Palace of Holyroodhouse

What is there to see at Holyrood Palace?

Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers

Mary, Queen of Scots lived at Holyrood Palace between 1561 and 1567. On your visit, you will be able to tour one of the oldest parts of the property and see the bedchamber this famed Queen slept in almost 500 years ago. 

Just off the bedchamber, you’ll find the Supper Room, where Mary witnessed the murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her husband.

State Apartments

In the Holyrood Palace's State Apartments, visitors can see the Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held lavish balls when he set up his Jacobite Court in September 1745. 

The State Apartments today reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs, and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. They are furnished with numerous works of art from the Royal Collection, many of which have long associations with Holyroodhouse and Scotland. 

Holyrood Abbey and the Palace Gardens

A visit to Holyroodhouse includes the opportunity to spend time in the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens. 

Does the Queen stay at Holyrood Palace?

Yes, she does. During Royal Week, normally held at the end of June, the Queen comes to stay at Holyrood Palace to tour the different Scottish regions and host her celebrated annual Garden Party.

How long does it take to see Holyrood Palace?

A typical visit to Holyrood Palace lasts between 1 and 1½ hours.

Multimedia guide and guidebooks

A multimedia guide and souvenir guidebook is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. The multimedia guide is included in the ticket price.

Family activities at Holyrood Palace

Families can explore the palace with a lively and interactive family audio tour.  

Additional Information

• Lavatory facilities are available in the Courtyard, including toilets suitable for wheelchair-users. Baby-care rooms are also provided.
• Photography and filming (for private use only) are permitted in the grounds of Holyrood Palace. Mobile phones must be switched off inside the palace.
• In the historic setting of the Palace's Mews Courtyard, the café at the palace offers a range of refreshments throughout the day, from drinks and light snacks to a changing menu of freshly prepared lunch dishes.

How to use your eVoucher

Please ensure your visit date corresponds with your date selected in the calendar. E-Vouchers are only valid on the selected visit date.

Important: Upon booking your tickets to Holyrood Palace, you will receive a confirmation of payment along with a PDF e-voucher from VisitBritain. You must print your PDF e-voucher and bring it with you, and present it at the entrance to gain access to the palace. 

Holyrood Palace Opening Times

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open daily throughout the year, with a few exceptions when it is in use for official functions.

From 1st October to end of 2021:

• Thursday to Monday
• Frequency - every 15 minutes
• First entry time - 09:30
• Last entry time - 15:15

The Palace will have different opening hours on:

• 31 December: Palace closes at 16:00, last admission 14:45
• 1 January: Palace opens at 11:00

From 7-31 January 2021, the Palace will open at the later time of 10:30

Closures

Your tickets to Holyrood Palace will not be valid for entry on closure dates.

• 24-26 December 2020 - until further notice (refund to 21 February 2021 inclusive)
• 11 January 2021
• 18 January 2021
• 25 January 2021
• 2nd April 2021

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working palace, opening arrangements are subject to change at short notice. Please check before planning a visit.

Additional Information 

• Your visit includes airport-style security checks as part of admission. Please arrive with as few bags and bulky items as possible.

How to get to Holyrood Palace?

By train: The palace is approximately a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.

By bus: Bus routes 6 and 35 stop near the palace.

By road: Holyrood Palace is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. There is a public car park situated alongside the palace.

• All the visitors will need to wear a face covering when enjoying all indoor spaces during their visit (unless exempt).
• Touch-free dispensers and hand-washing facilities can be found at several points along the visitor route.
• Social distancing is maintained in queuing areas with the use of markings to indicate the required distance.
• Perspex screens have been fitted at all ticket desks, multimedia guide desks and at all shop till points. Some staff will wear both gloves and face coverings for the safety of visitors, particularly in our security areas. All staff have been fully trained on their return to work on new Covid-Secure procedures. Enhanced cleaning regimes are also in place.
• Only card payments will be accepted for the safety of both customers and staff.