local pours, kids get Irn-Bru!
Children under 16 must always be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Please arrive at least 10 mins early, or you may not be allowed in.
Facilities: restroom.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Hop-on Hop-off Tours Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Royal Attractions Tickets + 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Hop-on Hop-off Route - Classic Tour (Red Route) Glide down the red route through the heart of Edinburgh, effortlessly connecting you to historic Old Town gems and the fascinating Dynamic Earth centre. Popular stops: Historic Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Hop-on Hop-off Route - Edinburgh Tour (Green Route) Take a captivating deep dive into the city's unique history and culture with an engaging, live English-speaking guide on board, hitting all the major central landmarks! Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Hop-on Hop-off Route - Regal Tour (Blue Route) Sail through Edinburgh's royal history and maritime charm! This fantastic route takes you from the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse out to the stunning Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Royal Yacht Britannia Tickets

What to bring Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Royal Yacht Britannia

Ensure your entry tickets and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Small, well-behaved dogs in carriers are allowed on the bus.

What's not allowed Royal Yacht Britannia

Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Royal Yacht Britannia

This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Britannia’s five decks are highly accessible via a central lift.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Due to the construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, there may be loud noises.

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Wheelchairs must not exceed 70 cm in width, 120 cm in length, and 135 cm in height to board the bus.
Each bus can accommodate only one wheelchair at a time.

Additional information Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Your ticket is valid for 12 months.
Children aged 5 and under travel for free.
Child tickets must be added at the final stage of booking.
Buses run daily from 8:55 am to 3:55 pm. The Red Route operates on a loop that takes around 70 minutes to complete, with departures every 10 minutes, giving you ample time to explore Edinburgh at your own pace while benefiting from frequent service throughout the day.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Available facilities: audio guide, parking, baby changing facilities

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Tickets

The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

What to bring

Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.
Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive multimedia guide experience.

What’s not allowed

Alcohol, food & beverages, drones, sharp metallic tools or objects, knives, pepper spray, scissors, kirpans with blades exceeding 3 inches, aerosol sprays, paint, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and folding bikes are not allowed on this experience.
Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in The King's Gallery.
Mobile phones must be switched off inside The King's Gallery.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
The lift at the King's gallery is currently out of order, so you can only access it via staircase.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Additional information

Your tickets purchased through Headout cannot be converted into a 1-year pass.
You may be subject to security checks; some items may need to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
Some events and workshops require separate tickets and are not included in standard admission.
As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
Pushchairs are permitted during off-peak hours, but if the gallery gets busy, you’ll need to leave them at the designated drop-off area.
Facilities: parking, cloakroom, restroom, multimedia guides, cafe, baby-care facilities

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Guided tour

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Slide 1 of 4

Quick overview

Ways to explore: Choose between standard palace entry, multimedia-guided visits, or combos pairing the palace with Edinburgh’s top attractions and tours.
Additional access: Some tickets include entry to The King's Gallery exhibitions, hop-on hop-off buses, or guided walking experiences along the Royal Mile.
Unique experiences: Combo tickets connect royal life across Edinburgh, from Royal Yacht Britannia to whisky tastings and castle tours.
Queues & access: All tickets include timed palace entry. Security checks still apply, especially during summer and royal event periods.
When to book: Reserve at least 1 week ahead for summer weekends, castle-guided combos, and holiday dates.
Good to know: Most visits take 1.5–3 hours depending on upgrades. Multimedia guides are included with palace tickets.
Best upgrade: The Edinburgh Castle + Palace combo gives the clearest picture of Scotland’s royal and political history in one day.

Which Palace of Holyroodhouse ticket is best for you?

