Palace of Holyroodhouse

Palace of Holyroodhouse is the monarch's official Edinburgh residence and a close encounter with Scottish royal history. State rooms and the stories of Mary, Queen of Scots give the palace a more personal atmosphere than a distant view from the Royal Mile.

Allow around two hours for the visitor route through the rooms and other areas open that day. Arrive at the palace entrance at the lower end of the Royal Mile and follow the admission instructions for your chosen time. Gardens and abbey access can differ from the main interior route.

Reserve ahead and check the closure calendar: a working royal residence can close for official use. Historic stairs and room-specific access limits matter when travelling with mobility needs. A concert, exhibition or special event is not automatically included in ordinary palace admission, so compare the exact ticket before buying.