Palace of Holyroodhouse |
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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:
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Opening Times
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(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. |
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Admission Charges
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(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. |
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Directions
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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. |
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Palace of Holyroodhouse Postcode for SatNav: EH8 8DX |
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Nearby Attractions
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The People's Story
(< 1 Mile)*
Situated in the Canongate Tolbooth this museum was opened in 1989. It tells of the life and work of Edinburgh's ordinary people from the late 18th century to the present day. |
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Museum of Edinburgh
(< 1 Mile)*
The Museum of Edinburgh traces the history of the capital from prehistoric times to the present day. It also houses extensive collections of Edinburgh-made silver and glass, Scottish pottery and other decorative objects. |
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Dynamic Earth
(< 1 Mile)*
Our Dynamic Earth is the most amazing adventure of all time. It's a fantastic journey of discovery that will take you from the very beginning of time to the unknown future of the planet we call home. |
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Nearby Hotels
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Holyrood Aparthotel
(< 1 Mile)*
Holyrood Aparthotel, offers a welcome alternative affording comfort and space in a luxury 'home from home' environment, whilst still offering a high level of service. |
Macdonald Holyrood Hotel
(< 1 Mile)*
Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is centrally located in the historic old town of Edinburgh, close to Holyrood Palace and beside the new Scottish Parliament building. |
Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel (2 Night Offer and 1 Dinner)
(< 1 Mile)*
The Carlton Hotel is ideally located just a few minutes walk from Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Following a significant investment, the Carlton is now a landmark hotel and offers comfort, quality, design and superb service. |
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Nearby Self Catering
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