Edinburgh · Holyrood and Arthur's Seat
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official residence in Scotland, at the foot of the Royal Mile. The visit takes in the State Apartments, the rooms linked to Mary, Queen of Scots, and the ruined abbey beside the palace.
- 2 h
- Adult ticket: not confirmed
- Booking advised
- Holyrood and Arthur's Seat
Data checked on October 5, 2026
Holyroodhouse grew from a guest house of the abbey founded in the twelfth century, and the royal court has used it for hundreds of years. The State Apartments are still used for official occasions, so the route can change on the day. Mary, Queen of Scots lived in the oldest tower, and the audio guide takes you through her rooms. The abbey ruins beside the palace are part of the visit.
What to look for
- The Great Gallery of Scottish portraits
- The rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots
- The ruins of Holyrood Abbey
- The palace gardens
Opening hours
Hours not confirmed. Check the official site.
Check the official page for current opening times. The palace closes at times when it is used by the royal family, so look at the dates before you go.
Source: Royal Collection Trust, checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket: not confirmed. Check the adult price on the official page before you go.
Book a dated ticket on the official page, or through the partner link when it is shown. Check the dates first, since the palace can close at short notice for royal use.
Getting there
Waverley station is about 15 minutes on foot, downhill along the Royal Mile, and Lothian buses run along the Canongate.
Tip
Visit after the Royal Mile on the same day, as it sits at the bottom of the street and Holyrood Park starts at the gate.