Discover Scotland’s Living History at the Foot of the Royal Mile – A Must-See for Lovers of Castles, Kings, and Timeless Elegance

As we waddle down the iconic Royal Mile, the cobbled street that connects Edinburgh Castle to the east and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the west, we feel like time has stood still. The palace echoes with centuries of drama, power, and intrigue. Holyrood Palace is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. It’s about a 15-minute walk (about 1 mile) from Edinburgh city center, and it is a treasure chest of royal heritage. So waddle with us inside to discover the life of kings and queens.

Why Visit Holyrood Palace?

Visiting Holyroodhouse, as it’s officially named, offers far more than just a historic building tour. It’s an immersive journey through Scottish and British history where Mary, Queen of Scots, once held court, royal ceremonies continue today, and architecture, art, and landscape converge in majestic harmony.

Top Reasons to Visit Holyrood Palace

• • Waddle through active royal apartments (when not used by the current monarch).
  • See Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, where political plots unfolded.
  • Explore the hauntingly beautiful Holyrood Abbey ruins, dating back to 1128.
  • Admire furnishings, tapestries, and artworks from centuries of monarchy.
  • Roam the quiet palace gardens, with views of Arthur’s Seat.
  • Attend changing exhibitions at The Queen’s Gallery.
  • A stone’s throw from the dramatic landscape of Holyrood Park.

The best part of the palace is that it is not some forgotten place, but a living royal residence. When King Charles III or other members of the Royal Family are in town, this is where they stay. During such visits, parts of the palace may be closed to the public, adding to its authenticity and grandeur.

Practical Information 

Opening Hours

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open year-round, with hours varying by season. From April to October, the palace is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. During the winter months, November to March, hours shorten slightly to 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with final admission at 3:15 PM.

Remember that the palace may close on short notice when members of the Royal Family are in residence or for official functions. It’s always best to check the official Royal Collection Trust website before planning your visit.

Admission Prices

Ticket prices are affordable and offer excellent value considering the rich history and immersive experience. Standard admission costs:

• • Adults: £20.00
  • Over 60 / Students: £18.00
  • Children (under 17) / Disabled Visitors: £11.00
  • Children under 5: Free
  • Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 children): £50.00
  • Add-on for The Queen’s Gallery: +£6.00
  • Penguins: free entry

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. You can skip the lines and get access to a free multimedia guide, available in multiple languages, to enhance your tour. We booked our tickets online a day in advance as well. There is no need to book a time slot.

How Far Is It from Edinburgh City Centre?

Holyrood Palace sits at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, within easy reach of the central Waverley train station and the Old Town. It’s about:

• • 15-minute waddle from Edinburgh Waverley Station
  • 5-minute bus ride (Lothian Buses 35, 6, or 14)
  • 5-minute taxi ride from Princes Street

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• • Go early to avoid crowds, especially in summer.
  • Wear comfy shoes as there’s quite a bit of walking, including cobblestones and uneven paths in the abbey.
  • Check for closures beforehand, some rooms may be closed due to royal use.
  • Use the multimedia guide; it’s informative without being overwhelming. We loved the audio guide to the tour. It was very interactive and made the whole tour excellent and informative. We learned a lot.
  • Bundle your visit with a hike up Arthur’s Seat or a walk in Holyrood Park, as it’s right next door!

Origin of the Name Holyrood

“Holyrood” comes from the Scottish word “rood”, an old term for the cross on which Jesus was crucified. So, Holyrood literally means “Holy Cross.”

The name is tied to a legend involving King David I of Scotland, who founded the original Holyrood Abbey in 1128. According to the story, while hunting in the forest near what is now Edinburgh, King David was thrown from his horse by a charging stag. As the stag was about to gore him, a mysterious, glowing cross (a “holy rood”) appeared between its antlers. Taking this as a divine sign, King David survived the encounter and later founded an abbey on that very spot in honor of the Holy Rood.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was later built adjacent to the abbey, and the name was inherited. Over time, people colloquially referred to it as Holyrood Palace or even Holyrood Castle, though its official name remains Palace of Holyroodhouse.

