Palace of Holyroodhouse - Image 1

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh, United Kingdom•4.6(21.8k)•Castle, Heritage Site

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The official Scottish residence of the Royal Family at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King's official residence in Scotland, steeped in royal history and drama. Families can explore the State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary Queen of Scots, and the beautiful Abbey ruins. The palace offers engaging tours suitable for all ages, with stories of royalty, intrigue and Scottish history. The Cafe at the Palace serves locally-sourced food including afternoon tea. The palace gardens provide a peaceful retreat, and the gift shop offers unique royal souvenirs. Audio guides help families discover the fascinating stories within these historic walls.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

7 years – 14 years

Perfect for

#History

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Café at the Palace

Locally sourced menu with sharing boards and afternoon tea

What Parents Say

KiddyCompass™ Family

We analysed 1,188 parent reviews from the past 12 months and distilled the key insights for you.

Updated 27 February 2026

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Google Reviews

4.6(21.8k reviews)
S
Sue S.

Sue S.

a week ago

Absolutely beautiful, and well worth a visit. Going early in the day could mean smaller crowds. The included audioguide is excellent and guests are given access to lots of rooms. No photos allowed inside. Toilets available.

C
claire dela cruz

claire dela cruz

2 weeks ago

I was completely amazed by the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Walking through it felt like stepping straight into Scottish history. The palace is beautifully preserved, and the stories behind the walls are fascinating and dramatic. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the surrounding views of Arthur’s Seat make the experience even more unforgettable. A must-visit in Edinburgh!🤩🥰

H
H18-PDW Photography

H18-PDW Photography

2 weeks ago

Lovely place. Visited a few days ago. Looked stunning in the winter sunshine also. I would have given 5* but you lost one for not having a UK souvenir book, plenty of foreign language ones but no English ones.

A
Annabel Castro

Annabel Castro

a month ago

It was a beautiful to visit, super happy that I went. They give a free headset to listen to a guided tour without any extra cost, so interesting to hear about the different areas of the palace. The only thing that’s quite sad is that we can’t take pictures inside. But other than that highly recommend.

M
Mariam

Mariam

a month ago

Palace of Holyroodhouse is a beautiful and majestic place located at the end of the Royal Mile. It’s one of Edinburgh’s most important historic landmarks, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s royal history. The palace features stunning architecture, elegant rooms, and lovely gardens that add to its charm. However, photography is not allowed in most of the rooms to protect the historic artifacts and furnishings. Despite that, the visit is truly worth it — the atmosphere, details, and royal elegance make it an unforgettable experience.

Reviews last updated: 24 January 2026

Events at Palace of Holyroodhouse

This venue was last updated on 24 January 2026

Frequently asked questions about Palace of Holyroodhouse

Is Palace of Holyroodhouse free to visit?

Palace of Holyroodhouse is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Palace of Holyroodhouse suitable for?

Palace of Holyroodhouse is best for children aged 7 to 14.

Is Palace of Holyroodhouse dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Is there parking at Palace of Holyroodhouse?

Palace of Holyroodhouse doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Palace of Holyroodhouse?

Yes — Café at the Palace is on site at Palace of Holyroodhouse. Locally sourced menu with sharing boards and afternoon tea

Is Palace of Holyroodhouse pushchair-friendly?

Palace of Holyroodhouse isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Palace of Holyroodhouse?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Palace of Holyroodhouse.

How do I get to Palace of Holyroodhouse by public transport?

Palace of Holyroodhouse is well-served by public transport — buses 1, 4, 5, 15, 19 stop nearby, and Picardy Place tram stop is about 12 minutes' walk away. For the full list, see the public transport section above.

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