Palace of Holyroodhouse
For individuals and groups up to 14 please see our "Visiting" pages
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Welcome to the group information page for the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Here you will find everything you need to plan a visit.
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.
A visit includes a display 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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New for this summer
Holyrood Abbey tour
From 18 July to 30 September visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse can join a guided tour of the historic Abbey ruins, and discover the building’s fascinating history from its foundation in 1128 to the present day.
Included in a day visit, tours last approximately 30 minutes and run every hour from 10:00 to 17:00, except midday.
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Special-interest talks
Mary, Queen of Scots at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Learn about the short and turbulent reign of Mary, Queen of Scots and her life at the Palace.
Your expert guide will show you the Royal Family’s collection of objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots and her Stuart descendents. Following your talk, explore the rest of the Palace with an audio tour.
Great Tapestries at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Holyrood boasts a world-famous collection of tapestries, including magnificent examples from English, Flemish and Brussels factories.
Your expert guide will introduce you to the remarkable tapestries at Holyrood and explain how these important pieces are cared for today. Following your talk, explore the rest of the Palace with an audio tour.
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| Opening hours
Open daily
1 November to 31 March
09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:30)
1 April to 31 October
09:30-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
Timing your visit
A typical visit lasts between 1 and 1½ hours.
The Palace is closed
13-17 September 2010
25-26 December 2010
During Royal Visits
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1-Year Pass - terms and conditions
Enjoy free re-admission for a year if you buy your ticket directly from us. Simply ask us to stamp your ticket on your first visit.
Please note that for 2010, there are no 1-Year Pass exclusion dates for the Palace of Holyroodhouse, however, complimentary re-admission is always subject to ticket availability.
Learn more about 1-Year Pass
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Admission prices (for groups 15+)
Palace of Holyroodhouse
(includes an audio tour)
Adult £9.25
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £8.35
Under 17 £5.55
Under 5 Free
One guide or group leader and one coach driver will be admitted free per group, minimum group size of 15 visitors. The coach driver must show a PSV badge on entry.
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
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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Booking your visit
Book online or telephone +44 (0)20 7766 7321. All major credit cards are accepted.
Groups are not required to book in advance for the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Tickets can be purchased on the day from the Ticket Desk.
Any guides or group leaders must be included in your booking but one guide or group leader and one coach driver will be admitted free per group (minimum group size of 15 visitors). The coach driver must show a PSV badge on entry.
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How to get there
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located in the heart of Edinburgh at the end of the Royal Mile, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building.
By train: Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15-minute walk from the station.
By bus: Number 35 and 36 stop near the Palace.
Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
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| Coach parking and travel information
On the North Approach, adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, space is available for coaches to set down and pick up visitors. As space is limited, parking for the duration of your visit cannot be guaranteed. Details of alternative local coach parks can be provided on request from the Ticket Sales & Information Office.
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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. More detailed information about access is available by telephoning +44 (0)20 7766 7324.
When possible, the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery will offer parking for visitors with disabilities. To enquire about parking, please telephone 0131 524 1120.
Download Access information (81 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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| 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.
The café has ample indoor and outdoor seating, and groups are welcome to reserve a seating area. Alternatively, if time is limited, arrangements can be made for take-away food to be delivered to your coach.
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Download visitor leaflet (826 KB)
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