Pupils will stand in the spots where history was made, following in the footsteps of key historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and John Knox. They will hear stories about the huge social, religious and political changes in Scotland during the Reformation - and think about how historic Scotland was connected to other parts of the world.

Sessions will begin at the Abbey Strand Centre, where pupils will receive an introduction to the time period, get a chance to handle replica objects, and think about how new ideas travelled from place to place in the sixteenth century.

Afterwards, pupils will be led on a tour of the Palace, exploring the stories related to Scotland’s tumultuous Reformation and how the legacy of these political divides reverberated into later centuries. They will in particular focus on Royal residents: James IV, James V, and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Pupils will also get the chance to reflect on how to assess reliability and usefulness of sources produced during an era of conflict and turmoil.

Visit includes access to: Holyrood Abbey, Mary, Queen of Scot’s Bedchamber, Mary, Queen of Scot’s Outer Chamber, The Great Gallery, Darnley’s Ante Chamber, The Lobby, The Great Stair, The Throne Room and Abbey Strand Learning Centre.

Facilitated session lasts: 2 hours

Curriculum for Excellence Experience and Outcomes

Third Level

• I can use my knowledge of a historical period to interpret the evidence and present an informed view. SOC 3-01a
• I can make links between my current and previous studies, and show my understanding of how people and events have contributed to the development of the Scottish nation. SOC 3-02a
• I can explain the similarities and differences between the lifestyles, values and attitudes of people in the past by comparing Scotland with a society in Europe or elsewhere. SOC 3-04a
• I can describe the factors contributing to a major social, political or economic change in the past and can assess the impact on people’s lives. SOC 3-05a
• I can discuss the motives of those involved in a significant turning point in the past and assess the consequences it had then and since. SOC 3-06a
• Through researching, I can identify possible causes of a past conflict and report on the impact it has had on the lives of people at that time. SOC 3-06b

Fourth Level

• I can evaluate conflicting sources of evidence to sustain a line of argument. SOC 4-01a
• I can describe the main features of conflicting world belief systems in the past and can present informed views on the consequences of such conflict for societies then and since. SOC 4-04b
• I have investigated a meeting of cultures in the past and can analyse the impact on the societies involved. SOC 4-05c
• I can express an informed view about the changing nature of conflict over time, appreciate its impact and empathise with the experiences of those involved. SOC 4-06b I
• I can assess the impact for those involved in a specific instance of the expansion of power and influence in the past. SOC 4-06d

Our learning programmes are designed to be accessible to all pupils.  Most of our sessions can be adapted to meet any educational or access needs your group may have.  Please ask for details when booking.

You may find the information for visitors on the Autism spectrum helpful when planning your visit to The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

A lunch room is available for booked groups in the Learning Rooms.  

To find out more or to make a booking contact the Learning Bookings team.

Please have to hand:

• Preferred date and possible alternatives, plus time of arrival
• Numbers of children and supervising adults
• The taught programme you would like
• Details of any special educational or access needs

Please use the downloadable Bookings Forms to send your details to the Learning Bookings Team.

You will then be sent a reservation letter, together with your teachers’ resource pack, giving a date by which full payment must be received to secure the booking.

Please note: you may be asked to cover the cost of the session if you cancel within short notice of your visit.  Non-booked schools will be charged at standard group admission rates.  Please see our Terms of Application for Learning Group Admissions.

Contact us

Learning Bookings Team
Ticket Sales and Information Office
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA

T. (+44) (0)303 123 7323
F. (+44) (0)20 7930 9625
[email protected]

Sharing Learning Objectives

You will find our learning objectives for each taught session on the relevant programme information page.  Sending us your learning objectives prior to your visit will help us tailor the session to your group’s requirements.

Planning Visits

Once you have made your booking, we offer two complimentary tickets for you and a colleague to conduct a planning visit.  If you would like to meet a member of the Learning team during this visit, please let us know at the time of booking.

Teachers' Packs for each site can be downloaded here.

Reduced-rate admission for school groups

Most of our Palace schools sessions are £3 per pupil. Children in P1 and below are FREE.  Please see individual sessions for details.

Accompanying adults

One teacher or adult helper is admitted free of charge at the following ratios:

Under 5s - P1 - 1 adult: 3 pupils
P2 – P4 - 1 adult: 6 pupils
P5 and above - 1 adult: 10 pupils

Please ask for details of rates for additional adults when booking.

All online workshops: £35 per class attending a booked session. 

Following your booking a confirmation letter, with an agreed arrival time, will be sent to you; your letter serves as a ticket for your group. The group leader must have a copy of the confirmation letter to present on arrival.

The Royal Collection Trust Learning section asks that teachers undertake the following guidelines to make entry to Royal Collection Trust sites as smooth and quick as possible:

• Please arrive at the Royal Collection Trust site at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time for the booked workshop
• Teachers and children should not bring the following: scissors, compasses, metal cutlery, sharp metallic implements
• Only bring what you need! The Royal Collection Trust Learning section will provide all necessary equipment such as clipboards, pencils and drawing materials (groups can bring their own sketchbooks if they prefer to use these)