The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, situated at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The palace has been the setting for some of the most dramatic moments in Scottish history, including the murder of David Rizzio, secretary to Mary Queen of Scots, in 1566. Visitors can tour the State Apartments, the historic apartments of Mary Queen of Scots, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, which dates to 1128.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse occupies the foot of the Royal Mile opposite the Scottish Parliament and is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, used for state functions each June during Holyrood Week. The palace evolved from an abbey guest house to a royal residence in the 16th century under James IV and was extensively remodelled in the baroque style for Charles II in the 1670s — the State Apartments date from this period. Visitors enter through the Great Gallery, a long room hung with 111 portraits of Scottish monarchs from Fergus I to Charles II, all commissioned from Dutch artist Jacob de Wet in the 1680s. The historic apartments of Mary Queen of Scots, accessible from the north tower, contain the small supper chamber where her Italian secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566 — the exact spot is marked on the floor. The King's Bedchamber and Privy Chamber in the State Apartments display fine original furniture and tapestries, with views into the private garden. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded by David I in 1128 and now roofless since its 17th-century destruction, stand adjacent to the palace and are included in admission. Audio guides are provided for independent exploration; guided tours run at set times and offer more historical context. A typical visit covering the State Apartments, Mary's rooms, and the abbey ruins takes 1.5–2.5 hours. The palace closes entirely when the monarch is in residence, typically during the last two weeks of June and early July; checking the website before visiting is essential.
Highlights
- State Apartments
- Mary Queen of Scots apartments
- Holyrood Abbey ruins
- Royal Collection artworks
- The Great Gallery
Tips for visiting
- Check the website before visiting as the palace closes when the monarch is in residence (typically late June-early July).
When to visit
Weekday mornings from April to June or September to October offer a quieter visit; July and August see peak crowds, particularly after Edinburgh Castle closes in the late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning allows leisurely exploration of the State Apartments before organised tour groups arrive.
Accessibility
The palace has good wheelchair access throughout the principal visitor route, with lifts and ramps at key transition points. The Holyrood Abbey ruins are on level ground. Visitors with mobility requirements are advised to contact the Royal Collection Trust in advance to confirm current accessibility provisions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse take?
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours inside the palace, including the State Apartments, Mary Queen of Scots' historic apartments, and Holyrood Abbey ruins. Allowing 2 hours is comfortable.
When is the Palace of Holyroodhouse closed to visitors?
The palace closes when the monarch is in residence, typically for around two weeks in late June and early July during Holyrood Week. It also closes for occasional state functions. Check the Royal Collection Trust website before visiting.
Is photography allowed inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Personal photography is not permitted inside the State Apartments or the historic royal rooms. Photography is allowed in the external areas and Holyrood Abbey ruins.
Are children welcome at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Yes, the palace is family-friendly. Children under 5 enter free. The dramatic history, particularly around Mary Queen of Scots, tends to engage children aged 8 and above particularly well.