HOLYROOD ABBEY

Holyrood Abbey

Legend has it that, in 1127, King David I of Scotland had been hunting in the forests east of Edinburgh when he was suddenly thrown from his horse by a charging hart. Clutching the beast’s antlers in self-defence, he was saved at the last minute when the hart was startled by sunlight reflecting from a crucifix. As an act of thanksgiving, David I founded Holyrood Abbey on the site in 1128, named after the crucifix that saved his life.

Visit Holyrood Abbey

Today, you can wander through the Abbey nave and gardens where kings and queens have walked. See the East Processional Doorway, the only surviving part of David I’s original monastery, and the West Front of the rebuilt church, one of the most impressive Gothic facades in Scotland.
Now, you can even view the Royal Vault, the final resting place of royalty.

journeyoin the Palace Wardens on a daily guided tour of the Abbey and discover more about the myths and legends surrounding this iconic national treasure.

Tours start inside the Abbey and run every hour. Or, you can purchase the interactive audio guide and tour the Abbey yourself, taking in the expert commentary documenting these centuries-old ruins.