English
English
Book Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets | Edinburgh
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Discover the secrets of the Palace of Holyroodhouse as you explore the official residence of His Majesty The King in Scotland.
- Walk through the majestic structure that is used by His Majesty for State ceremonies and official entertaining.
- See the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots which witnessed many dramatic episodes during her turbulent reign.
- Admire works of art from the Royal Collection in the State Apartments, whose decor reflects the changing tastes of the successive monarchs.
- Discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and marvel at the beauty of the Palace's unique gardens.
- Sample homemade dishes made from locally sourced produce at the Café at the Palace, at your own expense.
- Use the complimentary multimedia guide to better understand your surroundings steeped in history.
- The guide lasts approximately one hour, after which you can continue to explore the Palace at leisure.
- Discover the secrets of the Palace of Holyroodhouse as you explore the official residence of His Majesty The King in Scotland.
- Walk through the majestic structure that is used by His Majesty for State ceremonies and official entertaining.
- See the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots which witnessed many dramatic episodes during her turbulent reign.
- Admire works of art from the Royal Collection in the State Apartments, whose decor reflects the changing tastes of the successive monarchs.
- Discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and marvel at the beauty of the Palace's unique gardens.
- Sample homemade dishes made from locally sourced produce at the Café at the Palace, at your own expense.
- Use the complimentary multimedia guide to better understand your surroundings steeped in history.
- The guide lasts approximately one hour, after which you can continue to explore the Palace at leisure.
Inclusions
- Entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Multimedia guide in 11 languages
Exclusions
- Tour guide
- Hotel transfers
- Food and drinks
- The multimedia guide is available in English, Gaelic, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, and British Sign Language.
- As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Royal Attractions Tickets with 3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on, hop-off tour coupled with direct access to 3 popular attractions!
- Pick from Red, Green, or Blue routes with 15 well-placed stops, and enjoy buses every 10-15 minutes to explore as many times as you fancy.
- With one pass, explore the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse on a royal spree.
- Relax on double-decker buses with audio guides in different languages or enjoy lively English narration on the green route to jazz up your Edinburgh tour.
- Witness popular spots – Visit the Scottish Parliament, savor lush greenery at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
- Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on, hop-off tour coupled with direct access to 3 popular attractions!
- Pick from Red, Green, or Blue routes with 15 well-placed stops, and enjoy buses every 10-15 minutes to explore as many times as you fancy.
- With one pass, explore the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse on a royal spree.
- Relax on double-decker buses with audio guides in different languages or enjoy lively English narration on the green route to jazz up your Edinburgh tour.
- Witness popular spots – Visit the Scottish Parliament, savor lush greenery at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Inclusions
- 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass
- Access to 3 routes: Red, Green & Blue
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Scottish & Portuguese (Red & Blue routes)
- Audio guide for Palace of Holyroodhouse
- English-speaking guide (Green route)
- Headphones (Blue route)
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.
City Sightseeing tour (Classic red route)
- First bus: 8:45 am from Waterloo Place
- Last bus: 5:57 pm from Waterloo Place
- Frequency: every 10-12 mins
- Popular stops: Historic Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile
Edinburgh tour (Green route)
- First bus: 8:51am from Waterloo Place
- Last bus: 5:51pm from Waterloo Place
- Frequency: every 10-12 mins
- Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Regal tour (Blue route)
- First bus: 8:40am from Waterloo Place
- Last bus: 5:25pm from Waterloo Place
- Frequency: every 15 mins
- Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Tip: Don't miss the Honours of Scotland exhibition at Edinburgh Castle, showcasing the oldest Crown jewels in the British Isles!
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
- Screens are conveniently available on the lower decks of City Sightseeing and Regal route buses.
- Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.
- Note that the ticket lets you visit Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours. If you need to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse outside of that timeframe, your ticket will still be valid.
- Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday and is open daily from July to September only.
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse will be closed on Mar 29, May 16-25, June 27 to Jul 5, 2024, and Dec 25 & 26, 2024.
- The Royal Yacht Britannia is operational on all 7 days of the week.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EdinburghHolyrood Palace
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Why visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Regal residence: Ever wondered where the King lives when he's in Scotland? It's at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the heart of Edinburgh, a palace steeped in history. This palace was home to Mary, Queen of Scots, one of Scotland's most famous (and controversial) monarchs. You can even see the room where her secretary met an unfortunate demise.
- Royal artistry: Head to The Great Gallery and check out the portraits of Scottish monarchs – over 110 of them all in one place!
- Timeless exploration: Explore the State Apartments, the grand spiral staircase, the 12th-century romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful royal gardens set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat.
Which Palace of Holyroodhouse ticket is best for you
If you want to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- See the official residence of His Majesty The King in Scotland and the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, admire works of art from the Royal Collection in the State Apartments, discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and marvel at the beauty of the Palace's unique gardens.
