Quick Facts
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King's official residence in Scotland, used during state visits and Holyrood Week each summer. Founded as a 12th-century Augustinian abbey, transformed into a royal palace in the 16th century. Mary Queen of Scots lived here; her secretary David Rizzio was murdered in her supper room.
- Address: Canongate, EH8 8DX
- Nearest: Bottom of Royal Mile, by Scottish Parliament
- Open: 9:30am-5:30pm summer / 9:30am-4:30pm winter
- Cost: £19.50 adult online
- Closed: when King in residence (late Jun-early Jul)
State Apartments
- The Throne Room — used for state functions
- The Great Gallery — 110 portraits of Scottish monarchs (real and mythical)
- The King's Bedchamber — used by current monarch when staying
- The Royal Dining Room
- The Drawing Room — where the King receives guests
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots lived at Holyrood from 1561-1567. Her chambers are the most atmospheric part of the palace.
- Mary's Bedchamber — original 16th-century interior
- Outer Chamber — where her secretary David Rizzio was stabbed 56 times by Lord Darnley's men in 1566
- Bloodstain — the marked spot where Rizzio fell (later staining preserved as a tourist marker, though it's no longer the original blood)
- Mary's Audience Chamber — where she received John Knox
Holyrood Abbey
The ruined Augustinian abbey behind the palace is free to visit (included with palace ticket). Founded 1128 by King David I. Sacked during the Reformation; roof collapsed in 1768.
- 12th-century gothic ruins
- Burial place of David II, James II, James V
- Hosted Charles I's Scottish coronation (1633)
- Atmospheric, especially in low light
Tickets & Tips
| Ticket | Online | Door |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £19.50 | £21.50 |
| Child (5-17) | £11.50 | £13.50 |
| Concession | £15.50 | £17.50 |
| Family (2+3) | £62 | £68 |
- Audio guide included — use it (Rizzio murder details fascinating)
- Allow 90 min for palace + 30 min for abbey + gardens
- Combine with Royal Mile walk down + Arthur's Seat hike (free)
- Café on-site — overpriced; better options on the Royal Mile
- King's Gallery (next door, £21) — rotating Royal Collection exhibitions
- Combined Castle + Palace ticket: discount available off-season
🌹 Royal Garden: 4-hectare gardens behind the palace — usually included with admission, sometimes restricted during state visits. Free during the Edinburgh Garden Festival weekend each year.