Discover the rich history of famous Scottish Royals at Holyrood Palace

Palace Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland remains a key element to royalty in the United Kingdom.

The 12th century abbey’s rich history spans more than 500 years and includes famous Scottish Royals, like Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots.

The Palace is the official Scottish residence of the Royal family while visiting Edinburgh.

Official engagements occur at Holyrood, including the annual lunch for the highest order of chivalry in Scotland, the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle.

Be sure to check the official website for closures. Holyrood Palace closed for several days when we visited.

Find out more about the top things to do in Edinburgh, a visit to Edinburgh Castle, the famous authors of Scotland and the historic Grass Market in Edinburgh.

The casket of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 at Palace Holyroodhouse

After Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11’s death at Belmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, her casket arrived at Holyrood Palace on September 11.

The casket remained in the throne room at Holyrood until taken by hearse the next day down The Royal Mile to lay in state at St Giles’ Cathedral, the High Kirk of Endinburgh.

The late monarch was transported to Buckingham Palace in London on September 13.

Discover the rich history of famous Scottish Royals at Holyrood Palace. Plan your visit to majestic Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo Credit – Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

Plan a visit to Palace Holyroodhouse

• Spend at least two hours here.
• The Palace offers a walk through history.
• Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth hosted her annual Garden Party in the beautiful gardens every summer. A Garden History tour is available.
• The State Apartments include the throne room, morning drawing room, the grand King’s bedchamber, dining room, Mary, Queen of Scots’ bedchamber, her supper room and her outer chamber.
• The Queen’s Gallery has changing exhibitions. For more information and to book tickets visit the Royal Collection Trust
• Tours of the abbey run every hour. View a video tour of Holyrood Abbey.

Palace Holyroodhouse Tickets

1. There are two types of admission tickets available:
   Palace of Holyroodhouse admission is £14.00 per adult. It includes the Palace, State Apartments, gardens and ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey.
2. The Royal Visit ticket is £23.00 per adult. It includes the Palace, Garden History Tour and The Queen’s Gallery.

Fast Facts about Holyroodhouse Palace

• Holyrood Abbey, built in the 12th century, displays impressive Gothic medieval architectural styles.
• The expansion of Holyroodhouse Palace shrank the Abbey to a quarter of its original size.
• In 1768 the roof collapsed after a storm. It was too costly to fix and only the Gothic nave survived.
• The Palace Gardens are 4 hectares in size.

Where is Palace Holyroodhouse located?

Palace of Holyroodhouse sits at the opposite end of The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle.

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