Holyrood Palace Tickets | Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers & Abbey

From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+

Rick

United States

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

Crowds were not huge and well managed. The audio tour was very good and simple which works well....but the system would be better if it had links to specific pieces of art and furniture. I do know to ask the wardens but they were often busy and dealing with security issues like picture taking. The grounds were well maintained and a joy to walk through but would love to see small signs on some plants or trees that I was unfamiliar with. Shop staff were great and very knowledgeable. One of the best royal castles to visit.

Agnieszka

Poland

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

Definitely a must when you're visiting Edinburgh. The palace of Holyroodhouse was an amazing experience full of beautiful views inside and outside of the castle and an interesting history aspect. The organization here was perfect and the audio guide was just on point, a lot of fascinating information packed in a reasonable amount of time. The whole experience was truly absorbing and the castle was such an incredible place. The service was very friendly. My expectation were high but the quality of the tour and the beauty the castle really suprised me in a great way. Great organization shows the amount of amazing work, effort and talented team of people behind it. Incredible experience, highly recommend!

Marleen

Germany

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

The Tourguide was very kind and I got a lot of new Information today! It was very informative and I liked to listen to the stories of the past!

Bradley

United States

Dec 2025

5/5

Friendly staff, great seating and easy to follow routes. We saw all of the main attractions and learned a great deal along the way.

Jalaguier

France

Nov 2025

5/5

The bus was great! We were able to travel around the city very quickly, with all the history and monuments in our language (French), thanks to the audio guides. Except on the green bus, where the guide spoke only in English, but very clearly, so it was very easy to understand. Special mention to Tommy for his help, patience and kindness when we had a problem with our ticket to board the bus.

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Ways to explore: Standard Holyrood Palace tickets include the State Apartments, gardens, and Holyrood Abbey ruins, all with a complimentary multimedia guide.
Unique experiences: Secure the Palace of Holyroodhouse Small-Group Christmas-Exclusive Guided Tour for a seasonal experience on days when the palace is normally closed.
Additional access: Combine your entry to the Holyroodhouse Palace with The King's Gallery, Edinburgh Castle, or other attractions like the Scotch Whisky Experience or Edinburgh Zoo.
Queues & booking: All Palace of Holyrood tickets require a timed entry slot; book in advance, especially for holiday or combo tours, to guarantee your preferred time.
Good to know: A standard ticket grants access to the historic rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots; photography is prohibited inside the royal residence.
Best upgrade: The combo ticket with Edinburgh Castle is the smart choice, bundling two major Royal Mile landmarks for a full day of Scottish royal history.

Which Palace of Holyroodhouse ticket is best for you?

Ticket type	Entrance used	Lines skipped	Includes	Guide	Why pick this	Price from
Holyroodhouse Palace Tickets	Main entrance	No (Timed entry)	State Apartments, Historic Chambers (Mary, Queen of Scots), Holyrood Abbey ruins, Gardens	Multimedia guide	• Cheapest base entry • Explore all the main royal areas	From £21
The King's Gallery Tickets	Gallery entrance	No (Timed entry)	Changing art exhibition from the Royal Collection	Multimedia guide in English	• For art/photography fans • Focuses on temporary royal collection	From £11
Small-group Christmas tour	Palace gate	Yes (Private access)	State Apartments decorated for Christmas, West Drawing Room	Expert live guide	• Small group (Max 25) • Includes private rooms not public	From £55
Palace + The King's Gallery	Main entrance	No (Timed Entry)	Palace, Holyrood Abbey ruins, Gardens, The King's Gallery access	Multimedia guide	• Saves money on two sites • Full royal cultural experience	From £30.40

What to expect at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

1/6

Step into the Royal Courtyard

Pass the Abbey Strand buildings and enter the main gate, where the confident Baroque façade of the Holyroodhouse Palace rises before you. Pick up your multimedia guide (included with all Holyrood Palace tickets) to begin the journey.

Wander the grand State Apartments

Explore the elegant rooms used by King Charles III for official events, featuring rich tapestries and ornate 17th-century plasterwork ceilings. See the Great Gallery, which houses 96 dramatic portraits of Scotland's real and legendary kings.

Discover Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers

Climb the narrow, winding staircase of James V’s Tower to the oldest part of the palace. Stand in the tiny Supper Room where Mary witnessed the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio.

