Palace of Holyroodhouse Entrance Tickets

A royal escapade in Scotland

Situated at the end of the Royal Mile in the center of Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is absolutely stunning both inside and out. A royal residence in Scotland for over 5 centuries, His Royal Majesty The King uses it for state ceremonies and official entertaining. Explore the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots. These walls have witnessed many dramatic events during her short and turbulent reign, including the murder of her Italian secretary by her husband Lord Darnley. It is hardly a surprise then that her Bedroom came to be described as 'the most famous room in Scotland'. Take a walk through the exquisitely decorated State Apartments, renowned for their beautiful plasterwork ceilings, historical works of art, and unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries.

Opulent interiors and haunting ruins

Visit the Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held several lavish balls after the setup of the Jacobite Court in September 1745. Take the chance to discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the Palace's unique gardens, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. Admire a colorful array of medicinal and culinary plants inspired by some of the earliest recorded gardens of the site, at the newly added physics garden. You can also choose to upgrade your tickets to include a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass which gives you entry into Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia, along with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Entrance Tickets

Discover the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland's official royal residence in Edinburgh, on this sightseeing tour that includes entrance tickets to explore its historic State Apartments and Mary Queen of Scots' Historic Apartments. This guided experience lasts approximately 2 hours and provides audio tours available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Turkish, Czech, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Greek, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Serbian, Hebrew, Arabic, and Hindi. Accessible for wheelchair users, the tour covers a total area of 12 acres including the ruined Holyrood Abbey and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Palace was established in 1670 as a royal residence, with significant renovations carried out by King George IV in 1822 and Queen Victoria in 1840. Visitors can spend around an hour exploring the State Apartments which showcase the grandeur of Scottish monarchs from the Renaissance era to modern times. The Mary Queen of Scots Historic Apartments offer insights into the turbulent life of one of Scotland's most famous queens, whose presence at Holyroodhouse between 1561 and 1567 left a lasting legacy on the palace’s history.

Explore Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments

Your tour stops at the Palace of Holyroodhouse where you can explore its grand State Apartments, built in the 18th century. Spanning over 50 rooms and covering an area of approximately 2,000 square feet each room is a testament to the architectural styles favored by successive monarchs from Louis XIV to Queen Victoria. Among the highlights are the magnificent Throne Room with its ornate ceiling and the elegant Drawing Room adorned with intricate wood carvings. The apartments house numerous historical artifacts dating back to the 16th century, including portraits of King Charles I and Queen Mary Stuart. Visitors typically spend around an hour here, marveling at the exquisite details that set this royal residence apart from other palaces in Britain. The State Apartments are unique due to their eclectic mix of architectural styles reflecting different periods in Scottish history.

Discover Holyrood Abbey Ruins

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, guests can also visit the crumbling ruins of Holyrood Abbey, a significant religious site established in 1128 by King David I. Covering an area of about 7 acres, these remnants include parts of the abbey church and cloister gardens where monks once lived. The abbey's history is intertwined with that of the palace as it was rebuilt several times following destructions during the Scottish Wars of Independence in 1389 and again during the Protestant Reformation in 1560. Visitors can spend around half an hour wandering through the ruins, learning about their rich historical significance to Scotland’s religious and political landscape.

Experience The Royal Yacht Britannia

Your tour includes a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia, docked permanently at Ocean Terminal since 1998. This iconic vessel served as the royal family's floating palace for over four decades until its retirement in 1997. Spanning approximately 410 feet long and weighing nearly 9,500 tons, the yacht features luxurious accommodations including the Queen’s State Apartments and the King George VI Gallery. Visitors can explore these areas to gain insight into royal life at sea with exhibits showcasing items used by monarchs during their voyages. The yacht's unique blend of maritime history and royal heritage makes it a must-see attraction for those interested in British royalty.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
• Visit Mary Queen of Scots Historic Apartments
• Enjoy 48-hour hop-on-hop-off pass to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia
• Audio tours available in 25 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Turkish, Czech, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Greek, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Serbian, Hebrew, Arabic, Hindi
• Discover Holyrood Abbey ruins with historical insights dating back to 1128
• Experience The Royal Yacht Britannia docked at Ocean Terminal since 1998
• Access for wheelchair users and audio guides in multiple languages
• Enjoy hop-on-hop-off convenience including entry into Edinburgh Castle

Perfect for history enthusiasts, royal watchers, and tourists, this guided tour provides an immersive experience of Scotland's rich heritage. The 2-hour format allows you to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments, delve into Mary Queen of Scots' Historic Apartments, and visit the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Edinburgh’s royal history while enjoying audio tours in multiple languages.