- Use the complimentary 1-hour multimedia guide to understand the palace's history.
Recommended tour:
Palace of Holyroodhouse Entrance Tickets with Multimedia Guide
If you want to visit the King's Gallery
- Visit The King’s Gallery in Edinburgh and temporary exhibitions with art from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a multimedia guide and explore at your own pace.
- Explore at your own pace with a multimedia guide in English.
Recommended tour:
The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets with Multimedia Guide
If you want to explore beyond
- Save money on your Edinburgh trip with the 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour along with a multimedia audio guide or a live guide.
- Choose the Royal Attractions ticket, which includes guaranteed access to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Recommended tour:
24/48-Hour Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Access to Royal Attractions
Palace of Holyroodhouse highlights
State Apartments
The opulent State Apartments are like a walk-through of royal taste through the ages. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible plasterwork ceilings, and check out the collection of French and Flemish tapestries. As you wander through the rooms, you'll see how styles changed with each monarch, from fancy and frilly to more modern and sleek. The rooms actually get bigger and grander the further you go, the most extravagant being the King's Bedchamber.
Royal Dining Room
Peek into the Royal Dining Room – the very dining room that Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family use when visiting Scotland. You can also see pieces from the 3000-piece silver banqueting service on display. It's all decked out in the classic Scottish style from the 17th century, and it was even represented on King George V and Queen Mary's Silver Jubilee way back in 1935.
Throne Room & The Privy Chamber
The Throne Room is one of the most famous parts of the whole palace! Queen Elizabeth II even used to have lunch there with all the important Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland, during Holyrood Week. On the other hand, the Privy Chamber was a bit more private. Back in the 1600s, King Charles II used it for private audiences with the First Minister of Scotland and visiting dignitaries.
Queen Mary’s Chambers
Mary, Queen of Scots, one of history's most infamous monarchs, lived in these chambers from 1561 to 1567. Head north after the stairs and you'll find the Bedchamber, the Supper Room, and the Outer Chamber. The Supper Room is where Queen Mary's husband, Lord Darnley, murdered her private secretary, David Rizzio, right there at dinner!
Holyrood Abbey
Right next door to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you'll find the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. It was one of the grandest medieval abbeys in all of Scotland! Steeped in dramatic history, myths, and legends, it's also the final resting place for King James V. Admire the amazing architecture of the Romanesque arcading rounded arches, tall and pointed Gothic windows, and the impressive curved vaulted ceilings.
Palace Gardens
Stroll through the lush Palace Gardens, spread out over 4-hectares. With Arthur's Seat as the backdrop, it's the perfect place to relax and soak in some history. Keep an eye out for the Jubilee Border bursting with colorful flowers, the Wentworth Elm, and the sundial made for King Charles I's coronation way back in 1633. Witness where the late Queen Elizabeth II would throw her annual summer Garden Party during Holyrood Week.
The Great Gallery
The Great Gallery is the biggest room in the whole palace, and it's lined with portraits of every Scottish monarch. That's about 95 kings and one queen. See Scotland's royal story unfold through portraits of the legendary founder, Fergus I, in 330 BC and the history of the Stuart dynasty. And of course, don't miss the famous paintings of Macbeth, Mary Queen of Scots, and Robert the Bruce.
Treasures in the palace
Queen Mary's Chambers are filled with things from her life, including an embroidery she worked on during captivity under Queen Elizabeth I. You'll also see items from the Stuart family line, like the Darnley Jewel and the personal dining tray for Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie's brother. The Queen's Bedchamber has the 'Darnley Bed,' which was slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie. The State Rooms also feature tapestries, the must-have decor for royal palaces in the 1500s and 1600s.
Plan your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Timings
Getting there
Rules
Nearby
Facilities
Visitor tips
Eat
Stay
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July, August, and September.
- Timings:
November 1 - March 31: 9:30am to 4:30pm
April 1 - October 31: 9:30am to 6pm - Last entry:
November 1 - March 31: 3:15pm
April 1 - October 31: 4:30pm - Closed on: May 16 - 25, June 27 - July 5
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
- By tram: Edinburgh Trams (Available every 10 mins from 7am to 7pm)
Nearest stop: York Place - By train: Scotrail (Available every 15-30 mins from 6:30am to 1am)
Nearest stop: Edinburgh Waverley Station - By bus: Bus 35 (Every hour) and open-top tour buses (Every 30 mins)
Nearest stops: Abbeyhill Crescent and Calton Terrace Brae - By car: Edinburgh Airport (10.1 miles - 40 minutes)
Nearest car parking: Broad Pavement and Horse Wynd
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace.