Walk among the ruins of Holyrood Abbey

Your admission includes access to the roofless, medieval walls of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128. The weathered Gothic structure is the final resting place of several Scottish monarchs and provides a quiet, atmospheric contrast to the palace's splendour.

Stroll the historic royal gardens

Spend a quiet hour exploring the four-hectare gardens, which stretch toward Arthur's Seat and feature the historic Physic Garden and a surviving, rare Wentworth Elm tree. These grounds host the King's Garden Party during Royal Week.

Upgrade to The King's Gallery

Extend your visit to The King's Gallery (a separate, ticketed zone) to view changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, showcasing masterworks and treasures that are not usually on public display.

Things to know before booking your Holyrood Palace tickets

Book your tickets early: While same-day tickets for the Holyrood Palace are often available, tickets for specific popular entry times (especially late morning/early afternoon) can sell out, particularly during summer. Pre-booking ensures your slot and avoids the short wait at the ticket booth.
What your ticket covers: A standard entry ticket to the Holyroodhouse Palace grants full access to the State Apartments, the historic rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey. It also includes a free multimedia guide in 11 languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Gaelic).
Decide on The King's Gallery access: The King's Gallery (featuring rotating art exhibitions from the Royal Collection) requires a separate ticket. If you want both the Palace and the Gallery, look for a combined ticket or purchase both in advance, as the standard Palace entry does not include the Gallery.
Consider a Royal Edinburgh combo pass: This is the best value if you plan to visit multiple major sites. This upgrade combines your entry to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, bundled with a 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off bus tour pass. This saves significant money versus buying all tickets individually.
Accessibility note: The Palace is generally highly accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers. However, due to the historic nature and narrowness of the staircase, access to Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms is not wheelchair accessible.
Check for royal closures: As an active working royal palace, the entire site can be subject to short-notice closure for royal events, usually in late June/early July (Royal Week). Always check the official website for closure alerts before finalising your purchase of Holyrood Palace tickets.

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse

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State Apartments & Great Gallery

Walk through the State Apartments, a display of royal history and Baroque design, used by the Royal Family for official duties. See the Great Gallery, where portraits of over 100 Scottish monarchs line the walls.

Access: Yes (Included with all standard tickets)

Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers

Journey into the palace's oldest wing to see the private chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots. Discover the turbulent history of her reign in the Presence Chamber and the room where her secretary was brutally murdered.

Access: Yes (Included with all standard tickets)

Holyrood Abbey

Wander among the dramatic, atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, once one of Scotland’s grandest medieval monasteries. This peaceful space is the burial site for many Scottish kings and queens.

Access: Yes (Included with all standard tickets)

The King's Gallery

Visit this dedicated art space next to the main palace, which hosts rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection, often featuring masterpieces from different eras.

Access: No (Requires a separate ticket)

What to look out for at Holyrood Palace

Mary Queen of Scots Bedchamber with ornate canopy bed and paintings at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers

Step into the rooms where Mary lived and witnessed the murder of her private secretary, Rizzio. See her original oak ceiling and period furniture, offering a uniquely personal and dramatic glimpse into 16th-century royal life at Holyroodhouse Palace.

Location: Northwest Tower

Guided group tour inside the ornate room of Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

Visitors viewing portraits in the gallery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, London.

Palace of Holyroodhouse dining room decorated with Christmas garlands and festive table settings.

Artworks displayed in the King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Plan your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

November 1–March 31: 9:30am–4:30pm (last entry: 3:15pm)
April 1–October 31: 9:30am–6pm (last entry: 4:30pm)

Notes:

The palace is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except from May 21 to Sept 7, 2026, when it is open 7 days a week.
As a working royal palace, sometimes closures can happen at short notice.

Best time to visit: For the best experience at Holyroodhouse Palace and to fully explore the Holyrood Abbey ruins, arrive right at 9:30am to avoid heavy afternoon crowds.
Best season: Spring (April–May) offers pleasant weather before the peak summer rush.

