About this experience
Discover the regal splendor of Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse complex. Explore the State Apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers, the Throne Room, and more.
Highlights
- Wander the picturesque ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey
- Enjoy a refreshing drink, snack or lunch in the Café at the Palace (own expense)
- Explore the King's official residence in Scotland at Holyroodhouse
- Learn about dramatic events from Scotland's history in Mary Queen of Scots' chambers
- Stand in rooms still used by the King for official and private engagements
What's included
- Palace of Holyroodhouse entry ticket
- Multimedia guide (available in 9 different languages) for standard admission ticket
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Wander the opulent state rooms and lavish gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, His Majesty The King's official Scottish residence, located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Once inside the baroque palace, learn about its close associations with Scotland's history. Visit the State Apartments to see the changing tastes of successive monarchs. Marvel at fine plasterwork ceilings and Brussels tapestries, along with paintings and other artworks in rooms still used by the King and Royal Family for official ceremonies.
Go to the Throne Room to see where lunch was served to the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle when a new knight was installed. Discover where the King holds his private audiences in the Morning Drawing Room. Continue to the Great Gallery, where Scottish residents named in the New Year’s Honours List or Kings Birthday Honours List receive their award at an Investiture ceremony.
Admire Jacob de Wet's portraits of real and legendary kings of Scotland in the Great Gallery, the largest room in the palace. Learn about dramatic events from Scotland’s history in Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers, where she witnessed the brutal murder of her secretary, Rizzio, by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley.
At the end of visit, enjoy a refreshing drink or light lunch (own expense) at the Café at the Palace.
Operating hours
09:30-16:00
Terms & conditions
• Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.
• You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit
• Tickets purchased through GetYourGuide cannot be converted into a 1-year-pass
• This ticket allows flexible entry during opening times. Please refer to official website for more details.
• For safety and security reasons, a 1-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Image credit: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III