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Holyrood Palace opening hours I General timings, closures & entry information

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Best time to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Weekday vs Weekend

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  • Holyrood Palace is less crowded on weekdays than on weekends. If you want a less crowded experience, we recommend visiting on a weekday.
  • Holyrood Palace is more crowded on weekends, especially in the summer months. If you plan to visit on a weekend, arrive early before 11am to avoid the crowds.
  • The palace is also less crowded in the afternoon, after the lunch rush. The palace is open until 6pm, and it can be a nice experience to visit in the evening. The light is beautiful at this time of day, and the crowds are usually smaller.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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  • The peak season for visiting Holyrood Palace is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and many tourists visit Edinburgh.
  • The low season for visiting Holyrood Palace is during the winter months, from November to March. During this time, the weather is cold and wet, and fewer tourists visit Edinburgh.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?

You can breeze through or take your time—seeing Holyrood Palace can work for you, either way. Here’s how to make the most of your visit based on how long you’ve got.

1-2 hours

Short on time but still curious? Stick to the State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers. These rooms are packed with royal drama and gorgeous detail. You’ll also have just enough time to admire the Abbey ruins and snap a few photos in the forecourt.

2-4 hours

Got a little more wiggle room? This is the sweet spot. Take a full walk through the Palace, get involved in knowing about the stories behind the portraits in the Great Gallery, see the Throne Room, and wander the gardens. Don’t miss the Darnley Jewel or the ornate ceilings—they’re easy to miss if you rush.

4+ hours

This one’s for the history lovers and slow explorers. You’ll have time to enjoy the full audio guide, visit the Abbey ruins properly, explore the grounds at your own pace, and pop into the café. Great if you want to linger, reflect, or sketch the views like royalty!

Frequently asked questions about the Palace of Holyroodhouse opening hours

Holyrood Palace generally opens at 9:30am year-round. Closing time changes seasonally, with later summer hours until 6pm and shorter winter hours until 4:30pm.