Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse open every day?

Not quite. It’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—except during June, July, August, and September, when it’s open seven days a week.

What date is the palace closed in 2025?

It’ll be closed on 15–24 May and again from 26 June–4 July. Check the official site for any last-minute updates before you go.

Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse open on public holidays?

Yes, Holyrood Palace is open on public holidays. However, the opening hours may be different on some public holidays.

Should I visit the palace on a public holiday?

It depends. If you are looking for a less crowded experience, then it is recommended to visit on a weekday. However, if you want to see the palace on a special occasion, such as the King's Birthday, then you may want to visit on a public holiday.

Are there evening tours or late openings?

Not typically. The Palace usually closes by early evening. Keep an eye out, though—special late events sometimes pop up during the festival or holidays.

Is there a quiet time of year to visit?

January and February are the calmest months, with fewer crowds and quicker access. Plus, that moody Edinburgh weather adds a serious atmosphere.

Does weather affect Palace opening hours?

Rain won’t stop play, but in extreme conditions, the gardens or Abbey may be closed. The Palace interiors stay open unless otherwise announced.

Can I re-enter the Palace later in the day?

No, tickets are single-entry only. Once you exit, you can’t pop back in, so make sure you’ve seen everything before heading out.

Holyrood Palace Timings | When to Visit, Duration & More

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open from 9:30am to 6pm in the summer and 9:30am to 4:30pm in the winter.

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Tuesday (Today)	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Friday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Saturday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Sunday	09:30–16:30	15:15

Apr 3 TO May 23 Timings Days (Apr 3 TO May 23)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Friday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Saturday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Sunday	09:30–18:00	16:30

May 25 TO Sep 7 Timings Days (May 25 TO Sep 7)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Tuesday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Wednesday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Thursday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Friday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Saturday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Sunday	09:30–18:00	16:30

Sep 8 TO Oct 31 Timings Days (Sep 8 TO Oct 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Friday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Saturday	09:30–18:00	16:30
Sunday	09:30–18:00	16:30

Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Friday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Saturday	09:30–16:30	15:15
Sunday	09:30–16:30	15:15

Last entry: 3:15pm (winter) or 4:30pm (summer)
Closed: Christmas Day and Good Friday

The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Tuesday (Today)	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Friday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Saturday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Sunday	09:30–16:30	15:30

Apr 1 TO Oct 31 Timings Days (Apr 1 TO Oct 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Friday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Saturday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Sunday	09:30–18:00	17:00

Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Friday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Saturday	09:30–16:30	15:30
Sunday	09:30–16:30	15:30

Best time to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Weekday vs Weekend

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

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!