Holyroodhouse Palace timings

Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

By train: ScotRail services
Nearest stop: Edinburgh Waverley Station (10–15 min walk)
By bus: Lothian Bus services 30 and 33
Nearest stop: Palace of Holyroodhouse
By car: Via the A1
Nearest parking: Paid public parking at Holyrood Car Park (5-min walk)

Detailed directions to Holyroodhouse Palace

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

Visitor Centre: The Visitor Centre offers maps and staff assistance to guide your visit to the Holyrood Palace.
Cafe: A café is available on-site for light refreshments, snacks, and drinks.
Shop: Browse the Gift Shop for unique souvenirs.
Restrooms: Facilities, including accessible toilets, are available near the entrance and within the main building.
Baby-changing: Baby-changing facilities are conveniently located.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in selected areas.
For families: Pushchairs are not permitted inside, but carriers and hip seats are available on loan.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs should book the accessible route ticket in advance. Note that access to Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers has some restrictions due to the historic nature of the building.
Lifts and ramps are available to access most parts of the State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers.
Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge.
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.
Induction loops are fitted at ticket desks.
Accessible toilets are available in the Café at the Palace.
Accessible parking is located on Horse Wynd, directly outside the main entrance.
Visitors requiring support may book a complimentary companion ticket when purchasing Holyrood Palace tickets.
A multimedia guide in British Sign Language (BSL), with subtitles, or an audio-descriptive version is provided free of charge.

Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam at the British Museum café.

The Café at the Palace: Located in the Mews, this contemporary and bright café offers a relaxed atmosphere for visitors. It serves light lunches, fresh pastries, homemade soup, and hot drinks.
- Must-try dish: Their range of freshly made toasted sandwiches or their daily-baked scones, perfect for a classic afternoon treat during your visit.

Books displayed at Castel Sant'Angelo Bookstore in Rome.

The Palace shop offers exclusive products inspired by the palace’s history and the Royal Collection, including fine china, books on Scottish history, and gifts related to Mary, Queen of Scots. It is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir after your palace visit.

Tour group gathered outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

Security screening: All bags go through security checks. Only small bags (max 45cm × 20cm × 30cm) are allowed. Larger items must be stored off-site.
Medical equipment allowed: You’re welcome to bring pacemakers, hearing aids, and essential medical devices.
Pushchairs and baby carriers: Pushchairs are usually welcome, but during busy times, they’ll need to be left at the entrance.
No eating or drinking: Only bottled water is allowed inside.
No smoking or vaping: Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are not allowed anywhere indoors or in the gardens.
Restricted items: Items like knives, pepper spray, aerosols, alcohol, paints, skateboards, drones, and large blades are not allowed inside.
Photography: To help preserve the interiors, photography is not permitted inside the palace.
Animals: No pets are permitted inside the venue.
One-way system: A one-way route is in place throughout the palace to help with visitor flow and safety.

Insider tips & guidelines for Holyrood Palace

Arrive early for quiet exploration: Targeting the first entry slot of the day is the best way to avoid crowds, allowing you time and space to comfortably appreciate the State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers before the main rush.
Multimedia guide: The complimentary multimedia guide greatly enhances your visit with deep historical context. We recommend bringing your own wired earphones for comfort, as this feature is included with all Holyrood Palace tickets.
Mind your footwear: Given the original stone floors within the Palace and the uneven ground around the dramatic Holyrood Abbey ruins, stable, comfortable footwear with good grip is essential for safety and ease of exploring.
Check closures: The Royal Gardens and Holyrood Abbey sometimes have closures due to maintenance or weather conditions. Always confirm access on the official website before purchasing your Palace of Holyrood tickets.

Frequently asked questions about Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets

How far in advance should I book my Holyrood Palace tickets?

We recommend booking your Holyrood Palace tickets at least 1–2 weeks ahead, especially for summer or holiday visits, as slots sell out fast.

Do my Palace of Holyrood tickets include the gardens?

Yes. Your standard ticket provides full entry to the Palace, Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers, the State Apartments, and the historical Royal Gardens.

Does the ticket include access to Holyrood Abbey?

Yes. Your ticket to Holyroodhouse Palace also grants you access to the atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey within the grounds.

Do I need to book tickets for children?

Children under 5 years old enter free and do not require a ticket. A child's ticket is required for all visitors aged 5 to 17.

Do I need to print my Holyrood Palace tickets?

No. You can show your e-ticket directly on your phone for scanning upon arrival. Please have the QR code ready to ensure a quick entry.

Is Holyroodhouse Palace open year-round?

The Holyroodhouse Palace is open throughout the year, but it closes for several weeks each year when The King is in residence, so check dates before booking.

