Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Today, the palace is known as the official residence in Scotland of King Charles III, and not without reason, as it contains over 900 years of royal history. This place has been influenced by the creation of an Augustinian monastery in 1128 by David I of Scotland and has been the residence to many kings since the 16th century, thanks to its pleasant surroundings. It is actually James IV that converted the building into a palace at the time of his union with Margaret Tudor in 1503.

If the name of this monument doesn't ring a bell, perhaps one of its inhabitants will. Holyroodhouse is famous for one of its residents, Mary, Queen of Scots. The apartments on the second floor of the tower built by her father were her home in 1561 and 1567. The palace marked a large part of her life, with events such as her second marriage to Henry Stuarthl and her third and last marriage to James Hepburn.

Indeed, the house is not only a residence and a place to visit, it's also where various ceremonies and official occasions take place, such as the "Key Ceremony", the "National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service" and the "Garden Party and Investiture".

You won't be bored as your tour takes in the many facets of the place. You will start in the State Apartments, where you'll learn about the royal family who have stayed here. Right after, you’ll head toward the throne room and see how this place is linked to many historical figures. Above all, get ready to open your eyes wide as you discover incredible settings, objects and even treasures from the royal collection.

If you want to take a breath of air, you can discover the gardens of Holyroodhouse Palace, which are much more than just that. It was once the site of tournaments, hunts, archery and the home of many wild animals such as lions. Today, you may not see this kind of activity on your visit, but the gardens have been nurtured over the years and are now home to seven greenhouses and a new public garden with medicinal and culinary plants used by schools and community groups. Don’t hesitate to take a stroll among the flowers and the garden's past.

If you fancy a break after absorbing so much history, head to the Café at the Palace, located in the courtyard of the Mews. Relax in these beautiful surroundings and enjoy a good lunch, with locally sourced ingredients: soups, salads and many other options, this dog-friendly café adapts to your wishes. And if you absolutely need a sweet treat, don't worry, the café also offers afternoon tea with a range of savoury dishes and sandwiches. Be sure to book your afternoon tea in advance if you want to enjoy the experience.

To round off your visit, take a look beside the main site, where you'll find the Abbey of Holyroodhouse. This religious building was constructed in mediaeval times. Although it is now in ruins, you can still feel the special atmosphere that reigned when it was still standing.

You can visit the palace as part of a guided group tour or on your own. In the latter case, don't forget to use a free multimedia guide to find out all about the place, available in several languages including British Sign Language (BSL) with subtitles.

Large suitcases are not permitted at Holyroodhouse and cannot be stored in the palaces, which have no checkrooms. Please note that photography is not permitted in the state apartments.

📍 Address:

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

🕒Opening times:

Open daily in July, August and September. The rest of the year, the palace is open on Monday and from Thursday to Sunday.

Opening hours are 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from November to March and 9.30 am to 6 pm from April to October.

Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and when the royal family is in residence.

🎟️ Admission :

The museum can easily fill up, so it's advisable to book tickets in advance. There is an additional fee for any guided tours.

• Adult (+25): £20
• Young person (Ages 17-25): £13
• Child (Ages 5 to 17): £10