Palace of Holyroodhouse
About
The King's official residence in Scotland, at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the Castle, open to visitors throughout the year except when the Royal Family is in residence. The State Apartments, Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers (where her secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566) and the ruined thirteenth-century Holyrood Abbey nave make it the Mile's history-dense bookend, with Arthur's Seat rising straight behind the gardens. Adult tickets are around £22 booked in advance against £26 on the day; because it is a working palace, opening arrangements can change at short notice, so check dates on rct.uk before you commit a morning to it.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers
- ✓The State Apartments, still in working royal use
- ✓The ruined nave of Holyrood Abbey
- ✓Gardens under the flank of Arthur's Seat
Tips
- →Book in advance: around £22 versus £26 on the day
- →Opening days change at short notice around royal residence periods; check rct.uk before planning
- →Groups of 15 or more must pre-book
- →Pairs naturally with an Arthur's Seat climb, the park gate is beside the palace
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
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Scotland's great fortress on its volcanic rock: the crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the One O'Clock Gun, and the city's defining view.
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's free national museum: the great Victorian Grand Gallery, Dolly the sheep, and a rooftop terrace with a Castle view.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Family's decommissioned yacht at its Leith berth: a million nautical miles of service, toured from tea room to engine room.