Is the multimedia guide included with my Palace of Holyrood tickets?

Yes! Your Palace of Holyrood tickets include a free multimedia guide, available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin.

Are guided tours available, or are they self-guided?

Standard admission to Holyroodhouse Palace is a self-guided experience using the free multimedia guide. Exclusive guided tours are available during the Christmas period.

Does my ticket include The King's Gallery?

Not always. A standard admission ticket generally covers the Palace and Holyrood Abbey. The gallery entry requires a separate ticket or combo pass.

Can I re-enter Holyrood Palace with the same ticket?

No. Holyrood Palace tickets are for single entry only. Once you exit the attraction, you cannot re-enter. Please plan to see all areas, including the Abbey, in one visit.

Step inside Edinburgh’s royal residence and explore centuries of Scottish history and grandeur.

Everything you get: Enjoy entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s official royal palace. Wander through grand State Apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots’ historic chambers, and discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Get a multimedia guide for deeper insights.
Why choose this: With immersive multimedia storytelling and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this ticket offers unmatched value and flexibility.
Upgrades: Book a Christmas guided tour of the State Apartments or a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass plus entry to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Inclusions

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Multimedia guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish

Additional paid upgrades:

2-hour private Christmas tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
Expert English-speaking Royal Collection Trust tour guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests
48-hour access to 3 City Tours
- Edinburgh Tour
- Regal Tour
- CitySightseeing Edinburgh
- Live English commentary on the Edinburgh Tour
- Audioguide on the CitySightseeing bus and the Regal Tour in 9 languages
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Entry to The Royal Yacht Britannia

Exclusions

Transport

Food and drink

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

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.

Royal Edinburgh Ticket

Only parts of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible. The Royal Yacht Britannia experience and the Hop-on Hop-off buses are wheelchair accessible.
Mobility scooters are allowed if they can be folded and stored as luggage.
Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.

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 Edinburgh Ticket

This ticket guarantees entry to the Castle during the 48-hour validity of the tour; it does NOT guarantee entry on the day that the ticket is purchased. The last entry slot for the Castle is 2:30pm.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.
You can board your Hop-on Hop-off bus anytime between 9am to 6pm and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours.
First departure from Stop 1 at 8:45am and last departure from Stop 1 at 6pm. Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.
Kids go free! Up to 3 kids can travel for free per adult ticket. Child tickets must be added to the basket when purchasing tickets.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

See The King's official residence in Scotland, explore Mary Queen of Scots' rooms, and view Renaissance masterpieces.

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Tour Holyroodhouse, The King's official Scottish residence, used for State ceremonies. Explore Mary, Queen of Scots' historic apartments and admire Royal Collection art in the State Apartments with your multilingual audio guide.
Everything you get at The King’s Gallery: Access The King's Gallery to see masterpieces from the Royal Collection, with a multimedia English guide. Explore works from the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibit, showcasing 80 works by 50+ artists like da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Why choose this combo: Save money and unlock the intrigue of Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers and a world-class exhibition of Renaissance art with a single ticket.

Inclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

The King’s Gallery

Entry to The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Access to the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition (from Oct 17, 2025 to Mar 1, 2026)
Multimedia guide in English

Exclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse & The King’s Gallery

Guided tour

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.
Elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
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

Catch the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King’s Gallery from October 17, 2025 to March 1, 2026!
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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Edinburgh pass: 15 sights by bus, kids ride free & entry to the King's residential palace!

This smart bundle saves you money and time, combining a sightseeing bus tour with a Holyrood Palace visit just steps from the attraction!
Discover Edinburgh from an open-top bus with a 24-hour pass, which grants unlimited rides to 15 stops, including Holyrood and George IV Bridge, every 10 minutes.
Enjoy family-friendly perks like free kids' tickets and engaging Horrible Histories audio commentary alongside multi-lingual guides for adults.
Alight at the Holyrood stop to enter the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.
Walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, within her historic apartments, and explore the grand State Apartments with stories told by an audio guide.

Inclusions

24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass by City Sightseeing
Access to Red Route
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian
Kids' commentary on Horrible Histories'
Headphones
Free kids' tickets
Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (near Stop #7 Holyrood on Red route)
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

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

What's not allowed

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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.
Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.

