Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket

Old Town, Edinburgh, Edinburgh



Discover the regal splendor of Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse complex. Explore the State Apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers, the Throne Room, and more.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King, suitable for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Explore the King's official residence in Scotland at Holyroodhouse
  • Learn about dramatic events from Scotland's history in Mary Queen of Scots' chambers
  • Wander the picturesque ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey
  • Enjoy a drink, snack, or lunch in the Café at the Palace (own expense)
  • Stand in rooms still used by the King for official and private engagements

Description

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, and explore the opulent state rooms and gardens of the King's official Scottish residence.

Inside the baroque palace, explore the State Apartments showcasing the changing tastes of monarchs with fine plasterwork ceilings, Brussels tapestries, paintings, and other artworks. These rooms remain in use by the King and Royal Family for official ceremonies.

See the Throne Room where lunch was once served to the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle. Discover the Morning Drawing Room, where the King holds private audiences. The Great Gallery, the palace’s largest room, hosts Investiture ceremonies for Scottish residents honoured in the New Year’s or King’s Birthday Honours Lists.

Admire Jacob de Wet's portraits of Scottish kings in the Great Gallery. Visit Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers to learn about significant events, including the murder of her secretary, Rizzio, by Lord Darnley.

After your visit, you can purchase refreshments or a light lunch at the Café at the Palace.

Includes

  • Palace of Holyroodhouse entry ticket
  • Multimedia guide available in 9 languages with standard admission ticket

Excludes

  • Transfers
  • Food and drinks
  • 1-Year Pass

Important Information

  • Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket must be booked directly with Royal Collection Trust
  • Security checks apply; some items may require storage during your visit
  • Tickets from GetYourGuide cannot be converted into a 1-Year Pass
  • This ticket allows flexible entry during opening hours; check the official website for current details
  • A one-way route operates inside the palace for safety and security
  • Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside the palace
  • Mobile phones must be switched off inside the palace out of consideration for other visitors
  • Image credit: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, book your ticket in advance and check opening times before your visit. Consider bringing comfortable shoes for walking and allow time to visit Holyrood Abbey ruins nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King, featuring historic rooms and ruins for visitors to explore.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, near Holyrood Park.
Yes, visitors can explore the chambers associated with Mary Queen of Scots and learn about significant events in Scottish history.
Yes, the Palace has a café where visitors can purchase drinks, snacks, or lunch during their visit.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance to secure entry; check the official website for booking options.
Audio guides are typically available to enhance the visitor experience with detailed information on the palace and its history.
Check the official website for current opening hours and seasonal availability, as hours may vary.
Yes, the picturesque ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey are part of the Palace grounds and open to visitors.
Yes, some rooms in the Palace are still used by the King for official and private engagements.
A typical visit lasts around 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the palace and abbey.

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