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The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history.
Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end ofEdinburgh's Royal Mile.
Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Kingwhen carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
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Your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse ©
Highlights
State Apartments
Mary, Queen of Scots
Bonnie Prince Charlie
Throne Room
Holyrood Abbey
Palace Gardens
Great Gallery
Treasures in the Palace
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Top things to see and do at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
With so much to see and do, take a look at our list of recommendations to make your visit extra special.
See the list
What's on
July to September 2024
Exclusive Evening Tours
In the company of an expert guide, enjoy a private tour of the State Apartments once the Palace is closed to visitors for the day.
Book tickets
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Shopping and eating
Palace Shop
Visit our shop which offers a wide range of exclusive gifts inspired by the royal palaces and the works of art in the Royal Collection.
Café at the Palace
The Café at the Palace offers seasonal, home-made dishes from fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Children and Families
Drawing activities and trails
Download educational resources to use during your visit or at home.
Things to do with children
Learn about the Palace and its most famous residents with our interactive multimedia tour.
Top things to look out for
Can you find the two thrones in the Palace?
Palace of Holyroodhouse communication cards
To support children and young people on the autism spectrum to enjoy the Palace.
Read more for children and families
What's on for children and families
View all events for children and families in Edinburgh
About the Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse today
Discover how the Palace is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Palace Garden
Learn about the garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, first used in 1503 and still in use today for royal events.
Who built the Palace?
According to medieval legend, the Abbey was founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland after seeing a vision of a stag.
The History of Abbey Strand
Discover the fascinating history of Abbey Strand, the gateway to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visitors over the centuries
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Discover the real story of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Schools
Bring the curriculum to life with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We offer a range of interactive workshops, tours, learning activities and resources for nursery, primary and secondary pupils. Our schools visitinformation will help teachers and organisers plan their visit.
School session
Virtual Holyrood: online workshops for schools
- 24 Apr 2024 - 26 Jun 2025
- First Level, Second Level
- Social Studies
View Session
School session
Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites
- 23 Apr 2024 - 26 Jun 2025
- Second Level
- Social Studies
View Session
School session
The Holyrood Story: 1128 to now
- 23 Apr 2024 - 26 Jun 2025
- Second Level, Third and Fourth Level
- Social Studies
View Session
School session
Mary, Queen of Scots: power, palace and plots
- 23 Aug 2023 - 26 Jun 2025
- First Level, Second Level
- Social Studies
View Session
View all school sessions in Edinburgh
Groups
Group prices
We offer a groups discount for bookings of 15 people or more.
Group bookings
It is essential to pre-book your group visit. Buy your tickets online or over the telephone.
Coach parking
Free coach parking is available next to the Palace and is accessible via Abbeyhill.
Guiding
Guiding is permitted in external areas of the Palace precinct.
Read more for groups
What's on for groups
View all events for groups in Edinburgh
Access and mobility
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is largely accessible, with some restrictions inMary, Queen of Scots' rooms. Concessionary rates are available if you have a disability and we offer a free access companion ticket which can be booked online.
Accessible toilets are located in the Café at the Palace, which can be visited without a ticket.There is limited bench seating around the Palace.
Registered assistance dogs are welcome.
The multimedia guide is available in British Sign Language (BSL) and with subtitles, and an audio-descriptive guide is available for blind or partially-sighted visitors.
A number of Wardens are Dementia Friends, please ask staff for any assistance.
The Palace tour is indoors with some small rooms, and includes access to outdoor areas including the Palace garden.You may wish to download aphoto journey (PDF)to help you plan your visit.
You might find it useful to review the detailed access guides on the AccessAble website:
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come, first-served basis.
General informationon visitingis available on ourPractical Information page.
For detailed access information, please select one of the options below. For any other information you can contact the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or by emailing [emailprotected].
Mobility access
D/deaf or hard of hearing
Blind or partially-sighted
Visitors on the autism spectrum
Access events
Book tickets
Booking for 15 people or more?
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Palace of Holyroodhouse Standard Admission
01 Jan 2024 - 30 Dec 2024
Book a ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Scottish royal history and the official residence in Scotland of His Majesty The King.
In advance
On the day
Disabled
£10.00
£11.00
Access companion
Free
Free
Under 5
Free
Free
Show all prices
Summer Exclusive Evening Tour
12 Jul 2024 - 28 Sept 2024
In the company of an expert guide, enjoy a private tour of the State Apartments once the Palace is closed to visitors for the day. Exclusive Evening Tours include a glass of champagne and a complimentary guide book.
Ticket price
£50.00
Nearby
Edinburgh
The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Open Thursday - Monday
