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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Holyrood Palace | Timings, Location, Tips & More

Ready for royal history with a view? Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse means walking through grand rooms, seeing Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and exploring gorgeous gardens, all at the foot of Arthur’s Seat. Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit smooth, fun, and absolutely packed with royal stories.

Palace of Holyroodhouse at a glance

Holyrood Palace
  • What are the Holyrood Palace opening hours?

9:30am to 6pm, daily (last entry 4:30pm)

  • Where is the Holyrood Palace located?

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. You can find it on the map here.

  • How many entrances does the Holyrood Palace have?

The Palace of Holyroodhouse has 3 entrances: the Main Entrance, the Queen’s Entrance, and the Gatehouse Entrance.

  • How many visitors does the Holyrood Palace see per year?

The Palace of Holyroodhouse sees an average of 437,000 visitors per year.

What are the Palace of Holyroodhouse opening hours?

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), except during June to September, when it's open seven days a week.

Opening hours:

  • April 1 to October 31: 9:30am to 6:00pm
  • November 1 to March 31: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Last entry:

  • April 1 to October 31: 4:30pm
  • November 1 to March 31: 3:15pm

Closure dates: May 15 to 24, 2025 and June 26 to July 4, 2025

Important notes:

  • The Palace gardens are closed until Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Holyrood Abbey is closed to visitors until Saturday, May 24, 2025

​Detailed Holyrood Palace Timings

Palace of Holyroodhouse location

Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

​Find On Maps

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the eastern end of Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, nestled at the foot of the stunning Holyrood Park. With its dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, the palace offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and royal charm.

Closest landmark: Museum of Edinburgh (0.3 km)

Directions to Holyrood Palace

Getting to Palace of Holyroodhouse

By public transportation

  • By tram: Edinburgh Trams (Available every 10 mins from 7am to 7pm)
    Nearest stop: York Place (1.6 km)
  • By train: Scotrail (Available every 15-30 mins from 6:30am to 1am)
    Nearest stop: Edinburgh Waverley Station (0.6 km)
  • By bus: Bus 35 (Every hour) and open-top tour buses (Every 30 mins)
    Nearest stops: Abbeyhill Crescent (0.1 km) and Calton Terrace Brae (0.8 km)

By Car

From the city center, head along the A8 toward the Royal Mile, and you’ll find the palace on your left. While parking is limited at Holyrood Palace, there are several nearby parking garages for your convenience, including:

Know before you go

Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse features three main entrances:

