The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King’s official residence in Edinburgh, standing at the end of the Royal Mile. Its State Apartments, historic connections and gardens make it a rewarding stop on an Old Town outing; opening hours and ticket details can change, so plan around the Royal Collection Trust’s latest guidance.
- Location: at the end of the Royal Mile, beside Holyrood Park.
- Rail: Edinburgh Waverley is a 15-minute walk from the Palace.
- Standard admission includes the gardens when they are open.
- Access: the Palace is largely accessible, with some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms.
The Palace and its place on the Royal Mile
The Palace of Holyroodhouse anchors the eastern end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and remains the King’s official residence in the city. The Palace is still used for official engagements in Scotland, while its State Apartments host official ceremonies and events involving the monarch and the Royal Family.
Its history is closely linked with Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here from 1561 to 1567, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Inside, the Great Gallery is the Palace’s largest room. Its portrait series shows 95 kings and one queen; it originally contained 111 portraits, many of which were damaged in 1746.
If you’re planning a wider walk through the Old Town, the Palace fits naturally into a route through Edinburgh Old Town and the Royal Mile.
Tickets and visiting hours
Ticket prices and opening hours vary, so check the official site before you go. The Royal Collection Trust offers standard admission, and the Palace gardens are included when open. A Palace ticket can be converted into a 1-Year Pass for unlimited re-admission for a year; pre-booking a return visit carries a £2 transaction fee.
Opening hours
- Monday and Thursday to Sunday: 9:30–16:30
- Tuesday and Wednesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
For a visit that includes other central sights, you can use the Palace as one stop in a one-day Edinburgh itinerary. Allow time for the State Apartments and Great Gallery as well as the gardens when they are open.
How do you get to the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Edinburgh Waverley is the nearest railway station, a 15-minute walk from the Palace. Picardy Place is the nearest tram stop, a 20-minute walk away. A public car park is adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement.
From west Edinburgh, the Palace is about 3.2 miles from Twin Lions. For a city-centre visit, you can combine the journey with a walk along the Royal Mile rather than treating the Palace as a separate stop.
What does a Palace visit include?
A visit takes in the Palace’s royal and historical rooms, including the State Apartments and the Great Gallery. The State Apartments are used for official ceremonies and events, while the gallery’s portraits connect the room to Scotland’s royal history.
The Palace gardens cover 4 hectares and look toward Holyrood Park. Standard admission includes the gardens when they are open, so you can pair the interior visit with time outside.
Access, closures and Holyrood Park
The Palace is largely accessible, though there are some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms. A free ticket for an access companion can be booked online. Accessible toilets are in the Palace Café, which you can visit without a Palace ticket, and registered assistance dogs are welcome.
The multimedia guide is available in British Sign Language and with subtitles; an audio-described guide is available for blind or partially sighted visitors. Accessible parking spaces are on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, and are allocated first come, first served.
Holyrood Park lies beside the Palace, and the gardens look toward the park’s landscape. You can combine a Palace visit with time outdoors, checking the Royal Collection Trust’s current visitor guidance before setting out.
FAQs
Who lives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
It is the King’s official residence in Edinburgh and is used for official engagements in Scotland.
Are the Palace gardens included with admission?
Yes. The gardens are included with standard admission when they are open.
Is there an access-companion ticket?
Yes. A free access-companion ticket can be booked online.
Can you visit the Palace Café without a Palace ticket?
Yes. The Palace Café has accessible toilets and can be visited without a Palace ticket.