Palace of Holyroodhouse
For groups of 15 or more please see our "Group Visits" pages
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The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen, stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat. This fine baroque palace is closely associated with Scotland's rich history.
The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign. Mary was married at Holyroodhouse and witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary Rizzio by her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley, in her private apartments. The Palace briefly served as the headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1745 uprising.
Today the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family for State ceremonies and official entertaining.
Find out more about the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and how it is used today on the British Monarchy Website |
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What there is to see
The Royal Apartments reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and magnificent furnishings, particularly the unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. One of the most famous rooms in the Palace is the Great Gallery, hung with Jacob de Wet's portraits of the real and legendary kings of Scotland.
Included on the tour, a display focuses on the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland. The Order honours Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life.
Shown alongside historic insignia is an example of the mantle worn at the Thistle ceremony at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, which The Queen attends during her visit to the Palace in July.
From 1 April to 31 October the gardens, which are today used for garden parties, can be included as part of a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visitors to the gardens must keep to the paths, which are about 400 yards long.
The Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
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Opening hours
The Palace is open daily
1 November - 31 March
09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:30)
1 April to 31 October
09:30-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
9 August 2010
09:30-14:00 (last admission 13:00)
Timing your visit
A typical visit lasts between 1 and 1½ hours.
The Palace is closed
2 April 2010
21-24 April 2010
14 May - 5 June 2010
12-16 July 2010
25-26 December 2010
During Royal Visits
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1-Year Pass - excluded dates
Please note that for 2010, there are no 1-Year Pass exclusion dates for the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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Admission prices
Palace of Holyroodhouse
(includes an audio tour)
Adult £10.25
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £9.30
Under 17 £6.20
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £27.00
Joint Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery
Adult £14.30
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £13.00
Under 17 £8.30
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £38.50
By asking us to treat your purchase as a donation, you enable us to claim gift aid tax relief on your payment. Tickets purchased directly from the Royal Collection can be converted into a 1-Year Pass, giving 12 months' complimentary admission to the site(s) you have visited.
Learn more about 1-Year Pass
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Exclusive Evening Tour
This Exclusive Evening Tour begins when the Palace has closed to the general public for the day. In the company of an expert guide, the tour offers a very special insight into the history of Scotland's official royal residence.
The cost per person is £30.00 and includes a copy of the official guidebook, 20% discount in the Royal Collection shop and a glass of champagne.
The tours take place at 18:30 on 5, 12, 16 and 26 August 2010. Tickets must be pre-booked. There is limited availability, with a maximum number of 30 places on each tour.
Book online or telephone +44 (0)131 558 1700.
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Visitors with disabilities
The rooms associated with Mary Queen of Scots are accessed via a narrow, spiral staircase consisting of 25 steps. Regrettably, these rooms are not accessible to wheelchair-users.
When possible, the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery will also offer parking for visitors with disabilities. To enquire about parking, please telephone 0131 524 1120.
More detailed information about access is available by telephoning (+44) (0)20 7766 7324.
Download Access information (80 KB).
If you are unable to download this PDF document please contact our Specialist Sales team on specialistsales@royalcollection.org.uk or +44 (0) 20 7766 7324.
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How to get there
By train: Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15-minute walk from the station.
By coach: Open-top tour buses stop nearby. Coach parking is provided free of charge.
By bus: Number 35 and 36 stop near the Palace.
By road: Public car park situated alongside the Palace
Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX
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Audio tours and guidebooks
An audio tour is included in the admission price and is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. A family audio tour and activity trail is also available in English.
The official guidebook is available in English. A souvenir guidebook is also available and is printed in eight languages, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Japanese and Chinese.
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| Visitor information
Lavatory facilities are available in the Courtyard, including toilets suitable for wheelchair-users. Baby-care rooms are also provided.
Photography and filming (for private use only) are permitted in the grounds of the Palace. Mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace.
The shop sells a wide range of merchandise, much of which has been designed exclusively for the Royal Collection.
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Café at the Palace
In the historic setting of the Palace's Mews Courtyard, the Café at the Palace offers simple home-made dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce. Choose from a selection of soups, two hot main courses and a range of delicious salads, sandwiches, speciality breads and home-baked cakes.
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Download visitor leaflet (826 KB)
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