Ticket type	Includes	Guide	Why pick this	Price from
Holyroodhouse Palace tickets	Palace, Abbey, multimedia guide	Audio	• Cheapest base entry • Explore all the main royal areas	From £22
Palace + The King’s Gallery combo	Palace + Gallery entry	Audio	• Two royal sites • Exhibition access	From £31.35
Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Palace combo	24hr bus + palace entry	Audio	• City transport included • Easy sightseeing	From £39.90
Palace + Royal Yacht Britannia combo	Palace + Britannia entry	Audio	• Two royal residences • Contrasting royal life	From £44.65
Palace + Scotch Whisky Experience combo	Palace + Silver Scotch Whisky Tour	Guided tasting and audio guide	• Culture + history • Includes souvenir glass	From £44.65
The King’s Gallery tickets	Exhibition entry + guide	Audio	• Lower-cost option • Temporary exhibitions	From £11
Edinburgh Castle guided tour + Palace combo	Castle tour + palace entry	Live guide + audio	• Guided castle insights • Covers Royal Mile highlights	From £57.95
Palace entry + Private guided tour of Queen Elizabeth II Private Apartments	Palace entry and 1-hour guided tour of the Queen's Apartments with a live English guide & multilingual audio guide	Live guide + audio	• Exclusive first access to apartments • Rare 2026 Queen Elizabeth II Apartment tour	From £71

What to expect at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

1/5

Walk into Scotland’s working royal residence

The palace rises at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with symmetrical stone façades, formal courtyards, and views stretching toward Arthur’s Seat. The atmosphere feels quieter and more lived-in than most royal palaces.

Explore royal apartments and historic chambers

Standard entry includes the State Apartments, the throne room, and the chambers linked to Mary, Queen of Scots. Heavy tapestries, polished floors, and painted ceilings create an intimate sense of royal life rather than grand spectacle.

Listen as the palace stories unfold around you

Multimedia guides add context without slowing the visit. You hear about royal ceremonies, political scandals, and daily palace routines while moving through rooms at your own pace.

Step into the ruins of Holyrood Abbey

Beyond the palace stands the roofless abbey, where weathered arches frame the Edinburgh sky. The quiet stone ruins contrast sharply with the furnished palace interiors nearby.

Know more

Add depth with Edinburgh’s royal combos

Combo tickets extend the story beyond Holyroodhouse, connecting the palace with Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, or curated exhibitions inside The King's Gallery.

Things to know before booking tickets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Booking window: Summer weekends, December holidays, and August festival periods regularly sell out. Book at least 5–7 days early for preferred entry slots and combo experiences.
Entry & security: All visitors pass through airport-style security before entering the palace. Timed entry reduces ticket queues, but security waits can still reach 10–20 minutes during peak hours.
What standard tickets include: Regular palace tickets cover entry to the State Apartments, Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and Holyrood Abbey ruins, plus a multimedia guide.
Ways to explore: Self-guided visits work well because the multimedia guide is detailed and easy to follow. Guided tours add stronger historical context across Scotland’s royal and political history and access to exclusive areas.
Combo tickets offer better city coverage: The hop-on hop-off combo simplifies transport between Edinburgh attractions, while Royal Yacht Britannia and whisky combinations create a fuller Scottish cultural itinerary in one booking.
Gallery access is separate: Entry to The King's Gallery is not included in standard palace tickets unless specifically stated in your combo.
Accessibility considerations: Most main palace areas are accessible, though some historic sections have uneven flooring or staircases. Abbey ruins contain rougher stone surfaces and limited step-free access.
Photography restrictions apply indoors: Photography is generally not permitted inside the State Apartments. Outdoor courtyard and abbey photography is allowed.

What’s inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse?

1/6

State Apartments

Location: Main palace wing

Ceremonial rooms filled with chandeliers, portraits, and historic furnishings still used during official royal events in Scotland.

Access: Yes

Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers

Location: Northwest Tower

Small interconnected rooms tied to some of Scotland’s most dramatic royal events, including the murder of Mary’s secretary, David Rizzio.

Access: Yes

Great Gallery

Location: Palace upper floor

A long hall lined with portraits of Scottish monarchs, ornate ceiling details, and space once used for royal receptions and ceremonies.

Access: Yes

Holyrood Abbey

Location: Palace grounds

Roofless Gothic abbey ruins with towering stone arches and centuries of royal coronation, wedding, and burial history woven into the site.

Access: Yes

The King’s Gallery

Location: Adjacent to the palace entrance

Hosts rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection, including paintings, fashion, photography, and decorative arts rarely displayed permanently.

