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Practical Information for visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Warden at Palace of Holyroodhouse

Warden at Palace of Holyroodhouse ©

This information will help you plan your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Visitor Information

You can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse at your leisure using the complimentary multimedia guide, which lasts approximately 1 hour.

Security and Luggage

For safety and security reasons, a one-way system operates along the visitor route.

Security screening

Visitors and their belongings may be subject to security checks.

Restricted and prohibited items

Neither smoking nor vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes) are permitted anywhere in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Some items, such as large suitcases and oversized rucksacks, pen knives and scissors may not be brought into the Palace of Holyroodhouse at all.

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.  

Photography, filming and mobile phones

Photography inside the Palace is not currently permitted. Filming for personal, non-commercial purposes is not permitted inside the Palace. 

Applications for commercial filming should be submitted through this application form.

Out of consideration to other visitors, we ask that you only make or answer phone calls outdoors.

Multimedia Guides

To make the most of your time at the Palace, pick up one of the free multimedia guides at the start of your visit. We clean our multimedia guides and headphones before you use them or you are welcome to use your own standard wired headphones if you prefer.

Our multimedia guides are available in:

  • English
  • Brazilian Portuguese
  • French
  • Gaelic
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • British Sign Language (BSL) with subtitles

The tour guides you through your visit to the Palace, including the Royal and Historic Apartments. The commentary introduces the history of Holyroodhouse and explains the role of the Palace as an official residence of The King. Hear about the Palace’s former residents, including Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. 

Family multimedia tour

Our family multimedia tour will guide your children (aimed at age 7-11) around the Palace. Search for hidden unicorns and lions and find out more about the Palace's famous royal inhabitants, past and present. Available in English.

Tour for blind and partially-sighted visitors

An audio-descriptive tour in English is available for blind and partially-sighted visitors.

The tour provides information about the Palace of Holyroodhouse as well as directions and location information to assist visitors throughout their visit.

Tour for D/deaf and hard of hearing visitors

The general tour is available in British Sign Language as a video tour. Subtitles are included. For hard of hearing visitors the multi-media handsets are T-coil compatible and equipped with volume control and neck loops are also available on request. Please note that the technology is not compatible with all hearing aids – a printed version of the multimedia guide script is available on request.

Refreshments

Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse with the exception of bottled water. You will be asked to place drinks and food in closed bags before being admitted.

Food and drink is available at the Café at the Palace.

Visiting with children

Toilets and baby-care facilities are available in Mews Courtyard.

Pushchairs can be taken inside the Palace, except during busy periods. If you are asked to leave your pushchair, a dedicated area is available inside the Palace entrance.

Baby carriers and hip seats are available on request. All other personal belongings cannot be left and must be carried for the duration of your visit.

Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere within the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The King's Gallery.

Find out more tips to enjoy your visit with your children in our Children and Families section.

Toilets

Toilets and baby-care facilities are located in the Mews Courtyard. We encourage you to use these facilities before starting your visit. 

1-Year Pass

Enjoy free re-admission for a year by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass. At the end of your visit, don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1-Year Pass. 

Find out how to book using an existing 1-Year Pass.

ACCESS AND MOBILITY

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is largely accessible, with some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms. Concessionary rates are available if you have a disability and a companion is admitted free of charge.