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Holyrood Palace

Step into Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Delve into history exploring the state apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
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Slide 1 of 9, Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior with central fountain, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior with central fountain, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Explore at your pace
  • Enjoy full access to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish home of the British monarch, located at the end of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile.

  • Wander through the hauntingly beautiful ruins of 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, steeped in almost 900 years of religious and royal history.

  • Enhance your visit with complimentary multimedia guides and printed guidebooks, available with select ticket options.

  • Opt for a 2-hour guided tour of the palace interiors, or a 1-hour guided tour of Queen Elizabeth II's private apartments, both led by an English-speaking expert guide.

More details
  • Enjoy full access to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish home of the British monarch, located at the end of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile.

  • Wander through the hauntingly beautiful ruins of 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, steeped in almost 900 years of religious and royal history.

  • Enhance your visit with complimentary multimedia guides and printed guidebooks, available with select ticket options.

  • Opt for a 2-hour guided tour of the palace interiors, or a 1-hour guided tour of Queen Elizabeth II's private apartments, both led by an English-speaking expert guide.

from
£22
Slide 1 of 8
2 hrs
  • Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary with a rare 1-hour tour of her private rooms at Holyroodhouse with a guided apartment visit plus full entry to the Palace.

  • Available only in 2026, step inside Queen Elizabeth II’s private apartments, opened to the public for the first time ever to mark her 100th birth anniversary.

  • An expert guide reveals the 70-year history of these rooms, sharing stories of how the Queen and Prince Philip lived and worked while in residence.

  • Tour the Royal Breakfast Room, the Sitting Room with its iconic red dispatch boxes, and a Dressing Room featuring three of Her Majesty's historic outfits.

  • Your ticket includes a self-guided tour of the main Palace with a multimedia guide, allowing you to explore the Throne Room and Mary, Queen of Scots’ historic chambers at your pace.

More details
  • Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary with a rare 1-hour tour of her private rooms at Holyroodhouse with a guided apartment visit plus full entry to the Palace.

  • Available only in 2026, step inside Queen Elizabeth II’s private apartments, opened to the public for the first time ever to mark her 100th birth anniversary.

  • An expert guide reveals the 70-year history of these rooms, sharing stories of how the Queen and Prince Philip lived and worked while in residence.

  • Tour the Royal Breakfast Room, the Sitting Room with its iconic red dispatch boxes, and a Dressing Room featuring three of Her Majesty's historic outfits.

  • Your ticket includes a self-guided tour of the main Palace with a multimedia guide, allowing you to explore the Throne Room and Mary, Queen of Scots’ historic chambers at your pace.

from
£71
Slide 1 of 11, Tour group at Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh.
Tour group at Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Move through the State Apartments, Great Gallery, and Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers at Holyroodhouse, with a multimedia guide helping you understand how each space was used.

  • Across the Royal Yacht Britannia, spaces like the State Dining Room and open decks show different sides of life onboard, explained clearly through a multilingual audio guide.

  • Cover two major royal attractions together, letting you experience both residence and travel spaces without organising separate tickets or managing different entry plans.

More details
  • Move through the State Apartments, Great Gallery, and Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers at Holyroodhouse, with a multimedia guide helping you understand how each space was used.

  • Across the Royal Yacht Britannia, spaces like the State Dining Room and open decks show different sides of life onboard, explained clearly through a multilingual audio guide.

  • Cover two major royal attractions together, letting you experience both residence and travel spaces without organising separate tickets or managing different entry plans.

from Original price£47
£44.65

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior with King's Gallery entrance in Edinburgh.
Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior with King's Gallery entrance in Edinburgh.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Book this combo ticket to get access to both the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King's official Scottish residence, and the rotating, world-class exhibitions at The King's Gallery.

  • Save money getting entry to two major attractions: a historic royal site and a fine art gallery, for a discounted price with audioguides at both attractions.

  • Explore Mary, Queen of Scots' historic chambers, the site of tragedy and murder, and admire the Royal Collection art in the grand State Apartments.

  • See The King's Gallery's exhibit, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance, featuring jewellery, silverware, and more from the Edwardian era.

  • Maximise your day in Edinburgh by seamlessly combining 500 years of royal history with exclusive access to masterpieces from the Royal Collection in one location.

More details
  • Book this combo ticket to get access to both the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King's official Scottish residence, and the rotating, world-class exhibitions at The King's Gallery.

  • Save money getting entry to two major attractions: a historic royal site and a fine art gallery, for a discounted price with audioguides at both attractions.

