The King's official residence in Scotland, at the foot of the Royal Mile. Visitors see the State Apartments, the rooms where Mary, Queen of Scots lived (including the chamber where David Rizzio was murdered in 1566), the ruins of 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and the gardens. Abbey and garden access has varied in 2026, so check rct.uk.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the foot of the Royal Mile on Canongate, beside Holyrood Park and facing the Scottish Parliament. It is the King's official residence in Scotland, and the building that visitors see largely dates from the late 17th century, designed for Charles II by Sir William Bruce, although the north-west tower is older and holds the rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots. A visit follows a route through the State Apartments, with ornate plaster ceilings, tapestries and portraits, including the Great Gallery lined with portraits of Scottish monarchs. In Mary's Chamber, a plaque and displays mark the murder of her secretary David Rizzio in 1566. The ruined nave of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128, lies beside the palace and gives a roofless Gothic silhouette, and the gardens offer a quiet walk with views towards Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags. A multimedia guide is included with admission and covers the route in several languages. Most visitors spend between one and a half and two hours inside, with extra time for the abbey, garden and the cafe. Crowds are heaviest on summer mornings when tour groups arrive from the Royal Mile and cruise passengers visit, while late afternoon and weekdays out of season are calmer. The palace remains a working royal residence, so parts or all of it can close at short notice for royal events, and opening days vary by season. Abbey and garden access has varied, so checking the official Royal Collection Trust page before travelling is sensible. Photography is not permitted inside the State Apartments.
| Admission | Adult (25+) about £22 (~$29) booked ahead, about £26 (~$35) at the door; ages 18-24 about £14 (~$19); ages 5-17 about £11 (~$15); under-5s free; multimedia guide included. Book at rct.uk. |
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| Hours | 21 May-7 Sep daily 09:30-18:00 (last admission 16:30); 10 Sep-31 Oct Thu-Mon 09:30-18:00; 1 Nov-31 Dec Thu-Mon 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:15); closed 25-26 Dec; can close at short notice for royal events |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning; check rct.uk for closure dates before travelling |
| Getting there | Bottom of the Royal Mile; Lothian Buses to Holyrood / Canongate; 25-minute walk from Waverley station. |
| Address | Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX |
Location
Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
55.9527, -3.1722 View on map
Highlights
- State Apartments and the Great Gallery of Scottish monarch portraits
- Mary, Queen of Scots' chamber and the Rizzio murder site
- Ruins of 12th-century Holyrood Abbey
- Palace gardens with views of Arthur's Seat
- Included multimedia guide
Tips for visiting
- Check rct.uk for closure dates, as royal events can close the palace at short notice.
- Book ahead online for the lower advance price.
- Pair the visit with the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Park, which are within a few minutes' walk.
- Leave bags small, as large items may need to be left at the cloakroom.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid tour-group peaks.
- Take the multimedia guide, which is included in the ticket price.
When to visit
A weekday morning outside July and August is the calmest. Summer afternoons are pleasant for the gardens when they are open.
Accessibility
The palace has step-free routes to many areas and a lift, but some historic spaces have stairs and uneven floors. Visitors needing assistance should check the Royal Collection Trust accessibility information before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse take?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the State Apartments and abbey ruins, plus extra time for the gardens and cafe.
Is photography allowed inside the palace?
Photography is not permitted inside the State Apartments. It is usually allowed in the gardens and abbey grounds, subject to the rules on the day.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Children aged 5 to 17 pay a reduced rate and under-5s are free. The story of Mary, Queen of Scots and the abbey ruins often hold older children's interest.
Is the palace always open?
No. It is a working royal residence and can close at short notice for royal events, and it opens fewer days outside summer. Check rct.uk before visiting.