Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visit His Majesty The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history

Standout list

History lovers

The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 72 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Highlights

  • Visit the official home of His Majesty The King in Scotland, a royal residence for more than 500 years and also used for State occasions
  • Explore the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, setting for many dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign
  • Enjoy the magnificent Great Gallery where the Jacobite Court of the Bonnie Prince Charlie was set in the XVIII century, home now to numerous Royal Collection’s artworks
  • Learn about the palace’s most famous residents with a family friendly interactive multimedia tour designed for families to enjoy together. Look out for unusual furniture, sparkling jewels and more
  • The Family Room is a dedicated relaxing space for families. There is a selection of fun stories, dressing up costumes, games and creative activities to choose from around Scottish royal history
  • Admire the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the Palace’s gardens, set against the unique backdrop of Arthur’s Seat

What's included

  • Entry to the Palace
  • Multimedia guide available in multiple languages

Prepare for the experience

Children information

  • Children under 5 go in for free
  • Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • Baby care facilities are available

Accessibility information

  • Manual wheelchairs and rollators (wheeled walking aids with a seat) are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come first-served basis for the duration of a visit
  • Mobility scooters can also be used in the Palace grounds and are permitted in the Palace as long as they are compatible with the lift. The lift measures 130cm width x 125cm depth with a weight limit of 800kg and the door width is 89cm
  • Accessible toilets available
  • Registered assistance dogs are welcome.
  • The multimedia guide is available in British Sign Language (BSL) and with subtitles, and an audio-descriptive guide is available for blind or partially-sighted visitors
  • Please contact us should you require further accessibility information regarding this product

Ticket restrictions

  • Tickets for this attraction are non-refundable, non-amendable and non-exchangeable

Additional information

  • Photography is allowed in the Palace
  • No food or drink is allowed in the Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse live date and timeslot availability can be seen upon booking.

Regular opening times are as follows:

  • November - March: Thursday - Monday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (last admission 3:15 pm)
  • April - June: Thursday - Monday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
  • July - September: Open daily 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
  • October: Thursday - Monday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)

Changes to normal operating hours:

  • 13 December: Palace closes at 3:30 pm (last admission 2:15 pm)

Palace closures

  • 26 December
  • 25 - 26 December 2025

Please note: The Palace Gardens and Holyrood Abbey are currently open.

How to get there

  • Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
  • Closest train station: Edinburgh Waverley 

Supplier information

This product is sold by VisitBritain Shop and supplied by Encore.

Upon booking you will receive via email an instant order confirmation from VisitBritain and a second email including a QR code. You can download it to your mobile phone or print it out to show when visiting the attraction / attending the tour.

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