Guided Tours

Palace of Holyroodhouse Exclusive Guided Tour

Palace of Holyroodhouse facade with central fountain, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Guided group tour inside the ornate room of Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

Ornate room with a canopy bed and paintings at Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

Group of tourists on a guided tour in the gardens of Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Duration

1 hr 15 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.7/5

(15)

Veera

Oct 2025

Verified booking

4/5

The guide Nina was superb, we got a full 1.5 hours experience and more at the castle, she did not cut corners and explained and answered all our questions. It has been the first time I have thoroughly enjoyed touring a castle, the abbey and the gardens with Nina. It was cold outside but the cold did not bother us as Nina made her way to explaimed the grounds until she saw us off at the gates.

Emma

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Really nice to be able to see the palace with such a small group! Our guide was great, and it was also nice to be able to see a little bit of the palace not open to regular visitors.

Asif

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

It was a majestic tour,pun intended ,with our guide at her best detailing every move minute historical facts and the tour of the castle left one with a surreal feeling

Enjoy exclusive access to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, the official residence of The King in Scotland, on a guided small-group tour in English.

Step inside rooms like the exquisite West Drawing Room, usually closed to the public, with 17th-century ceilings and still used by the Royal Family today.

Experience the grandeur of this site in a serene, crowd-free setting, as your expert guide shares captivating stories of its royal past.

Take home a complimentary Palace guidebook, the perfect keepsake to commemorate your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

1 hour 15-min guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Exclusive after-hours State Apartments access

Small group (max 25 guests)

Expert Royal Collection Trust tour guide

Complimentary guidebook

Transfers to and from Palace of Holyroodhouse

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.7
15 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Australia, Thailand and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Veera
Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The guide Nina was superb, we got a full 1.5 hours experience and more at the castle, she did not cut corners and explained and answered all our questions. It has been the first time I have thoroughly enjoyed touring a castle, the abbey and the gardens with Nina. It was cold outside but the cold did not bother us as Nina made her way to explaimed the grounds until she saw us off at the gates.
Claire
Oct 2025
Verified booking
3/5
I did not get to the place in time. So unfortunately, I missed the tour completely. The day I came back to Edinburg Holyrood was closed. So I never got to see that.
Jennifer
Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Amazing tour and storytelling from our guide. Tickets were easy to purchase.
John
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Everything was great and Rosie our guide couldn't have been better.
Patricia
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The content and Jordan. First rate - worth every penny.

Step inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse for an exclusive 1 hour 15-minute guided tour of the royal State Apartments and Palace Gardens.

Getting started

Arrive at the main entrance where your expert guide will greet you and validate your ticket. After a brief introduction, you’ll join a small group and begin your private tour.

What to expect

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s official royal residence, has stood at the end of the Royal Mile for centuries, hosting monarchs and state occasions. Its State Apartments are rich in history, offering a glimpse into royal life and Scottish heritage.

Features

State Apartments access: Explore the Palace's grand rooms and historic halls in an intimate setting, free from crowds.

Expert-led insights: Listen to stories of royal events, traditions, and the Palace’s role in Scotland’s past and present from your guide.

Small-group experience: With a maximum of 25 guests, enjoy a more personal and interactive tour of the Palace.

Complimentary guidebook: Take home a detailed guide to deepen your understanding of the Palace’s highlights.

What to bring

Bring your booking confirmation to present on arrival.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair accessible. However, if you require specific assistance, please contact the venue prior to booking to discuss your needs.

Additional information

Children under 5 must be booked with a paid ticket.

Tours are limited to a maximum of 25 guests per tour, and availability is limited.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.