Accessibility

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

This experience is wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.
Just a heads up, each bus can only accommodate 1 wheelchair at a time. If there is already a passenger in a wheelchair, please wait for the next one.

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.

Additional information

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Children aged 3 and under travel for free. Child tickets must be added to the cart at the final stage of booking.
Small and well-behaved dogs are allowed on board.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse will be open on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. However, it will be closed on Christmas Day.
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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Scotland’s royal legacy with an exclusive combo of two iconic royal residences.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Castle: Skip the lines and enter Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour led by a local expert in English. Dive into the castle’s history, from the One O’Clock Gun, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and tales of the castle’s military past.
Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standard entry to the official royal residence in Scotland, including access to the historic State Apartments, including Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and the 12th-century abbey ruins with a multimedia guide.
Why choose this combo: Save money and visit both royal residences at opposite ends of the Royal Mile in a single day with a scenic walk between them.
Upgrades: Enhance your Holyroodhouse Palace visit with a special Christmas guided experience in a small group setting and get a complimentary guidebook.

Inclusions Edinburgh Castle

Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local English-speaking guide

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Multimedia guide in 9 languages

Additional paid upgrades:

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2-hour private Christmas tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
Expert English-speaking guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests

Exclusions Edinburgh Castle + Palace of Holyroodhouse

Transport
Food and drink

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Trace Scotland's history, from royal drama at the Palace to the heritage of the nation's most famous spirit.

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry to The King's official Scottish residence and a multilingual audioguide to guide you. Explore historic chambers, like Mary, Queen of Scots', the State Apartments, the Holyrood Abbey ruins and the gardens.
Everything you get at The Scotch Whisky Experience: Go on the 50-min Silver Tour with a multilingual audioguide, including a barrel ride through the production process. See the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky and finish with a guided tasting. Plus, get a souvenir crystal glass.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one pass to centuries of royal history at the Palace and an educational Scottish whisky tour.

Inclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Entry tickets to The Silver Tour - Scotch Whisky Experience
50-min guided tour
Tasting of a single malt, blended Scotch Whisky, or Irn-Bru as per your choice
Crystal tasting glass as a souvenir
Audio guide in American Sign Language, International Sign Language, British Sign Language, Brazilian Portuguese, Cantonese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, Gaelic, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish

Exclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse + The Scotch Whisky Experience

Transfers

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Celebrate the festive season with an exclusive Christmas guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Everything you get: Exclusive access to the Palace’s festively decorated State Apartments on a 2-hour expert-led English guided tour. Enjoy a more personal experience in a small group with just 25 guests and get a complimentary guidebook.
Why choose this: Enjoy a rare Christmas-exclusive tour of the Palace, featuring a small-group experience for a more personal visit, away from the crowds.

Inclusions

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
2-hour guided tour of the State Apartments during Christmas
Expert English-speaking guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Access exclusive art exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Everything you get: Access the world-class Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition featuring 80 rare works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo from the Royal Collection. Get a multimedia guide in English to enrich your understanding of the history and context of the masterpieces on display.
Why choose this: Get exclusive access to art that is rarely seen outside of the Royal Collection, with insights from your multimedia guide.

Inclusions

Entry to The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse
Access to the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition (until March 8, 2026)
Multimedia guide in English

Exclusions

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Transfers
Food and drink
Workshops, lectures, group talks, and special events

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.
Elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
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

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover Scotland's royal drama at the Holyrood Palace and meet koalas, penguins, and sloths at the zoo!

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry to The King's official Scottish residence. Explore the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the grand State Apartments with your multilingual audio guide. Finish by walking through the Holyrood Abbey ruins.
Everything you get at the Edinburgh Zoo: Entry to Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals and a leading conservation charity. See koalas, giraffes, sloths, and chimpanzees. Don't miss the famous Penguin Rock exhibit, ranger talks, and the 82-acre parkland.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one ticket. Seamlessly combine 500 years of royal history and drama with a wild day at the Zoo.

Inclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

Edinburgh Zoo

Entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Exclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo

Guided tour
Transfers
Food and drinks

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.

Edinburgh Zoo

Safety is a priority, so guests under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades or skates and glass items are not allowed on this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Smoking is not allowed, including e-cigarettes.

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.

Edinburgh Zoo

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
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.

