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Please be aware of government guidelines before setting off.
Government Guidelines
Enjoy a truly unique experience visiting the Queen’s official royal residence at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in Scotland. The palace was originally founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1128 but as Edinburgh became recognised as Scotland’s capital, the kings favoured living in the palace over Edinburgh Castle. For centuries, it has been an important home to kings and queens. One of the most famous monarchs living at the Palace of Holyroodhouse was Mary, Queen of Scots, who spent most of her tempestuous life in the palace. These years were also some of the most dramatic in Scottish history! Currently the residence of Queen Elizabeth II, the historic palace has now been home to royalty for over 500 years.
The palace is open to the public throughout the year. There is no doubt that you and your family will enjoy exploring this royal treasure, which offers a great day out for all. Walk in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots as you enter the world of torment, tragedy, murder and intrigue when you visit her chambers. Filled with items associated with Mary, you can see where the legendary monarch lived from 1561 until 1567. Mary witnessed the murder of her private secretary, David Rizzio, in the small Supper Room next to the bedchamber.
Explore the Royal Dining Room where all the Royal Family eat when they come to stay at the palace. Can you guess where the Queen sits? Experience the grandeur of the Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held many a famous party here. Can you believe it can fit as many as three double-decker buses in it? You can take a fascinating tour with a Palace Warden of the 900-year-old Holyrood Abbey and learn all about the monks who lived here, as well as the history and myths that surround it. Take a look at the Queen’s Gallery at Holyrood Palace, which holds fantastic exhibitions displaying works from the Royal Collection, including extensive photograph collections, old master paintings, rare furniture and decorative arts. Grab a family trail to explore the amazing Palace Gardens, which are set against the backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, and even discover why a lion once lived here.
The Queen typically stays at Holyrood Palace during her visits to Scotland, which are typically for The Queen’s Holyrood Week each year from the end of June to the beginning of July. The Queen holds an annual garden party where up to 8,000 guests are invited, 15,000 cups of tea are served and 9,000 strawberry tarts are consumed! Interested in visiting some more of the Queen’s residences? The Queen’s castle in Scotland, Balmoral, is a royal favourite and also a private royal estate of Her Majesty. Why not explore Windsor Castle too?
If you are planning a holiday in this historic country, check out our favourite Scottish spots. Make sure when you visit Edinburgh you explore the Royal Mile, where you will find Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Storytelling Centre and the Holyrood Parliament - and of course, Holyrood Palace itself!
Please follow the latest government guidelines if travelling by public transport.
Government GuidelinesAs well as being the family of Queen Elizabeth II, The Royal Family is a British institution that oversees some of the UK’s most historic and prestigious houses, gardens and practices. The Royal Household is an Investor in People with a huge number of diverse roles within the establishment, as well as abundant Royal art collections and multiple Royal Family Residences. Aside from the most famous Buckingham Palace in central London, the Royal Residences also include Windsor Castle, Clarence House, St James’s Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Holyroodhouse, Kensington Palace and more. Supporting Queen Elizabeth in her reign over England and the Commonwealth’s uniting of countries over trade and history, The Royal Family now works expansively across the UK through events, residences, ceremonies, education and even social media.