Access: Yes (Separate ticket or combo required)

Know more

Palace gardens

Location: Rear palace grounds

Landscaped lawns and pathways stretching toward Arthur’s Seat, used during royal garden parties and seasonal events.

Access: Limited seasonal access

Plan your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

April 1 to October 31: Open daily from 9:30am to 6pm, with last entry at 4:30pm
November 1 to March 31: Open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 3:15pm
Weekly closure: Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for most of the year, so plan visits accordingly
Entry timing tip: Arrive earlier in the day to make full use of the opening hours and avoid tighter late-entry windows

Holyroodhouse Palace timings

Tourists exploring the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, with entrance tickets and multimedia guide in hand

The Palace of Holyroodhouse has a few different entrances, but most visitors will use the main one near the Royal Mile.

Main Entrance: Used for general admission, combo tickets, and multimedia guide entry. This is the primary access point for most visitors.
Queen’s Entrance: Used for select tours and access routes to specific apartments or guided experiences.
Gatehouse Entrance: Used mainly for evening events and special access visits.

During busy periods, lines are split based on ticket type. Pre-booked and same-day ticket holders queue separately, so it’s important to follow the signs carefully to avoid joining the wrong line.

Know more

Restroom sign with male, female, and sink symbols illuminated on a wall.

Visitor Centre: Provides maps, visitor assistance, and practical guidance right near the entrance to help plan your palace visit smoothly.
Café at the Palace: Offers light meals, sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks, ideal for a quick break before or after visiting.
Gift shop: Sells royal-themed souvenirs, books, jewellery, and exhibition merchandise inspired by the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its collections.
Restrooms: Conveniently located near the entrance and café areas, ensuring easy access during your visit to the palace grounds.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in selected visitor areas, helping you stay connected while exploring the palace spaces.
Seating: Limited benches are placed across the grounds and visitor route, offering occasional rest spots during your palace tour.
First aid support: Trained staff provide first aid assistance throughout the site, ensuring visitor safety and quick help when needed.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

Mobility: Most areas are wheelchair accessible, though Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms have some restrictions due to narrow historic staircases and older layouts.
Visual and hearing support: Multimedia guides include subtitles, BSL options, and audio-described content to support a more accessible and inclusive visitor experience.
Assistance dogs: Registered guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site without restrictions.
Families and strollers: Pushchairs are generally allowed, but during busy periods you may need to leave them in designated storage areas.
Accessible parking: Limited accessible parking spaces are available on Horse Wynd, located close to the main palace entrance.

Books displayed at Castel Sant'Angelo Bookstore in Rome.

Palace Shop: Main royal souvenir store near the exit with books, jewellery, Royal Collection gifts, and Edinburgh-themed keepsakes.
Must-buy: Palace-exclusive Royal Collection ornaments
The King’s Gallery Shop: Smaller exhibition-focused shop carrying art books, prints, stationery, and exhibition merchandise linked to current displays.
Must-buy: Exhibition catalogues and limited-edition prints

Tips for visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Quieter morning visits: Early mornings are the most comfortable time to visit, especially for the State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms, which get steadily busier later in the day.
Let the multimedia guide work at your pace: The guide is designed for self-paced exploration, so pause between rooms rather than listening continuously; it makes the historical context easier to absorb.
Plan your Royal Mile direction smartly: If you’re pairing this with Edinburgh Castle, plan your route downhill along the Royal Mile toward Holyroodhouse to keep the walk easier and more continuous.
Know where photography works best: Photography works best in the open courtyards and abbey ruins; inside the State Apartments, photography restrictions apply in most rooms.
Festival season affects movement around the city: August brings the Fringe and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, so expect occasional road diversions and allow extra time for arrival and transit.
Prioritise the State Apartments early in your visit: The State Apartments tend to feel most balanced in flow earlier in the day, when groups are still moving steadily through rooms without bottlenecks.

Frequently asked questions about Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets

Most tickets include palace entry, access to Holyrood Abbey, and a multimedia guide. Some combos also include galleries, guided tours, buses, or additional Edinburgh attractions.