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The Palace of Holyroodhouse

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Edinburgh Royal Mile. The Palace is open throughout the year, so book a tour to hear about past Royals that have stayed and find out about all the history that is within the walls of this famous attraction, it’ll be a great day out for all the family.

Explore the Palace’s close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.

See a rare surviving painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the greatest female artist of her generation, in a new temporary display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The rediscovered painting, Susanna and the Elders, sheds fresh light on Artemisia’s time in London in the late 1630s, working alongside her father at the court of Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria.

Shown alongside it is Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting, considered one of Artemisia’s greatest works. The two paintings form a new temporary display, taking their place in the ornate baroque interiors of the Palace.

The display is included as part of your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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Palace of Holyroodhouse

4.619537 reviews

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Deborah Clayton-Dobson

a month ago

Absolutely lovely place to visit. No photography allowed inside, audio guide available. Amazing building and so many fantastic state rooms and history. Also a lovely twa room for fabulous warm meals or just a snack or afternoon tea. Nice restrooms too. Lovely grounds even in winter

How it is Liz

2 months ago

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is certainly a site to see while in Edinburgh! It's quite impressive! It was a memorable experience to tour, especially considering it's still a working palace used by the king while he is in Scotland. The audio guide is a great enhancement. I would have been lost without it. The history was very interesting as well as disturbing. I felt a chill climbing the staircase to enter the room where Mary Queen of Scott's secretary and close companion met his demise, murdered by her husband. There is a creepy vibe to some parts of the palace, but it's cool to see nonetheless. No photos are allowed inside. There is a delightful cafe area with a decent selection of options available as well as a gift shop. The outdoor Abbey is definitely worth walking over to see. Despite being under construction, it's still very beautiful. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to see this palace while in Scotland!

Ibrahim Wesabi

a month ago

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a magnificent piece of history and architecture! Walking through the state apartments and the beautifully preserved ruins of the abbey felt like stepping back in time. The guided tour was informative, shedding light on the rich history of the palace and its connections to Scottish royalty. The gardens were serene and offered stunning views of Arthur's Seat. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone exploring Edinburgh—truly a royal gem!

Kellina Pinar

in the last week

TL;DR: The Palace of Holyrood is a must-visit in Edinburgh, offering rich history, stunning architecture, and engaging exhibits. No photography inside, but well worth exploring. The Palace of Holyrood is one of Edinburgh’s most significant landmarks, serving as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Steeped in history, it was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and played a central role in Scotland’s royal past. While photography isn’t allowed inside, the beautifully preserved rooms, elaborate tapestries, and historical artifacts make for a fascinating visit. The displays provide deep insight into Scotland’s monarchy, from medieval times to modern-day royal use. The highlight for many is Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, where dramatic events unfolded during her reign. Beyond the palace, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the surrounding gardens add to the experience, offering stunning views with Arthur’s Seat in the background. If you’re visiting Edinburgh, this is a must-see stop for history lovers and royal enthusiasts alike!

Melanie123d

a month ago

We went at Christmas time on a rainy day. The gardens were closed. The house is amazing if you love history. The audio headphones are a must. The ticket needs stamping if you want it to be good for a year. We had cake and coffee in the tea rooms both were lovely. Prices were not cheap but not overly expensive. Good gift shop, but expensive as they usually are. Highly recommend.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

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Google Reviews

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Deborah Clayton-Dobson

How it is Liz

Ibrahim Wesabi

Kellina Pinar

Melanie123d

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Hightlight

Maps

Contact

Google Reviews

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Deborah Clayton-Dobson

How it is Liz

Ibrahim Wesabi

Kellina Pinar

Melanie123d

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