  • Explore Mary, Queen of Scots' historic chambers, the site of tragedy and murder, and admire the Royal Collection art in the grand State Apartments.

  • See The King's Gallery's exhibit, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance, featuring jewellery, silverware, and more from the Edwardian era.

  • Maximise your day in Edinburgh by seamlessly combining 500 years of royal history with exclusive access to masterpieces from the Royal Collection in one location.

from Original price£33
£31.35

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Visitors exploring Mary Queen of Scots Bedchamber at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visitors exploring Mary Queen of Scots Bedchamber at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Book one flexible combo ticket for entry to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King's Scottish residence, and the Silver Tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience.

  • Save significantly compared to purchasing two separate attraction tickets, ensuring you maximise your budget on two of Edinburgh's cultural experiences.

  • Enjoy maximum flexibility by visiting both sites on the same day or on separate days, based on your itinerary.

  • Explore the Palace's dramatic locations, including the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, a site of murder and intrigue, with context from your multilingual audioguide.

  • At the Whisky Experience, admire the world's largest Scotch collection with a multilingual audioguide, and finish with a guided tasting and a crystal glass to take home.

More details
  • Book one flexible combo ticket for entry to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King's Scottish residence, and the Silver Tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience.

  • Save significantly compared to purchasing two separate attraction tickets, ensuring you maximise your budget on two of Edinburgh's cultural experiences.

  • Enjoy maximum flexibility by visiting both sites on the same day or on separate days, based on your itinerary.

  • Explore the Palace's dramatic locations, including the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, a site of murder and intrigue, with context from your multilingual audioguide.

  • At the Whisky Experience, admire the world's largest Scotch collection with a multilingual audioguide, and finish with a guided tasting and a crystal glass to take home.

from Original price£47
£44.65

5% off

Slide 1 of 7, Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh with colorful flags.
Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh with colorful flags.
Explore at your pace
1 more
  • Get on board Tripadvisor's No. 1 Attraction in the World with timed entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh's celebrated maritime landmark.

  • Explore five accessible decks aboard the last British Royal Yacht, which served as Queen Elizabeth II's floating residence for 44 years.

  • Enhance your visit with a free audio guide included with your ticket at no extra cost, available in 38 languages, Braille script, and British or American Sign Language.

  • Tour the elegant State Apartments and learn how the yacht's 220 Royal Yachtsmen lived and worked in the Crew's Quarters.

  • See the gleaming Engine Room, enjoy waterfront views from the Royal Deck Tearoom, and admire the historic Rolls-Royce Phantom IV.

More details
  • Get on board Tripadvisor's No. 1 Attraction in the World with timed entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh's celebrated maritime landmark.

  • Explore five accessible decks aboard the last British Royal Yacht, which served as Queen Elizabeth II's floating residence for 44 years.

  • Enhance your visit with a free audio guide included with your ticket at no extra cost, available in 38 languages, Braille script, and British or American Sign Language.

  • Tour the elegant State Apartments and learn how the yacht's 220 Royal Yachtsmen lived and worked in the Crew's Quarters.

  • See the gleaming Engine Room, enjoy waterfront views from the Royal Deck Tearoom, and admire the historic Rolls-Royce Phantom IV.

from
£25
Slide 1 of 11, Visitors exploring the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Visitors exploring the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.
Explore at your pace
  • Experience Scotland’s most iconic landmarks in one expertly curated day, with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle followed by access to Palace of Holyroodhouse.

  • Step inside Edinburgh Castle and explore its essential highlights, including the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Crown Jewels.

  • Enjoy richer context throughout, as your expert guide brings to life the stories behind every chamber, crown, and courtyard.

  • Continue to Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can explore the historic State Apartments and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey with a multimedia guide.

  • For a more intimate experience, upgrade to a small-group guided tour of the palace, complete with an English-speaking expert and a complimentary guidebook for a refined finish.

More details
  • Experience Scotland’s most iconic landmarks in one expertly curated day, with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle followed by access to Palace of Holyroodhouse.

  • Step inside Edinburgh Castle and explore its essential highlights, including the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Crown Jewels.

  • Enjoy richer context throughout, as your expert guide brings to life the stories behind every chamber, crown, and courtyard.

  • Continue to Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can explore the historic State Apartments and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey with a multimedia guide.

  • For a more intimate experience, upgrade to a small-group guided tour of the palace, complete with an English-speaking expert and a complimentary guidebook for a refined finish.

from Original price£61
£57.95

5% off

Slide 1 of 13, Edinburgh sightseeing bus in front of The Royal Mile building.
Edinburgh sightseeing bus in front of The Royal Mile building.
Explore at your pace
Audio guide
  • Snap up this smart combo to save money! Hit Edinburgh’s top sights on a bus tour and enjoy a Holyrood Palace visit with a drop off right at its doorstep!

