At the eastern end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the monarch’s official residence in Scotland and a place to explore the country’s royal history. Inside, the State Apartments include Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms and the Great Gallery, lined with portraits of Scottish royals. An audio guide explains the rooms and their stories at your own pace. Set aside time for the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace gardens, with Arthur’s Seat as a striking backdrop.
A royal residence at the end of the Royal Mile
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament and below Arthur’s Seat. It is the monarch’s official residence in Scotland and is still used for official events and ceremonies. When it is not in use for those purposes, visitors can tour parts of the palace.
The royal connection grew from a religious foundation. King David I established an Augustinian monastery at Holyrood in 1128. The site later developed into a residence for Scottish monarchs, and the palace’s present form was largely completed in the late 17th century. The adjoining abbey ruins preserve a visible link to the earlier religious community.
Mary, Queen of Scots and the palace rooms
Mary, Queen of Scots lived at Holyroodhouse from 1561 to 1567. Her apartments are among the rooms visitors come to see, with the palace’s history offering context for the political tensions and personal events of her time there. One episode centres on the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio, in a room beside her bedchamber. A plaque marks the place where he died.
The tour also passes through State Apartments, including formal rooms used for royal occasions. The Great Gallery, the palace’s largest room, displays portraits of Scottish royals. Rooms contain historic furnishings and objects, and the audio guide explains their connections to the palace and its residents.
Audio guide, abbey and gardens
A complimentary multimedia guide accompanies the visit and lets you move through the rooms at your own pace. Its explanations cover the palace’s history and the people who lived there, with interactive elements to help make the stories easier to follow. Staff in the rooms can also answer questions when they are able.
Outside, the gardens provide a change of pace from the interiors. Take time to walk through them and look towards Arthur’s Seat. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey are another part of the visit, with a quieter atmosphere and architecture from the site’s monastic past. The abbey and gardens add outdoor spaces to the palace tour, so allow time for them rather than treating the rooms as the whole visit.
Planning your visit
A typical visit takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking in advance is recommended, and arriving early can help you get ahead of queues. Photography is prohibited in most palace rooms to protect historic objects; follow the signs. Photography is permitted outside and in the gardens.
The route includes some narrow stairways, and alternative access may not be marked for every area. If stairs are difficult for you, check access arrangements with the palace before your visit. The site has wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, restrooms and parking listed among its facilities, but the challenging stair sections may affect which parts of the route are accessible.
FAQ
How long do you need at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the palace visit, including time for the abbey ruins and gardens.
Can you take photos inside the palace?
Photography is not permitted in most palace rooms. You can take photos outside and in the gardens, while following posted signs.
Is the Palace of Holyroodhouse wheelchair accessible?
The site lists an accessible entrance, seating, restrooms and parking. Some areas have narrow stairways, and alternative routes may not be available throughout, so check access arrangements before visiting.
Do you need to book Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy periods.
