Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history.
Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
You can sign up to our email updates to hear the latest news about the Palace and events taking place.
Prices
- Book in advance for the best value.
- Your ticket includes a multimedia guide.
| Advance | On the day | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £18.00 | £19.50 |
| Young Person (18-24) | £11.50 | £12.50 |
| Child (5-17) | £10.00 | £10.50 |
| Disabled | £10.00 | £10.50 |
| Access companion | Free | Free |
| Under 5 | Free | Free |
| Groups (15 people or more) | View group prices | |
Enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking us to treat your ticket purchase as a donation.
At the end of your visit, ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1- Year Pass.
Find out more.
Opening times
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July, August and September when we are open 7 days a week.
| Opening time | Last admission | Closing time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 November - 31 March | 09:30 | 15:15 | 16:30 |
| 1 April - 31 October | 09:30 | 16:30 | 18:00 |
The Admission Centre is busiest from opening and throughout the morning. For the best experience please book your tickets in advance and arrive after 11:00.
The Café at the Palace will be closed on Monday, 8 January 2024.
Palace closures
- Thursday, 7 December - Last admission at 14:15. Palace closes at 15:30
- Sunday, 24 December 2023 - Last admission at 13:45. Palace closes at 15:00
- Monday, 25 December 2023 - Palace closed
- Sunday, 31 December 2023 - Last admission at 14:45. Palace closes at 16:00
- Monday, 1 January 2024 - Palace opens at 11:00
- Friday, 29 March 2024 - Palace closed
Practical information
- You can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse at your leisure using the complimentary multimedia guide, which lasts approximately 1 hour and is available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. The English-language guides feature versions tailored for families (children) and D/deaf and hard of hearing visitors.
- You and your belongings may be subject to security checks.
- Toilets and baby-care facilities are located in the Mews. We encourage you to use these facilities before starting your visit.
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace. Read about photography, filming & mobile phones.
- The Café at the Palace serves food and drinks, however eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
- Pushchairs can be taken inside the Palace except during busy periods. Baby carriers and hip seats are available on request. Read more detailed information about visiting with children.
Map & directions
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DXBy car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15 minute walk from the station.
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Palace is a 20 minute walk from the stop.
Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus number 35 stops near the Palace. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament.
Your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse ©
Highlights
Top things to see and do at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
With so much to see and do, take a look at our list of recommendations to make your visit extra special.
See the listWhat's on
Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
We’re decking the halls, the galleries and the throne room.
Exclusive Christmas Evening Tours
In the company of an expert guide, enjoy a private tour of the State Apartments once the Palace doors have closed to visitors for the day.
Shopping and eating
Palace Shop
Visit our shop which offers a wide range of exclusive gifts inspired by the royal palaces and the works of art in the Royal Collection.
Café at the Palace
The Café at the Palace offers simple, home-made dishes from fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Children and Families
Drawing activities and trails
Download educational resources to use during your visit or at home.
Things to do with children
Learn about the Palace and its most famous residents with our interactive multimedia tour.
Top things to look out for
Can you find the two thrones in the Palace?
Palace of Holyroodhouse communication cards
To support children and young people on the autism spectrum to enjoy the Palace.
What's on for children and families
About the Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse today
Discover how the Palace is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Palace Garden
Learn about the garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, first used in 1503 and still in use today for royal events.
Who built the Palace?
According to medieval legend, the Abbey was founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland after seeing a vision of a stag.
The History of Abbey Strand
Discover the fascinating history of Abbey Strand, the gateway to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visitors over the centuries
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Discover the real story of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Schools
Bring the curriculum to life with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We offer a range of interactive workshops, tours, learning activities and resources for nursery, primary and secondary pupils. Our schools visit information will help teachers and organisers plan their visit.
Groups
Group prices
We offer a groups discount for bookings of 15 people or more.
Group bookings
It is essential to pre-book your group visit. Buy your tickets online or over the telephone.
Coach parking
Free coach parking is available next to the Palace and is accessible via Abbeyhill.
Guiding
Guiding is permitted in external areas of the Palace precinct.
What's on for groups
Access and mobility
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is largely accessible, with some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms. Concessionary rates are available if you have a disability and a free access companion ticket can be obtained by contacting the Specialist Sales Team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or by emailing [email protected]
Accessible toilets are located in the Café at the Palace, which can be visited without a ticket. There is limited bench seating around the Palace.
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.
A number of Wardens are Dementia Friends, please ask staff for any assistance.
The Palace tour is indoors with some small rooms, and includes access to outdoor areas including the Palace garden. You may wish to download a photo journey (PDF) to help you plan your visit.
You might find it useful to review the detailed access guides on the AccessAble website:
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come, first-served basis.
General information on visiting is available on our Practical Information page.
For detailed access information, please select one of the options below. For any other information you can contact the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or by emailing [email protected].
Access events
Book tickets
Palace of Holyroodhouse Standard Admission 2023
Book a ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Scottish royal history and the official residence in Scotland of His Majesty The King.
availability
Exclusive Christmas Evening Tour: Palace of Holyroodhouse
In the company of an expert guide, enjoy a private tour of the State Apartments once the Palace is closed to visitors for the day. Your small group (maximum 25 people on each tour) will go behind the ropes in selected rooms and into the West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family as a private sitting room and not normally open to the public. Exclusive Evening Tours include a glass of champagne, a mince pie, and a complimentary guide book.
Palace of Holyroodhouse Standard Admission 2024
Book a ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Scottish royal history and the official residence in Scotland of His Majesty The King.
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