Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
attractions: OMNi Centre, Edinburgh Playhouse, Calton Hill, Meadowbank Shopping Park, Museum of Edinburgh, John Lewis & Partners, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, Nelson Monument, Museum of Childhood, National Monument of Scotland, restaurants: COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh, The World's End, Whiski Bar & Restaurant, Byron - Royal Mile, The Edinburgh Larder, The Banshee Labyrinth, The Holyrood 9A, Mother India's Cafe, Royal Mile Tavern, Howies Restaurant
Ratings
Description
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
Posts
Edinburgh's Hidden Gem 💐 Palace of Holyroodhouse
GenevieveGenevieve
350
Best spots in Edinburgh. 🏴✨ Save these absolutely stunning locations for your next visit: 🏴 Victoria Street ( in video ⬆️) 🏴 Edinburgh Castle 🏴 Royal Mile 🏴 Calton Hill 🏴 The Balmoral (interior + exterior) 🏴 Princes Street 🏴 Scott Monument 🏴 Circus Lane 🏴 Advocates Close 🏴 Dean village 🏴 Princes St Gardens 🏴 Ross Fountain 🏴 Cockburn street 🏴 Arthurs seat & Salisbury Crags 🏴 Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey There are MANY more but these are the ones worth mentioning that I generally visit when on a typical staycation in Edinburgh from my home in Glasgow. They are very photo & video friendly locations so get your cameras ready. Also, let me know if you know of anymore and I’ll add it to this list. #simplyscotland
craig_mcstaycraig_mcstay
2.5K26
I’ve never really been a “tourist” in Edinburgh as such. Though I’ve visited many times, I’m often there for football, or passing through on my way further North. So I’ll admit, whilst racking my brains trying to put together a bit of a to do list, I realised I’ve not done a lot of the main sights. However over the years I’d like to think I’ve gotten to know the city a little bit. So I figure it’s worth sharing my Edinburgh guide nonetheless, as biased and patchy as it may be. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s been enough on my visit that I’ve fallen in love with the city and its charms. MY EDINBURGH GUIDE 🏴 Things To Do: - The Writer’s Museum - The National Gallery (The Portrait Gallery has a beautiful Hall) - Sunset from Calton Hill - Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Can you believe I have never done either of these? Report back!) - Hike Arthur’s Seat - Wander the streets, taking in the Royal Mile, George Street, Victoria Street, and Grassmarket - Explore picturesque Dean Village Dining and Drinking: - Under The Stairs, a cosy bar and restaurant that’s one of my favourites when in the city - Baba for mezze - I didn’t make it here sadly, but a few people recommended it so I feel I should pass it on! - The Milkman, a cosy and oh so aesthetic coffee shop - The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse - Legendary Edinburgh restaurant The Witchery - Grab a pint in a traditional pub, which you’ll find on every corner. If you’ve got the endurance, you could even turn it into a pub crawl… - You can’t go to Scotland and not give haggis a go, and I promise, it’s not as gross as it’s sounds. - Try a deep fried mars bar. Personally, I’m a fan! Please do let me know what I’ve missed, and what I should add to my Edinburgh itinerary on my next visit! #travelblogger #uktravel #uktravelblogger #darlingescapes #hiddenscotland #scotlandexplore #explorescotland #beautifulscotland #edinburghscotland #thisisscotland #scotspirit #unlimitiedscotland #explore_britain #visitedinburgh #visitscotland #scotlandtravel things to do in Edinburgh, things to do in Scotland, best places in Edinburgh, where to go in Edinburgh, Edinburgh travel guide
anoushkalilaanoushkalila
079
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, stands as a testament to centuries of royal history and Scottish heritage. Originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century, the palace has evolved over time to become the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and a symbol of regal power and prestige. The palace's association with royalty dates back to the reign of King James IV of Scotland in the late 15th century when he ordered the construction of a royal residence on the site. Over the centuries, Holyroodhouse has served as a royal residence, a center of courtly life, and the backdrop for numerous historic events and ceremonies. One of the most significant periods in the palace's history occurred during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, who resided at Holyroodhouse during her turbulent and tumultuous reign. It was here that Mary held court, navigated political intrigue, and faced personal tragedies, including the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio, in the palace's chambers. Holyroodhouse continued to be a focal point of royal life in Scotland, hosting successive monarchs and serving as the setting for important ceremonies and state occasions. In modern times, the palace remains the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and continues to play a central role in the ceremonial and official duties of the monarchy. Today, visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse can explore its magnificent state apartments, which are adorned with sumptuous furnishings, priceless artworks, and historic artifacts. Highlights include the opulent Throne Room, the elegant Drawing Room, and the striking Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers. The palace's grounds, including the beautiful Abbey Strand Gardens, offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets and provide stunning views of Arthur's Seat and the surrounding landscape. In addition to its role as a historic site, the Palace of Holyroodhouse also serves as a cultural institution, hosting special exhibitions, events, and educational programs that celebrate Scotland's rich heritage and royal traditions. A visit to Holyroodhouse offers a captivating journey through the annals of Scottish history, providing insight into the lives of monarchs past and present and the enduring legacy of Scotland's royal heritage.
