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Palace of Holyroodhouse & Holyrood Abbey
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the east end of the Royal Mile. This historic building has been a royal residence since the 16th century. Home to the likes of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The main part of the palace, as it stands today, was built between 1671 and 1678. It is a royal residence, home to the likes of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie over the centuries. Today, it is King Charles III’s official residence in Scotland, used when carrying out royal engagements.
The palace is open to the public, as long as there are no members of the Royal Family in residence. A tour will take you on a journey through time. From the Historic Apartments used by royals as far back as 1505, to the State Apartments used by the current Royal Family for entertaining and ceremonies. You can also explore the palace gardens and visit the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, built for King David I of Scotland in 1128.
5 things to do at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- See the Historic Apartments, which were home to the infamous Mary Queen of Scots from 1561. They set the scene for many dramatic events in her life. Including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her husband Henry Stuart.
- Visit the State Apartments, still used by the Royal Family today. Most notably during Holyrood Week each summer, when Queen Elizabeth stays there to carry out a range of official engagements and ceremonies.
- Discover the treasures of the palace in each room, such as ornate furniture and decorations, fine paintings and interesting objects.
- Stroll in the beautiful 4-hectare palace gardens, set against the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.
- Take a guided tour of the picturesque ruins of Holyrood Abbey, just beside the Palace.
