Royal Collection Trust looks after the Royal Collection, one of the most important art collections in the world, and manages the public opening of the official residences of His Majesty the King. Through our work, from exhibitions and learning programmes to publications and retail products, we aim to ensure that the Royal Collection and Palaces are valued and enjoyed by everyone.
Fit Entrance Fees To Palace Of Holyroodhouse
Standing at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official home of His Majesty The King in Scotland, and is used by His Majesty for State ceremonies and official entertaining.
The Palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is closely associated with Scotland’s rich history. A visit to the Palace includes the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, which were the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short and turbulent reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her husband, Lord Darnley. Her Bedchamber has been described as ‘the most famous room in Scotland’.
In the Palace’s State Apartments, visitors can see the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held lavish balls when he set up his Jacobite Court at the Palace in September 1745. The State Apartments today reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs, and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. They are furnished with numerous works of art from the Royal Collection, many of which have long associations with Holyrood house and Scotland.
A visit to the Palace includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the Palace’s unique gardens, which are set against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. A newly created physic garden situated on the Abbey Strand contains a colourful array of medicinal and culinary plants inspired by some of the earliest recorded gardens on the site. At the Café at the Palace, visitors can enjoy home-made dishes made from locally sourced produce, from light refreshments and lunch to afternoon tea.
OPENING TIMES:
Holyrood Palace will be open:
April-October: THURSDAYS-MONDAYS ONLY
July-September: EVERYDAY
November-March: THURSDAYS-MONDAYS ONLY
In addition the Palace will also be closed:
29 March 2024
16-25 May 2024
27 June – 5 July
25-26 December 2024
The King’s Gallery opening times:
Thursday to Monday during opening months, except for July, August and September, when it is open 7 days a week.
Exhibitions:
Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians (22 March – 22 September 2024)
March: Thursday to Monday, 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:30)
April to June: Thursday to Monday, 09:30-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
July to September: daily, 09:30-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
Gallery closures:
Until 21 March 2024
29 March 2024
23 September – 31 December 2024
A self-guided multimedia system in now in place and guides are no longer permitted to guide in the palace.
NOTE: A pre-booked timeslot is now essential for all visits.
