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Palace of Holyroodhouse

Children and families visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Things to do with children

Family visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse©

The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a great day out for children. Here are some ideas to help you plan your visit.

 

Take the free family multimedia tour

Learn more about the Palace and its most famous residents with our interactive multimedia tour designed for families to enjoy together. Look out for unusual furniture, sparkling jewels and more.

 

Enjoy a visit to the Family Room

Pop into the Family Room to learn more about Scottish royal history, with dressing up, books and games. 

 

To help plan your visit make sure you read our practical information.

The Family Room

The Family Room is a dedicated relaxing space for families. There is a selection of fun stories, costumes, games and creative activities to choose from. 

The Family Room©

Top things to look out for

  1. The Royal Dining Room - What’s on the menu? Can you count all the chairs around the table?
  2. Thrones - Go on a hunt for two thrones. They are over 100 years old and were made for The King's great-grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary. Can you spot the differences between them?
  3. The King’s Bed - This amazing four-poster bed was made for Charles II, but he never slept in it. Imagine what it was like to stay in the Palace over 300 years ago.
  4. The Great Gallery - This is the biggest room in the Palace – you could fit three double-decker buses in it. Bonnie Prince Charlie held a famous party here. Discover the secret of the 96 portraits on the walls.
  5. The Palace Gardens - The Palace Gardens are a hidden secret in Edinburgh’s busy city centre. Use our family trail to explore woodland paths and giant lawns. Look out for local wildlife and find out why a lion used to live here.
  6. Holyrood Abbey - Holyrood Abbey is nearly 900 years old. Explore this majestic building and find out about the monks who used to live there, the famous events that have taken place within its walls and how it got its name. 

What's on for children and families

At the end of your visit, don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket and convert it into a 1-Year Pass to enjoy free re-admission for 12 months.

Drawing activities and trails

Try our interactive game

Interactive

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Children's activity

Discover the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and find out some of the fun facts about the Kings and Queens that have lived here.

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse interactive game

The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.