  • Zip around Edinburgh on a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus adventure with 15 stops near all the big hits like Edinburgh Castle, with a bus every ten minutes.

  • Kids ride for free and listen to hilarious audio tales, while you enjoy the sights with audio guides in your language; it's a win for everyone.

  • Get dropped off a stone's throw from the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse for your chance to wander the King's stunning Scottish home.

  • Tread the very same floors as Mary, Queen of Scots, and the eclectic State Apartments, while listening to the palace's thrilling, centuries-old secrets.

More details
  • Snap up this smart combo to save money! Hit Edinburgh’s top sights on a bus tour and enjoy a Holyrood Palace visit with a drop off right at its doorstep!

  • Zip around Edinburgh on a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus adventure with 15 stops near all the big hits like Edinburgh Castle, with a bus every ten minutes.

  • Kids ride for free and listen to hilarious audio tales, while you enjoy the sights with audio guides in your language; it's a win for everyone.

  • Get dropped off a stone's throw from the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse for your chance to wander the King's stunning Scottish home.

  • Tread the very same floors as Mary, Queen of Scots, and the eclectic State Apartments, while listening to the palace's thrilling, centuries-old secrets.

from Original price£42
£39.90

5% off

Slide 1 of 8, King's Gallery entrance with ornate wooden doors and stone facade in Edinburgh.
King's Gallery entrance with ornate wooden doors and stone facade in Edinburgh.
Explore at your pace
  • Book tickets to The King’s Gallery for your special pass to the Royal Collection’s rotating exhibitions in Scotland and see something new and exclusive with every visit.

  • Explore royal opulence from 24 Apr–6 Dec 2026 at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh. See Fabergé and Sargent works, tracing 1863–1918.

  • Discover the glamorous lives of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. View historic 1902 Coronation robes, gilded thrones, and iconic paintings by Leighton.

  • Witness the monarchy’s shift from Edwardian luxury to WWI duty, featuring Queen Alexandra’s photography and items from the 1901 extensive Royal Tour.

  • Enhance your visit with a multimedia guide in English included in the ticket price. Listen to expert insights and history as you explore the royal art.

More details
  • Book tickets to The King’s Gallery for your special pass to the Royal Collection’s rotating exhibitions in Scotland and see something new and exclusive with every visit.

  • Explore royal opulence from 24 Apr–6 Dec 2026 at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh. See Fabergé and Sargent works, tracing 1863–1918.

  • Discover the glamorous lives of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. View historic 1902 Coronation robes, gilded thrones, and iconic paintings by Leighton.

  • Witness the monarchy’s shift from Edwardian luxury to WWI duty, featuring Queen Alexandra’s photography and items from the 1901 extensive Royal Tour.

  • Enhance your visit with a multimedia guide in English included in the ticket price. Listen to expert insights and history as you explore the royal art.

from
£11

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Standard entry tickets include palace access, while combo tickets often add Edinburgh Castle or Royal Yacht Britannia for better sightseeing value overall.

About Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse has been Scotland’s royal residence for centuries, yet it still carries traces of its abbey origins from 1128. Visitors wander through lavish royal apartments, long portrait-lined galleries, and stone ruins that once witnessed dramatic moments from Scotland’s monarchy. Find entry tickets, combo tickets, and King’s Gallery access on Headout!


AddressCanongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
Also known asHolyrood Palace
Year opened1678
Founded bySir William Bruce
Visitors per year500000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Holyroodhouse began beside an abbey founded in 1128 after King David I claimed he survived a hunting accident involving a mysterious stag.

Why visit Palace of Holyroodhouse?

Walk through royal history

The Palace of Holyroodhouse places you inside centuries of Scottish monarchy, where royal ceremonies, political rivalries, and Mary, Queen of Scots’ dramatic life unfolded within richly decorated chambers and historic stone corridors.

Plan your visit

Main entrance

The main public entrance sits at Fountain Court along Horse Wynd, marked by a grand stone archway between the palace wings. Visitors enter here for security checks, ticket scanning, audio guides, and access to the palace, abbey ruins, and King’s Gallery.

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What our guests say

Kate N

Canada
Solo
2 weeks ago
The tour is both organized well, and informative. All the staff are kind, helpful and clear in their instructions. What a gift to see and hear an incredible piece of history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Tickets

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