Palace of Holyroodhouse - © Oliver-Bonjoch
Palace of Holyroodhouse is located in the city of Edinburgh and is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The Palace is also referred to as Holyrood Palace, it has a long history and has witnessed some important and historically significant events in both Scottish and UK history. The City of Edinburgh provides a wonderfully scenic location for the Royal Palace, which is located at the end of the Royal Mile. The Palace attracts a large number of tourists from the UK and overseas each year, there is plenty of history and heritage here for visitors to explore and the stunning backdrop provides a great attraction for visitors.
Attractions
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located in the heart of the Scottish capital Edinburgh, a world heritage city. It offers visitors the chance to see one of the top history and heritage attractions in the UK. The Palace is synonymous with Mary, Queen of Scots and the scene of some dramatic events such as the murder of her secretary Rizzio.
The Palace has seen a number of dramatic and important events over the course of its history and is inexorably linked with major events in both Scottish & UK history. The palace was once the headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie in the uprising back in 1745 and is one of a number of dramatic events in the colourful history of the Palace.
The Palace has a long history dating back to 1128 when it is thought David I first founded the Palace as an Augustinian monastery. Kings preferred to live in Holyroodhouse with its scenic setting and surrounded by parkland as opposed to the Castle that was altogether a less appetising proposition at the time.
In 1501 James IV built a palace for himself and Margaret Tudor, whilst James V saw to it that a huge tower was added from 1528 to 1532. Mary, Queen of Scots returned to Scotland after the death of her husband Francis II, King of France and would spend most of her turbulent and dramatic life in the Palace.
In 1633 renovation was carried out in 1633 for the Scottish coronation of Charles I and during the civil war the palace suffered from extensive fire damage. Queen Victoria, after purchasing Balmoral Castle reintroduced the custom of staying at Holyroodhouse. Her return to using the Palace acted as a catalyst to ensure the Palace was upgraded and renovated.
In the 20th Century, King George V and Queen Mary ensured the programme of restoration and renovation was continued and the palace came to be considered a family home. Among the improvements added during this time were installing electricity, lifts and bathrooms, they also started the time honoured tradition of hosting Garden Parties at the Palace.
The Queen's Gallery is located at what was formerly the Holyrood Free Church and provides the setting for hosting a programme of regularly changing exhibitions taken from the Royal Collection. The changing exhibitions show some of the most exquisite works of art providing a great spectacle for visitors.
The Royal Apartments are a highlight of any visit to the palace, the rooms reflect the varying tastes of successive monarchs and are well known for the wonderful furnishings, ornate plasterwork ceilings and a great collection of Brussels tapestries. The Royal Apartments are filled with the history of the palace and present great grand ornate designs that are the hallmark of many of the UK's palaces. In the present day the State Apartments are used on a regular basis by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family for official entertaining duties and State ceremonies.
The Great Gallery is the largest and among the best known rooms in the Palace, here there are 89 of the original 110 Jacob de Wet portraits of the actual and legendary kings of Scotland, ranging from Fergus I to Charles II. Over the years the room has been used for a number of purposes including being a State Dining Room and used for election of Scotland's representative peers in 1707 after the Union of Parliaments. Currently it is used mainly for receptions and State occasions.
Special-interest talks are available for visitors and include one based around Mary, Queen of Scots, where visitors can learn more about the Queen herself, her life at the Palace and more about her reign as Queen. Expert guides show visitors the Royal Family’s collection of objects that are associated with Mary, Queen of Scots and her descendents.
Another Special-interest talk is based on the Great Tapestries at the Palace. The Palace is home to a world class and renowned collection of tapestries that include wonderful examples from factories not only in the UK but overseas. Expert guides show visitors just how the important pieces are looked after today.
Guided tours are available for visitors given by knowledgeable guides with in depth understanding of the palace, the stories and the legends. It offers a nice way for visitors to see the palace and get more information during the tour.
How to Get There
By Car:
The city of Edinburgh is connected to the motorway network in Scotland. The M8 motorway from Glasgow and the A74(M) from England provide access to the city. Edinburgh is approx a 2 hour drive from Aberdeen, 2 and half hours from Newcastle, 4 hours from Manchester and 5 and a half hours from Birmingham. The Palace is located opposite the Scottish Parliament building at the end of the Royal Mile.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is EH8 8DX.
There is a public car park located outside of the Palace and a number of other public car parks in central Edinburgh.
By Train:
Edinburgh Waverley Station is the main railway station in Edinburgh, it is located approx 15 minutes walk from the Palace.
There are regular train services from London (King's Cross) to Edinburgh (Waverley station), the journey time is just under 5 hours and the National Express line is currently the fastest intercity railway in the UK.
ScotRail operate an alternative overnight service, the Caledonian Sleeper which takes passengers from London (Euston Station) and Edinburgh 7 nights a week.
By Bus/Coach
There is an express bus service from Edinburgh Airport, the Airlink 100 that takes visitors to Edinburgh city centre. The service frequency is every 10 minutes at peak times in the day and every 30 minutes at night.
Lothian Buses offer local bus services with route numbers 35 and 36 stopping close by to the Palace.
Mega Bus offers a number of routes to Edinburgh from a number of UK cities and towns.
National Express offers a number of services to Edinburgh from locations across the UK.
Booking & Tickets
Enjoy a visit to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh and combine it with a hotel stay to make an enjoyable short break. By booking a visit to the Palace along with a hotel stay you can benefit from a range of great value deals. See Holyrood Palace Tickets & Booking for more details.
Contact Details
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
EH8 8DX
Scotland
Telephone: +44 (0)131 556 5100
Fax: +44 (0)20 7930 9625
Website: The Royal Collection
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Opening Dates:
November to end of March
Mon to Sun: 09.30 to 16.30 (last admission at 15:30)
April to end of October
Mon to Sun: 09.30 to 18.00 (last admission at 17:00)
NOTE: There are altered opening hours and changes on other specific days in the year, the opening times are subject to change and alteration given it is a working Royal Palace and it is recommended visitors check all timings and dates before they go on their visits.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adults (aged 16 to 59): £10 approx, Child (aged 5 to 15): £6 approx, Concessions: £10.00 approx, Family Ticket: £26 approx & Children under 5: Free Entry.
Information:
There are Audio tours and guidebooks available for visitors. An audio tour is included in the admission price and is available in English and other languages.
There are toilets on site and a shop selling tourist merchandise.
The Café at the Palace offers a range of refreshments that include drinks and food including light snacks and freshly prepared lunch dishes. Among the dishes on offer are soups, sandwiches, baked potatoes and cakes.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Palace of Holyroodhouse Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Follow sensible travel tips and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings & environment at all times. Ensure your wallet/purse and valuables are hidden away from public view (especially at tourist attractions & places with crowds). If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Edinburgh ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. For door to door directions check the journey planner to plan your trip. Check the road & traffic news before travelling.
When looking for local car parking in Edinburgh, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking before you park your car. Car parking rules are strictly enforced and any infringement of the rules can result in vehicles being fined, clamped or towed away. The rules & regulations can be complex, if you are not sure, do not to park there.
When travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
