Palace of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh
Lothian
EH8 8DX

Tel: +44 (0)1315 565 100
Fax: +44 (0)2079 309 625
Email: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Web: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk


The Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen, stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat.

This famous baroque palace is closely associated with Scotland's rich history. Today the Royal Apartments are used regularly by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining. They are finely decorated with magnificent works of art from the Royal Collection.

The State Apartments reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and magnificent furnishings, particularly the unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. One of the most famous rooms in the Palace is the Great Gallery, hung with Jacob de Wet's 110 portraits of the real and legendary kings of Scotland.

The Palace is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots and was the setting for the many dramatic episodes in her short and turbulent reign. Mary was twice married in the Abbey at Holyroodhouse and witnessed the brutal murder of her secretary Rizzio by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley, in her private apartments. The Palace briefly served as the headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

The Abbey and Grounds

The ruins of the 12th-century Abbey enhance the Palace's romantic atmosphere. According to legend, King David I founded the Abbey in 1128 on the very spot where he had a vision of a stag with a cross between its antlers. Despite being the burial place of several Scottish kings and the site of the Coronation of Charles I in 1633, the Abbey was abandoned after the roof collapsed in 1768. Today it provides an atmospheric backdrop to the palace.

The gardens, in the shadow of Arthur's seat and encircled by the extensive Queen's Park, boast one of Scotland's most dramatic settings. It is here that The Queen hosts a garden party in July each year.

To mark The Queen's Golden Jubilee, the former Holyrood Free Church and the Duchess of Gordon's School at the entrance to the Palace have been transformed into The Queen's Gallery, a new exhibition space for the Royal Collection.

General Information:

  • Visitors with disabilities please telephone for details of access and facilities
  • Group visits - please telephone or check the web site for group rates.



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    Opening Times
    (2006 times)
    Palace of Holyrood House:
    1st April to 31st October Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm (last admission 5.00pm).

    1st November to 31st March: 9.30 - 4.30 (last admission 3.30pm)

    Closed for official functions:
    14th April, 15th May to 3rd June, 27th June to 8th July, 7th November (tbc).
    Also closed 25th & 26th December.

    Please telephone before visit as opening arrangements are subject to change

    Queen's Gallery: Opening Hours as Palace.

    Closed for change of exhibitions:
    14th April, 30th May to 15th June, 6th July (open at 10.30am).
    Also closed 25th & 26th December.

    Admission Charges
    (2006 prices)
    Palace of Holyrood House:
    Adult £8.80; Senior Citizen/Student (with valid ID) £7.80; Under 17yrs £4.80; Under 5yrs Free; Family (2 adults + 3 under 17yrs) £22.50.

    Queen's Gallery includes audio tour:
    Adult £5.00; Senior Citizen/Student (with valid ID) £4.00; Under 17 yrs £3.00; Under 5yrs Free; Family (2 adults + 3 under 17yrs)£13.00.

    Joint Ticket includes audio tour:
    Adult £12.50; Senior Citizen/Student (with valid ID) £11.00; Under 17yrs £6.50; Under 5 yrs Free; Family (2 adults + 3 under 17yrs) £31.50.

    Directions
    By Train:
    Edinburgh Waverley Station is a 15 minute walk away.

    By Coach:
    Open-top tour buses stop nearby. Coach parking is provided free of charge.

    By Bus:
    Numbers 35, 36, 64 and open-top tour buses stop near the palace.
    Show map of Palace of Holyroodhouse...

    Palace of Holyroodhouse Postcode for SatNav: EH8 8DX

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