  • Main Entrance: Located on the Royal Mile, it’s the primary entry for all ticket holders.
  • Queen’s Entrance: Found on Canongate, this entrance is reserved for visitors touring the Queen’s Apartments.
  • Gatehouse Entrance: On High Street, this entrance is open late for special evening events and welcomes all ticket holders.
Holyrood Palace
  • Visitor Centre: Need help finding your way? The visitor centre has maps, friendly staff, and all the info you need to make the most of your visit.
  • Café: Feeling peckish? Stop by the café for delicious snacks, drinks, and meals to keep you going.
  • Gift Shop: Looking for a royal memento? The gift shop offers everything from books and jewelry to one-of-a-kind keepsakes you won’t find elsewhere.
  • Restrooms: Conveniently located throughout the palace, the clean restrooms are easy to find when you need them.
  • Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in select areas—snap a photo and share it instantly!
  • Pushchairs for Hire: Need a little extra help with the little ones? Baby carriers and hip seats are available on request.
  • Breastfeeding: Feel free to breastfeed anywhere in the palace or The King’s Gallery without needing permission.
Holyrood Palace
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Most areas are wheelchair accessible, although there are some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms.
  • Free Carer Ticket: If you need assistance, you can book a free carer ticket for your companion to join you.
  • Accessible Toilets: Accessible restrooms are conveniently located in the Café at the Palace.
  • Seating: Need a rest? Limited bench seating is available throughout the Palace grounds.
  • Assistance Dogs: Only registered guide, hearing, and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Palace.
  • Multimedia Guide: Enjoy the palace’s history with a guide featuring BSL, subtitles, and an audio-descriptive version.
  • Staff Support: Many of our staff members are Dementia Friends, so feel free to ask for help if you need it.
  • Disabled Parking: Accessible parking is available on Horse Wynd, right outside the Palace, on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Security Screening: All bags are subject to security checks. To speed up entry, it's best to travel light.
  • Bag Size Restrictions: Only small bags (max 45cm × 20cm × 30cm) allowed. Larger items must be stored offsite, such as at Waverley Station.
  • Pushchairs and Baby Carriers: Pushchairs are generally welcome, but during busy periods, they may need to be left at the entrance.
  • No Eating or Drinking: Only bottled water is allowed inside. Snacks and drinks should stay sealed in your bag until after the visit.
  • No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are prohibited indoors and in the gardens.
  • Photography: To protect the palace interiors, photography is not allowed inside.
  • Animals: Pets are not permitted inside the palace.
  • Restricted Items: Items such as knives (over 7.7cm), pepper spray, aerosols, alcohol, paints, skateboards, drones, and large blades (including kirpans over 7.7cm) are prohibited.
  • One-Way System: The palace has a one-way system to ensure smooth visitor flow. Once you pass a section, you cannot return, so take your time and enjoy everything on your way.
  • Medical Equipment: Essential medical devices like pacemakers and hearing aids are allowed. Let staff know if you need any assistance.
  • Arrive early for fewer crowds: The first entry slot tends to be the quietest, letting you enjoy the palace interiors without the hustle and bustle.
  • Bring earphones for the multimedia guide: The multimedia guide (with BSL and audio options) is more comfortable with your own wired earphones.
  • Wear shoes with good grip: With original stone floors and uneven surfaces, especially around Holyrood Abbey and the courtyard, stable footwear is essential.
  • Check garden and abbey access: Gardens and Holyrood Abbey may close for restoration or weather conditions—check the website for updates before your visit.
  • Use the Mews toilets beforehand: The main restrooms are located in the Mews Courtyard, outside the entrance gate. Re-entry isn't always possible once you're inside.
  • Bring a water bottle: Only bottled water is permitted inside, so bring your own, especially on warmer days when hydration is key.
Holyrood Palace
  • The Café at the Palace: Need a quick bite? The on-site café has tasty light meals, snacks, and drinks to keep you going. Don’t miss the toasted ciabatta sandwiches—Chipotle Chicken, Italian Deli, and New Yorker are crowd favorites!
  • Wedgwood the Restaurant (0.6 km): Looking for something fancy? This spot offers refined Scottish dining using fresh, local ingredients. Try specialties like Peterhead Cod or Avon Valley roe deer loin for an unforgettable meal.
  • Whiski Rooms (1.6 km): For a true taste of Scotland, head to this restaurant, bar, and whisky shop combo. Pair your haggis or scotch beef steak pie with one of their 300 whiskies for the ultimate Scottish experience.
  • Papii Café (2 km): Craving comfort food with a Scottish or European twist? This cozy café offers delicious dishes like bacon and maple syrup waffles and spanakopita, all served in a welcoming atmosphere.
Holyrood Palace
  • Museum of Edinburgh (0.3 km): Dive into Edinburgh’s quirky past with exhibits ranging from old street signs to the collarbones of dogs (yes, really!). It’s a fascinating look at the city’s history and its most eccentric residents.
  • Dynamic Earth (0.4 km): Time travel anyone? Journey from the Big Bang to the ocean’s depths, explore volcanoes, glaciers, and space—all in one epic, interactive adventure.
  • Edinburgh Dungeon (1.1 km): Ready for a mix of laughs and screams? Edinburgh Dungeon brings the city’s dark and gory history to life with creepy characters, jump scares, and a dose of dark humor.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Palace of Holyroodhouse

Only if you’re incredibly lucky. The Palace is His Majesty’s official residence in Scotland, but public visits happen when the royal family isn't in town.