What are Holyrood House Opening Hours?
Discover the timeless elegance of Holyrood Palace with its rich history and captivating architecture. Plan your visit wisely by exploring the palace's timings and opening hours. Immerse yourself in royal heritage and book your tickets now for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss this majestic gem in Edinburgh's heart!
Holyrood Palace Opening Hours

General Timings
- Open from: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, seven days a week.
- Last admission: The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
- Night hours: Holyrood Palace is not open after hours.
- Closed: Holyrood Palace is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Facilities Timings
- Queen's Gallery: 10:00am - 5:30pm
- State Apartments: 10:00am - 5:30pm
- Palace Gardens: 9:30am - 6:00pm (April - September)
- Palace Shop: 9:30am - 5:30pm
- Palace Café: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Best Time to Visit Holyrood Palace

High Season vs. Low Season:
Peak 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 there are many tourists visiting Edinburgh.
Low season: 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 there are fewer tourists visiting Edinburgh.

Weekday vs. Weekend:
Weekdays: Holyrood Palace is less crowded on weekdays than on weekends. If you are looking for a less crowded experience, then I recommend visiting on a weekday.
Weekends: Holyrood Palace is more crowded on weekends, especially in the summer months. If you are planning to visit on a weekend, then I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.

Best Time of Day to Visit
- Morning: The best time of day to visit Holyrood Palace is in the morning. The palace opens at 9:30 am, and the crowds are usually smaller in the morning.
- Afternoon: The palace is also less crowded in the afternoon, after the lunch rush.
- Evening: The palace is open until 5:30 pm, 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.

Other Factors to Consider
- Weather: The weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable, so it is important to check the forecast before you visit. If it is raining, you may want to consider visiting the palace on a different day.
- Prices: The admission price to Holyrood Palace is £16 for adults and £12 for children. There are discounts available for seniors and students.
- Crowds: The palace can be crowded, especially in the summer months. If you are not a fan of crowds, then you may want to consider visiting during the off-season or on a weekday.
Holyrood Palace Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About Holyrood Palace Timings
Holyrood Palace is open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (last admission at 5:15 PM) from April to October and from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission at 3:15 PM) from November to March. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July, August, and September when it is open 7 days a week.
Yes, Holyrood Palace is open every day, except on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Holyrood Palace is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
If you want to explore the palace in its entirety, including the State Apartments, the Queen's Gallery, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, then I recommend setting aside at least 2-3 hours.
The best time to visit Holyrood Palace is in the morning. The palace opens at 9:30am, and the crowds are usually smaller in the morning.
Yes, Holyrood Palace is open on public holidays. However, the opening hours may be different on some public holidays.
It depends. If you are looking for a less crowded experience, then it is recommended visiting on a weekday. However, if you want to see the palace on a special occasion, such as the Queen's Birthday, then you may want to visit on a public holiday.
The opening hours for Holyrood Palace on public holidays may vary. It is best to check the website or call the palace before your visit to confirm the latest opening hours.
The last admission to Holyrood Palace is at 4:30pm.
You cannot bring in large bags, food, drink, or weapons.
There is no formal dress code for Holyrood Palace, but you are expected to dress appropriately. This means no shorts, swimwear, or flip-flops.