Holyrood Palace

4.5 star rating: Recommended 258 Reviews | Add review

  • Address: Canongate, Edinburgh
  • Hours: Open daily. Nov - Mar 9:30am - 4:30pm, Apr - Oct 9:30am - 6pm. Closed mid-Sept, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and for Royal visits
  • Admission: Adults: £10.25, Seniors (over 60): £9.30, Children (under 17): £6.20

Holyrood Palace
Passing clouds. Quite cool.
4:04 AM Friday, May 24
Passing clouds. Quite cool.
7 day forecast

The Palace of Holyrood House, most often called Holyrood Palace, faces Edinburgh Castle along the length of the Royal Mile. Like its majestic companion, it's riddled with some of Scotland's most potent history. 

The Abbey in the grounds was founded in 1128, and the palace itself is baroque. These days Holyrood Palace is the Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II, but it's probably best known for its association with another royal figure, Mary Queen of Scots. She was married here, lived here and saw her secretary murdered here.

As you'd expect, the apartments are lavishly decorated and the collection of tapestries and paintings top-notch. Drift around the gardens and make believe you're a monarch.  


Latest Reviews

5 star rating: Highly Recommended Review by David P, April 2013
Doing what: Edinburgh City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

This was really a cool bus tour and I am glad that I booked it. Because we where only in Scotland a few days it allowed us to see much more than we would have seen on our own. I recommend this tour for anyone who has not visited Edinburgh; it will help you get familiar with the area and see sights that may not be within walking distance. It is easy to access the buses and hop on and off at the designated spots. We had a good time.

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended Review by Leticia G, April 2013
Doing what: Edinburgh City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

I used this sort of service when traveling abroad and it was a great way to make the most of my time. I honestly did some more expensive trips and felt like I got more out of this service mostly because I bypass other means of transportation and they provide you with a historical background. I highly recommend you do it especially because it is so affordable. No regrets.

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended Review by Theresa S, USA, April 2013
Doing what: Edinburgh City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Great tour fun driver just to much snow and rain and very cold but still had a great time seeing the sights!

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Pracitcal Info

You could approach regally on foot along the Royal Mile and Canongate, or take the train to Edinburgh Waverley Station (it's about 15 minutes' walk from there). Alternatively, buses 35 and 36 stop nearby, or you could park in the carpark close to the Palace. 

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