T attsT atts
00
Nice historic place! The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. A visit includes the remains of 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, the Palace gardens, the State Apartments of the Palace itself, and stories of its most famous residents from the past and present. A reflection of the changing tastes of successive monarchs, the State Apartments are famous for their beautiful plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of French and Flemish tapestries. As you walk through the Palace, you will notice how the rooms become progressively grander as you approach the King's Bedchamber - the grandest room of all, where historically, only the most important guests would have been granted an audience. Perhaps one of the most famous monarchs to live at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers where she lived between 1561-1567 are not to be missed. When you climb the steps up to the north-west tower you enter a world of intrigue, tragedy and murder. Reached by a narrow, steep and winding staircase, this is the oldest section of the palace. Built almost 500 years ago, the battlements and fortified walls are typical of a time when kings and queens required protection against their enemies. The bedchamber is known for its original decorative oak ceiling, painted frieze and incredibly low doorway. While people were much smaller in the 1500s when this tower was built, Mary grew to be six feet tall. Standing next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and overlooked by the dramatic Salisbury Crags, Holyrood Abbey was once one of the grandest medieval abbeys in Scotland. The Abbey was founded in 1128 after King David I saw a vision of a stag with a cross or 'rood' between its antlers while hunting in the forest below the slopes of Arthur's Seat. He decided to build a new religious foundation dedicated to the Holy Rood on the site. The Abbey was enlarged over the centuries and the surviving roofless nave, Romanesque arcading, Gothic windows and vaulted ceiling help us imagine the grandeur of this once magnificent building. Look out for the Royal Vault which contains the remains of James V. Holyrood Abbey is currently undergoing some restoration work but is still accessible to visitors.
T BT B
00
This is one of the main attractions to see when visiting Edinburgh if you're into history and royals. It's the official residence of the Royal Family in Edinburgh. It's also where Mary Queen of Scots and other historical royalty stayed (Charles II, Victoria) as well as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Palace was built next to Holyrood Abbey, which has been there for centuries and has a legend to go with its history. The audio guide is very informative and the tour is very organized, taking you from the grand front entrance through several rooms, including the portrait gallery with 110 paintings of all the Scottish monarchs and the bedrooms of Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley. You can even see the bloodstain of Mary's murdered secretary David Rizzio still visible on the floor. After exiting the Palace you can explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and stroll through the gardens. There's also a great view of Arthur's Seat from the palace grounds. You are not allowed to take photos inside the palace as many of the furnishings are centuries old. They have to limit light on the tapestries and furniture. However there is a souvenir book you can purchase with photos of the inside and a detailed history of the Palace. It's a very informative tour with the audiobook and takes between 1-2 hours depending on how much of a hurry you're in. It's nice taking in the details and taking pictures (outside) but if you're limited for time you can probably run through with the audio guide in about an hour. You can also skip some sections of the audio guide, for instance if you're not interested in hearing snippets by the Royal Family. The audio guide accommodates several languages. There's also a café, a gift shop, and the Queen's Gallery to see. Also check out the Queen's bathouse at the fence around the perimeter of the Palace where Mary allegedly took her baths. The tour busses usually point it out when passing. If you need to change your ticket you'll need to call the Ticket Office to do so. The info is on their website. The tickets are non-refundable but they allowed me to change mine to a different day when I called.
Nikki StewartNikki Stewart
00
Nearby Attractions Of Palace of Holyroodhouse
OMNi Centre
Edinburgh Playhouse
Calton Hill
Meadowbank Shopping Park
Museum of Edinburgh
John Lewis & Partners
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
Nelson Monument
Museum of Childhood
National Monument of Scotland

OMNi Centre
4.2
(3.7K)Click for details

Edinburgh Playhouse
4.4
(2.5K)Click for details

Calton Hill
4.8
(2.3K)Click for details

Meadowbank Shopping Park
4.1
(1.7K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Palace of Holyroodhouse
COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh
The World's End
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
Byron - Royal Mile
The Edinburgh Larder
The Banshee Labyrinth
The Holyrood 9A
Mother India's Cafe
Royal Mile Tavern
Howies Restaurant

COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh
4.3
(3.2K)$$
Click for details

The World's End
4.5
(2.1K)$$
Click for details

Whiski Bar & Restaurant
4.4
(1.7K)$$
Click for details

Byron - Royal Mile
4.3
(1.3K)$$
Click for details
Reviews
- Unable to get your location