Edinburgh Zoo

Re-entry after entering isn’t permitted without park authority approval.
The park may close in extreme weather; tickets will be valid for a later visit.
Visitors wearing costumes might be asked to remove them for safety.
Facilities: parking.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step inside Edinburgh’s royal residence and explore centuries of Scottish history and grandeur.

Everything you get: Enjoy entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s official royal palace. Wander through grand State Apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots’ historic chambers, and discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Get a multimedia guide for deeper insights.
Why choose this: With immersive multimedia storytelling and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this ticket offers unmatched value and flexibility.
Upgrades: Book a Christmas guided tour of the State Apartments or a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass plus entry to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Inclusions

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Multimedia guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish

Additional paid upgrades:

2-hour private Christmas tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
Expert English-speaking Royal Collection Trust tour guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests
48-hour access to 3 City Tours
- Edinburgh Tour
- Regal Tour
- CitySightseeing Edinburgh
- Live English commentary on the Edinburgh Tour
- Audioguide on the CitySightseeing bus and the Regal Tour in 9 languages
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Entry to The Royal Yacht Britannia

Exclusions

Transport

Food and drink

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

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.

Royal Edinburgh Ticket

Only parts of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible. The Royal Yacht Britannia experience and the Hop-on Hop-off buses are wheelchair accessible.
Mobility scooters are allowed if they can be folded and stored as luggage.
Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.

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 Edinburgh Ticket

This ticket guarantees entry to the Castle during the 48-hour validity of the tour; it does NOT guarantee entry on the day that the ticket is purchased. The last entry slot for the Castle is 2:30pm.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.
You can board your Hop-on Hop-off bus anytime between 9am to 6pm and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours.
First departure from Stop 1 at 8:45am and last departure from Stop 1 at 6pm. Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.
Kids go free! Up to 3 kids can travel for free per adult ticket. Child tickets must be added to the basket when purchasing tickets.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

See The King's official residence in Scotland, explore Mary Queen of Scots' rooms, and view Renaissance masterpieces.

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Tour Holyroodhouse, The King's official Scottish residence, used for State ceremonies. Explore Mary, Queen of Scots' historic apartments and admire Royal Collection art in the State Apartments with your multilingual audio guide.
Everything you get at The King’s Gallery: Access The King's Gallery to see masterpieces from the Royal Collection, with a multimedia English guide. Explore works from the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibit, showcasing 80 works by 50+ artists like da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Why choose this combo: Save money and unlock the intrigue of Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers and a world-class exhibition of Renaissance art with a single ticket.

Inclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

The King’s Gallery

Entry to The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Access to the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition (from Oct 17, 2025 to Mar 1, 2026)
Multimedia guide in English

Exclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse & The King’s Gallery

Guided tour

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.
Elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
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

Catch the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King’s Gallery from October 17, 2025 to March 1, 2026!
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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Edinburgh pass: 15 sights by bus, kids ride free & entry to the King's residential palace!

This smart bundle saves you money and time, combining a sightseeing bus tour with a Holyrood Palace visit just steps from the attraction!
Discover Edinburgh from an open-top bus with a 24-hour pass, which grants unlimited rides to 15 stops, including Holyrood and George IV Bridge, every 10 minutes.
Enjoy family-friendly perks like free kids' tickets and engaging Horrible Histories audio commentary alongside multi-lingual guides for adults.
Alight at the Holyrood stop to enter the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.
Walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, within her historic apartments, and explore the grand State Apartments with stories told by an audio guide.

Inclusions

24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass by City Sightseeing
Access to Red Route
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian
Kids' commentary on Horrible Histories'
Headphones
Free kids' tickets
Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (near Stop #7 Holyrood on Red route)
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

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

What's not allowed

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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.
Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.

Accessibility

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

This experience is wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.
Just a heads up, each bus can only accommodate 1 wheelchair at a time. If there is already a passenger in a wheelchair, please wait for the next one.

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.

Additional information

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Children aged 3 and under travel for free. Child tickets must be added to the cart at the final stage of booking.
Small and well-behaved dogs are allowed on board.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse will be open on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. However, it will be closed on Christmas Day.
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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Scotland’s royal legacy with an exclusive combo of two iconic royal residences.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Castle: Skip the lines and enter Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour led by a local expert in English. Dive into the castle’s history, from the One O’Clock Gun, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and tales of the castle’s military past.
Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standard entry to the official royal residence in Scotland, including access to the historic State Apartments, including Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and the 12th-century abbey ruins with a multimedia guide.
Why choose this combo: Save money and visit both royal residences at opposite ends of the Royal Mile in a single day with a scenic walk between them.
Upgrades: Enhance your Holyroodhouse Palace visit with a special Christmas guided experience in a small group setting and get a complimentary guidebook.