- Pushchairs can be taken inside the Palace except during busy periods.
- Dynamic Earth: At Dynamic Earth, feel the earth move, travel back in time and see the Big Bang in the Deep Time Machine, explore icy glaciers as you soar like a bird, and dive deep into the ocean. Learn about marine science, the power of volcanoes, and everything in between.
- The People's Story Museum: Dive into the real Edinburgh at the People's Story Museum! Travel through time from the 1700s to the 1900s. You'll see cool displays with mannequins dressed like real people, historical objects, and photos and stories that bring Edinburgh's past to life. This museum shows it all, even social movements and political battles.
- Calton Hill: Head up Calton Hill and get a jaw-dropping view of the whole city and catch a glimpse of Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, Leith, and the Firth of Forth – all from one spot. It's especially dazzling during Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) when the fireworks light up the sky.
- Visitor center: Don't worry about wandering around lost! The visitor center has all the maps, info, and friendly faces to help you plan your visit.
- Café: Feeling peckish? There's a cafe on-site, serving everything from snacks and drinks to proper meals.
- Gift shop: Take a piece of Holyroodhouse home with you! The gift shop has all sorts of cool stuff, from books to knick-knacks.
- Restrooms: The facilities are well-maintained and conveniently located throughout the palace.
- Guided tours: Level up your experience with a guided tour! Knowledgeable guides will share insights into the palace's history and secrets.
- Exhibition spaces: Dive deeper into the palace's story with the various exhibition spaces. You'll see cool art, learn about past residents, and get a real feel for the place.
- Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your awesome palace pics with free Wi-Fi in certain areas.
- There's still some walking involved. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and clothes so you can explore without feeling stiff or sweaty.
- Bringing the little ones? The cafe has baby changing facilities, and you can even borrow baby carriers or hip seats (subject to availability) for free.
- Audio guides are available in 11 languages, including English, Gaelic, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, and British Sign Language.
- The cafe at the Palace in the Mews Courtyard is a must-stop. They have yummy homemade snacks, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches – perfect with a cup of tea for a relaxing break.
- The palace offers free manual wheelchairs and rollators (subject to availability) for those who need them. There are also free restrooms conveniently located in the cafe.
- The Café at the Palace: This on-site cafe is your go-to for a quick refuel during your visit. Think yummy light meals, snacks, and drinks – perfect for grabbing a bite on the go. The toasted ciabatta sandwiches like the Chipotle Chicken, Italian Deli, and New Yorker at the cafe are must-tries!
- Papii Café: Craving some Scottish or European comfort food? This cozy cafe is a short walk away and has a welcoming atmosphere to match their delicious dishes. Do try the bacon and maple syrup waffles and the spanakopita.
- Wedgwood the Restaurant: Up for a fancy feast? This place is a bit further, but it's worth it for a refined Scottish dining experience. They use fresh, local ingredients to create culinary magic. The Peterhead Cod and Avon Valley roe deer loin are specialties.
- Whiski Rooms: Want a taste of Scotland in one place? This spot combines a restaurant, bar, and whisky shop! You can enjoy delicious Scottish food alongside a massive selection of whiskies. Pair your haggis or scotch beef steak pie with one of the 300 whiskies available.
- The Doric: This historic pub near the palace is the place for classic Scottish fare. They have elegant interiors and a wide-ranging menu, so there's something for everyone, especially the traditional home-cooked roast beef sirloin.
Budget hotels: Destiny Student, A&O Hostel Edinburgh City, Royal Mile Backpackers
Mid-range hotels: The Inn on the Mile, The Apex City Centre Hotel, The Edinburgh Grand
High-end hotels: The Balmoral, InterContinental Edinburgh The George, The Caledonian
Frequently Asked Questions about Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets
What is the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
The Holyroodhouse Palace is a famous palace in Scotland that is known for its rich history. The palace became famous when Mary, Queen of Scot's personal secretary was murdered there by her husband, Lord Darnley. The palace is also famous for its royal gardens, portraits, and architecture. The palace is now King Charles III's official residence when he visits Scotland.
Where is the palace located?
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is set in the famous city of Scotland, Canongate, Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Get directions to Holyroodhouse Palace by train, tram, bus, or taxi.
What are the timings?
The timings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse from April 1 to October 31 are 9:30am to 6pm (last admission at 4:30pm). From November 1 to March 31, it is 9:30am to 4:30pm (last admission at 3:15pm).
Is the palace wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Holyroodhouse Palace is wheelchair accessible. However, some parts and stairs are not wheelchair friendly.
Is it worth visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Yes, the Holyroodhouse Palace is known for its architecture, royal gardens, and dramatic history. The historic Apartments of Mary Queen of Scots, the Great Gallery, Holyrood Abbey, and the Palace's unique gardens are not to be missed.