THE HISTORY

The Palace of HolyroodHouse

Explore the storied past of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a majestic residence steeped in centuries of Scottish royal history, from its origins as a 12th-century abbey to its current role as the official home of the British monarchy in Scotland.

Aerial view of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, showcasing its historic architecture and landscaped gardens.
Interior of the Palace of Holyroodhouse's grand hall, decorated with ornate tapestries and period furniture.
Close-up of the medieval ruins of Holyrood Abbey on a sunny day, adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Check Ticket Availability

Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2024. Check tour & ticket availability now.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

Beginnings as Holy Rood Abbey

The ruins still visible on the grounds were once an Augustinian Abbey ordered by King David I of Scotland. The name Holyrood comes from either the legendary vision of the cross witnessed by the King or from a relic of the True Cross, known as the Holy Rood.

Mary’s Grisly Time at the Palace

James IV constructed a new Gothic palace next to the abbey which became the lodgings of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1561.
Mary had archery butts placed in her private chambers so she could practice archery and would hunt deer in Holyrood Park. Holyrood is where she wed both of her Scottish husbands and witnessed the murder of her private secretary.

Strife at the Abbey

In 1685, James VII set up a Jesuit college to the south of the palace and adapted the abbey into a chapel for the Order of the Thistle. During the Glorious Revolution, the chapel was attacked by an anti-Catholic mob and its interior designs destroyed.

Check Ticket Availability

Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2024
Check tour & ticket availability now.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

An Era of Neglect

After the Union of Scotland and England in 1707, the palace began to fall into disrepair. When Bonnie Prince Charlie moved into the palace, he chose the Duke’s apartments over the unkempt King’s. Neglect continued as the abbey church roof collapsed, leaving it as it currently stands.

Modernisation for the Palace

George V transformed Holyroodhouse into a 20th-century palace with the installation of central heating and electric lighting, modernising the kitchens and fitting a lift. The palace was selected as the site of the Scottish National Memorial to Edward VII and formally designated as the monarch’s official residence in Scotland.

Visit Mary the Queen of Scots Chambers at the Palace of HolyroodHouse

Mary Queen of Scots

One of the most well-known figures to have lived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is Mary Queen of Scots, whose chambers are a must-see on any visit.

Tour The Palace of HolyroodHouse

Tours & Highlights

Whether you are interested in the Royals, British History, historical fashion or architecture, the Palace has it all. Book your visit today.

Visit Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Abbey

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

Visit Holyrood Palace Gardens

Holyrood Palace Gardens

overing 10 acres, the stunning gardens of Holyroodhouse are cultivated by an expert team of landscapers and professionals.

Visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2024

The palace of Holyrood House can be visited by means of a timed ticket – this means we can manage visitor numbers and ensure everyone’s safety.

To help everything run smoothly and be sure of being able to visit at the time you wish, we recommend you book your tickets online.

Opening Times

Note: Kensington Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and between 24th - 26th December.

April – October

Open: 09:30 - 18:00 - Last admission: 16.30

November – March

Open: 09:30 - 16:30 - Last admission: 15:15

Accessibility

The Palace of Holyrood house is mostly accessible for visitors who use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs.
We also offer a number of solutions for visitors who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted or who have autism.
Where possible we offer parking for visitors with disabilities.

Visitors Frequently Asked Questions

It is best to book in advance to ensure entry as tickets often sell out. Book Now
Children under 5 enter for free.
Current Ticket Prices for 2024
Adult (25+) £20.00
Child (5-17) £10.00
Young Person (18-24) £13.00

Please Note: Concessionary tickets are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.
Please contact +44 (0)303 123 7324 or specialistsales@rct.uk or visit the Royal Collection Trust website.

Yes, the Palace offers both self-guided audio tours, which are included in the admission price, and guided tours by a warder for an additional fee. The audio tour is available in several languages and provides extensive information about the palace's history and its rooms.

Yes, tickets for The Palace of Holyroodhouse can be purchased online here. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to ensure entry on your preferred date and to avoid long lines at the ticket office.

Yes, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, and there are accessible toilets. Please contact the palace before your visit if you have specific accessibility needs.

The Palace is located at the eastern end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and taxis. If you are driving, there are public parking areas nearby, but parking on site is limited to disabled badge holders.

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, but smart casual dress is recommended, especially if you are attending any special events or functions.

Don't miss the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, the beautiful 16th-century ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the Queen’s Gallery, which hosts a rotating exhibition of items from the Royal Collection.

Yes, there are several attractions and landmarks near the Palace. Some popular options include Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Canongate Kirk, all within walking distance.

The Palace of HolyroodHouse

Please Note: Our site palaceofholyroodhouse.co.uk is completely independant from the royal family and the Palace of HolyroodHouse. It is provided by dedicated royalists for your information and is the UKs oldest and much loved unoffical guide.
2024 © palaceofholyroodhouse.co.uk All Rights Reserved.