Inclusions Edinburgh Castle

Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local English-speaking guide

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Multimedia guide in 9 languages

Additional paid upgrades:

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2-hour private Christmas tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
Expert English-speaking guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests

Exclusions Edinburgh Castle + Palace of Holyroodhouse

Transport
Food and drink

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Trace Scotland's history, from royal drama at the Palace to the heritage of the nation's most famous spirit.

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry to The King's official Scottish residence and a multilingual audioguide to guide you. Explore historic chambers, like Mary, Queen of Scots', the State Apartments, the Holyrood Abbey ruins and the gardens.
Everything you get at The Scotch Whisky Experience: Go on the 50-min Silver Tour with a multilingual audioguide, including a barrel ride through the production process. See the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky and finish with a guided tasting. Plus, get a souvenir crystal glass.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one pass to centuries of royal history at the Palace and an educational Scottish whisky tour.

Inclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Entry tickets to The Silver Tour - Scotch Whisky Experience
50-min guided tour
Tasting of a single malt, blended Scotch Whisky, or Irn-Bru as per your choice
Crystal tasting glass as a souvenir
Audio guide in American Sign Language, International Sign Language, British Sign Language, Brazilian Portuguese, Cantonese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, Gaelic, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish

Exclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse + The Scotch Whisky Experience

Transfers

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Celebrate the festive season with an exclusive Christmas guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Everything you get: Exclusive access to the Palace’s festively decorated State Apartments on a 2-hour expert-led English guided tour. Enjoy a more personal experience in a small group with just 25 guests and get a complimentary guidebook.
Why choose this: Enjoy a rare Christmas-exclusive tour of the Palace, featuring a small-group experience for a more personal visit, away from the crowds.

Inclusions

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
2-hour guided tour of the State Apartments during Christmas
Expert English-speaking guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Access exclusive art exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Everything you get: Access the world-class Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition featuring 80 rare works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo from the Royal Collection. Get a multimedia guide in English to enrich your understanding of the history and context of the masterpieces on display.
Why choose this: Get exclusive access to art that is rarely seen outside of the Royal Collection, with insights from your multimedia guide.

Inclusions

Entry to The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse
Access to the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition (until March 8, 2026)
Multimedia guide in English

Exclusions

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Transfers
Food and drink
Workshops, lectures, group talks, and special events

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.
Elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
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

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover Scotland's royal drama at the Holyrood Palace and meet koalas, penguins, and sloths at the zoo!

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry to The King's official Scottish residence. Explore the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the grand State Apartments with your multilingual audio guide. Finish by walking through the Holyrood Abbey ruins.
Everything you get at the Edinburgh Zoo: Entry to Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals and a leading conservation charity. See koalas, giraffes, sloths, and chimpanzees. Don't miss the famous Penguin Rock exhibit, ranger talks, and the 82-acre parkland.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one ticket. Seamlessly combine 500 years of royal history and drama with a wild day at the Zoo.

Inclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

Edinburgh Zoo

Entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Exclusions Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo

Guided tour
Transfers
Food and drinks

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.

Edinburgh Zoo

Safety is a priority, so guests under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades or skates and glass items are not allowed on this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Smoking is not allowed, including e-cigarettes.

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.

Edinburgh Zoo

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
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.

Edinburgh Zoo

Re-entry after entering isn’t permitted without park authority approval.
The park may close in extreme weather; tickets will be valid for a later visit.
Visitors wearing costumes might be asked to remove them for safety.
Facilities: parking.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tickets

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Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Tickets

Step inside Edinburgh’s royal residence and explore centuries of Scottish history and grandeur.

Everything you get: Enjoy entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s official royal palace. Wander through grand State Apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots’ historic chambers, and discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Get a multimedia guide for deeper insights.
Why choose this: With immersive multimedia storytelling and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this ticket offers unmatched value and flexibility.
Upgrades: Book a Christmas guided tour of the State Apartments or a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass plus entry to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

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

See The King's official residence in Scotland, explore Mary Queen of Scots' rooms, and view Renaissance masterpieces.

