Search results

Start typing

VISIT

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.

Your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse ©

Highlights

What's on

28 November - 6 January

Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

We’re decking the halls, the galleries and the throne room.

29 November - 5 January

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 seasonal, 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.

About the Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse | Mary, Queen of Scots, murder & betrayal | 900 years of royal history ©

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.

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 we offer a free access companion ticket which can be booked online.

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].

Book tickets

Booking for 15 people or more?

Palace of Holyroodhouse 2024 Standard Admission

01 Jan 2024 - 30 Dec 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.
In advance
On the day
Adult
£20.00
£22.00
Young Person (18-24)
£13.00
£14.00
Child (5-17)
£10.00
£11.00
Disabled Person
£10.00
£11.00
Access companion
Free
Free
Under 5
Free
Free
Show all prices
Limited availability

Exclusive Christmas Evening Tour: Palace of Holyroodhouse

29 Nov 2024 - 05 Jan 2025
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) will see the Palace decorated for Christmas, and the tour includes a glass of champagne and a complimentary guide book.
Per person
£50.00

Palace of Holyroodhouse 2025 Standard Admission

01 Jan 2025 - 29 Dec 2025
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.
In advance
On the day
Adult
£21.00
£25.00
Young Person (18-24)
£13.50
£16.50
Child (5-17)
£10.50
£12.50
Disabled Person
£10.50
£12.50
Access companion
Free
Free
Under 5
Free
Free
Show all prices

Nearby


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.