So, the name carries deep religious significance, rooted in medieval piety, legend, and royal patronage, which fits perfectly for a palace so steeped in history and myth.

Waddling Through the Holyroodhouse

Before we entered the palace, we had a little time to spare and explore the herb garden next to it, which is a part of it. You can find it just beside Holyrood Palace, and it’s often overlooked. It is designed in a traditional style filled with historically significant herbs like rosemary, lavender, thyme, and angelica, echoing the monastic gardens once tended by the abbey’s monks.

In the past, it was used for medicine, cooking, and ceremony. The herbs are laid out in neat, symmetrical beds bordered by low hedges. Informative plaques explain their historic roles, and in warmer months, the garden bursts with fragrance and color. Also, note that the Herb Garden is part of the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace) grounds.

After exploring the Herb Garden, we waddled to the palace as such. Get your tickets ready, as they are scanned at the entrance. Then, after checking the tickets, you get an audio guide and are ushered to another room, and if you have a bigger backpack, you will undergo a security check. But it’s just a guard looking inside your bag. And finally, you come to the front of the Holyrood Palace.

The Grand Entrance

The broad forecourt opens like a stage set, with the palace rising behind it in all its stately grandeur. The moment you step through the main gates, you’re met with the commanding presence of Baroque architecture.

The palace’s impressive west façade, designed by Sir William Bruce in the late 17th century, sets the tone for what lies beyond. Bruce, one of Scotland’s foremost architects, introduced classical symmetry and ornate stonework to what was once a medieval structure. Twin towers flank the central entrance, their circular forms softened by conical roofs and balustrades, adding a hint of French château flair to the otherwise austere Scottish royal residence.

Standing guard at the entrance are the lion and unicorn statues, Scotland’s national animal and England’s heraldic symbol. These iconic figures are more than ornamental—they represent the union of the Scottish and English crowns. With each step forward, you’re not just entering a building. You’re crossing into a story still being written.

What was unfortunate was that you could not take any pictures inside the palace.

The State Apartments

Inside, you waddle through opulently furnished rooms, including the Throne Room, the Great Gallery, and the King’s Bedchamber. Portraits of Scottish monarchs line the walls—some accurate, others mythologized. The grandeur is almost overwhelming, with rich tapestries, intricate woodwork, and regal detailing that reflect the evolving tastes of monarchs over the centuries.

Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers

Mary lived in the Palace of Holyroodhouse between 1561 and 1567. Her private chambers can be found in the north-west tower, which was originally built for her father, James V, nearly 500 years ago. This is the oldest section of the Palace, reached by a narrow, steep, and winding staircase. Mary’s apartments evoke the intense drama of 16th-century Scotland. They are the most emotionally charged part of the palace. The murder room, where Rizzio met his violent end, retains its chilling aura. Bullet holes are said to mark the wooden floorboards—a silent testament to the violence of royal life.

Whose blood is on the floor in Holyrood Palace?

It is claimed that the bloodstains from Rizzio’s body are still visible in the Outer Chamber, where he was left for all to see. See if you can spot the marks on the floor when you visit.

Holyrood Abbey

Step outside to explore the solemn beauty of Holyrood Abbey ruins. Once a grand medieval church, only Gothic arches and weather-worn stones remain.

The Queen’s Gallery

This elegant gallery houses rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring everything from old master paintings to historic royal manuscripts. It’s an optional add-on, but well worth it for art lovers.

The Palace Gardens

Behind the palace lies a stunning expanse of royal gardens, covering 10 acres. In summer, the vibrant flora explodes with color, making it a serene spot for reflection or a perfect photo. We enjoyed the waddle in the gardens and can imagine the party held here yearly.

Is It Worth Visiting Holyrood Palace?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or just curious about royalty, Holyrood Palace is one of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh for good reason. Unlike many other castles and palaces, this one feels alive. Only the fact that you can’t take pictures inside is a shame.

Edinburgh is full of attractions, but Holyrood Palace stands apart where Scotland’s soul meets its crown. Make sure to add it to your Edinburgh itinerary; you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this regal nation’s turbulent and inspiring past.

Pack your bag and waddle more!

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