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Tour Holyroodhouse, The King's official Scottish residence, used for State ceremonies. Explore Mary, Queen of Scots' historic apartments and admire Royal Collection art in the State Apartments with your multilingual audio guide.
Everything you get at The King’s Gallery: Access The King's Gallery to see masterpieces from the Royal Collection, with a multimedia English guide. Explore works from the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibit, showcasing 80 works by 50+ artists like da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Why choose this combo: Save money and unlock the intrigue of Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers and a world-class exhibition of Renaissance art with a single ticket.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Audio guide

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

Your Edinburgh pass: 15 sights by bus, kids ride free & entry to the King's residential palace!

This smart bundle saves you money and time, combining a sightseeing bus tour with a Holyrood Palace visit just steps from the attraction!
Discover Edinburgh from an open-top bus with a 24-hour pass, which grants unlimited rides to 15 stops, including Holyrood and George IV Bridge, every 10 minutes.
Enjoy family-friendly perks like free kids' tickets and engaging Horrible Histories audio commentary alongside multi-lingual guides for adults.
Alight at the Holyrood stop to enter the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.
Walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, within her historic apartments, and explore the grand State Apartments with stories told by an audio guide.

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Free cancellation

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Audio guide

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

Step into Scotland’s royal legacy with an exclusive combo of two iconic royal residences.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Castle: Skip the lines and enter Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour led by a local expert in English. Dive into the castle’s history, from the One O’Clock Gun, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and tales of the castle’s military past.
Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standard entry to the official royal residence in Scotland, including access to the historic State Apartments, including Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and the 12th-century abbey ruins with a multimedia guide.
Why choose this combo: Save money and visit both royal residences at opposite ends of the Royal Mile in a single day with a scenic walk between them.
Upgrades: Enhance your Holyroodhouse Palace visit with a special Christmas guided experience in a small group setting and get a complimentary guidebook.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided tour

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Combo (Save 5%): Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets + Scotch Whisky Experience Silver Tour

Trace Scotland's history, from royal drama at the Palace to the heritage of the nation's most famous spirit.

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry to The King's official Scottish residence and a multilingual audioguide to guide you. Explore historic chambers, like Mary, Queen of Scots', the State Apartments, the Holyrood Abbey ruins and the gardens.
Everything you get at The Scotch Whisky Experience: Go on the 50-min Silver Tour with a multilingual audioguide, including a barrel ride through the production process. See the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky and finish with a guided tasting. Plus, get a souvenir crystal glass.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one pass to centuries of royal history at the Palace and an educational Scottish whisky tour.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Guided Tours

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Palace of Holyroodhouse Small-Group Christmas-Exclusive Guided Tour

Celebrate the festive season with an exclusive Christmas guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Everything you get: Exclusive access to the Palace’s festively decorated State Apartments on a 2-hour expert-led English guided tour. Enjoy a more personal experience in a small group with just 25 guests and get a complimentary guidebook.
Why choose this: Enjoy a rare Christmas-exclusive tour of the Palace, featuring a small-group experience for a more personal visit, away from the crowds.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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1 hr. 15 min.

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The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

Access exclusive art exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Everything you get: Access the world-class Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition featuring 80 rare works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo from the Royal Collection. Get a multimedia guide in English to enrich your understanding of the history and context of the masterpieces on display.
Why choose this: Get exclusive access to art that is rarely seen outside of the Royal Collection, with insights from your multimedia guide.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Flexible duration

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Combo (Save 5%): Palace of Holyroodhouse + Edinburgh Zoo Tickets

Discover Scotland's royal drama at the Holyrood Palace and meet koalas, penguins, and sloths at the zoo!

Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry to The King's official Scottish residence. Explore the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the grand State Apartments with your multilingual audio guide. Finish by walking through the Holyrood Abbey ruins.
Everything you get at the Edinburgh Zoo: Entry to Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals and a leading conservation charity. See koalas, giraffes, sloths, and chimpanzees. Don't miss the famous Penguin Rock exhibit, ranger talks, and the 82-acre parkland.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one ticket. Seamlessly combine 500 years of royal history and drama with a wild day at the Zoo.

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You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Audio guide