Families

Family Audio Tour
Find out about The Queen’s official residence in Scotland, as you explore the Palace with our lively family audio tour. Learn about the Palace and its most famous resident, Mary, Queen of Scots. Discover some of the other kings and queens that have lived here and look at the pictures, tapestries and furniture on display.

Family Activities
Did you know that once you’ve purchased a ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse you can come back as many times as you like, in a year, for free? Visit us during the holidays and take part in our changing programme of family activities.

Family activities are run on a ‘drop-in’ basis. Activities are designed for 5-11 year olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Standard admission prices to the Palace of Holyroodhouse apply, with all materials provided free of charge.

Younger Children
Royal Collection Education welcomes families with younger children. In addition to art workshops for children aged 5–11, a selection of toys, games and creative resources are also available for younger children aged 3–5 in either the Palace Family Room or Coach House.

Royal Fashions
Trail available throughout the summer
school holidays

Take a trail and discover what clothing, accessories and hairstyles were popular with royal residents in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Palace’s other royal residents.

Unravel the mystery of James’ VI unique trousers, discover which king wore colourful stockings and find out about Mary Queen of Scots’ hairstyles.

Behind the Ropes
Saturdays in August (7, 14, 21, 28)
11:00-14:00

A unique opportunity to go behind the ropes with your own expert guide. Explore a selection of rooms in the Palace with a member of the Education team and find out what it was like to live and work in the Palace hundreds of years ago. Look for hidden stories in the ceilings, tapestries and furniture that decorate the Palace and see real objects up-close.

These sessions are suitable for families with children aged 5+ and will last approximately 30 minutes. Please note this is a drop-in event departing from the fountain on the Palace forecourt on the hour.

The Big Draw 2010: Pop-up Palaces
15-19 October
10:00-12:30

Join in the drawing fun with this special workshop just for families. Go on a tour around the Palace with your pencil in hand then learn how to translate your drawings into a pop-up book.

Please book for this workshop in advance by calling 0131 556 5100

Holyrood Christmas
11-12 December
11:00-15:00

Pop in this weekend and find out about celebrating Christmas the Victorian way. Discover how Christmas customs began and make your own Palace advent calendar to take home.