Founded On
1678
Founded By
Sir William Bruce
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
09:30–18:00
VISITORS PER YEAR
500000
TICKETS
From £ 11
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
1995
Opening Times:
Upcoming closures:
Important notes:
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
Holyrood Palace is located at the eastern end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, marking the grand end of this historic route. It’s within walking distance of key sites like the Scottish Parliament, Calton Hill, and the National Gallery of Scotland. Closest landmark: Dynamic Earth (0.8 km).
Closest landmark: Museum of Edinburgh (0.3 km)
These rooms are over-the-top in the best way. Imagine angel-covered ceilings, wall-to-wall tapestries, and a 3,000-piece silver dining set. The Great Gallery is a highlight, filled with nearly 100 royal portraits, including Bonnie Prince Charlie looking regal.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse owes its striking look to a few key names in architecture. It all started around 1501, when James IV kicked things off, possibly with Italian architect John of Padua, who brought in early Renaissance flair. But the real game-changer was Sir William Bruce in the 1670s. Appointed by Charles II, Bruce—often called the father of classical architecture in Scotland—gave the palace its grand Baroque makeover. He kept the original 16th-century tower, added a matching one, and created the elegant, symmetrical layout you see today.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a stunning blend of architectural styles, mixing Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic elements. Designed by Sir William Bruce between 1671 and 1678, the palace features a classical quadrangle layout with three storeys and an attic, all built around a central courtyard. The façade is highlighted by two towers, the original 16th-century north-west tower and a new south-west tower, connected by a grand two-storey entrance framed with Doric columns. Inside, the palace is adorned with beautifully detailed rooms, ornate plasterwork, and a series of royal apartments, showcasing a mix of classical orders.
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed inside the Palace, except for assistance dogs.
Photography isn’t allowed inside the Palace, including the State Apartments and interior rooms, to protect the artifacts. You can take photos outside in the gardens and Abbey ruins.
Plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours, but if you’re really soaking in the history (or obsessing over the portraits), you might be here for longer.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has been a royal residence for around 500 years, dating back to the early 1500s, though the site itself has been home to royalty for nearly 900 years.
Yes, the Palace will stay open during the Edinburgh Festival (1–25 August 2025). It’s a lively time, so expect crowds and book tickets in advance to skip long queues.
If you want fewer crowds, spring and fall are perfect for a quieter, more peaceful experience. But if you’re into royal pomp, summer is the time to go, but just remember it’ll be a bit busier.
Grab an audio guide! The guide shares fascinating stories you won’t find in books and makes all the royal drama feel alive.