Holyrood Palace
Quick Facts
- Location
- UK, Edinburgh
- Category
- Historic Ruins & Heritage
- Duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- Opening Hours
- Monday 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) · Tuesday Normally closed, open daily in June to August · Wednesday Normally closed, open daily in June to August · Thursday 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) · Friday 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) · Saturday 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) · Sunday 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) · From plan-your-visit on rct.uk (checked 5 November 2026): last admission is 15:15 in winter and 16:30 in summer, and the Palace keeps to Tuesdays and Wednesdays closed outside June, July and August, when it opens daily. The closure list on the page reads 24-26 December 2026, 1 January 2027 opening at 11:00, 11 January 2027, 18-26 May 2027 and 25 June to 3 July 2027. Mornings are busiest at the admission centre, so arriving after 11:00 is advised.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: £22 advance and £26 on the day in 2026, £23 and £27 in 2027 · Student: Young Person fares for 18-24 year-olds: £14/£17 in 2026, £15/£18 in 2027 · Booking ahead gives the best value and children are half price, groups of 15 or more have their own rates, a ticket can be converted into a one-year pass with unlimited re-entry apart from a £2 transaction fee on each booked return visit, and the exclusive guided tour is £55 a person while the Palace is shut to the public.
- Address
- United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Coordinates
- 55.9516, -3.1751
Introduction
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the British monarch's official residence in Scotland—a grand palace at the east end of the Royal Mile, below Arthur's Seat, the monarch's Scottish home and once a Scottish royal court, full of poignant history. At the east end of the Royal Mile, opposite the castle, it is the monarch's official Scottish residence—used during Scottish visits for royal events. Grand and elegant, tracing to the Middle Ages (from an abbey). Most fascinating: its tie to Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here; her rooms remain, witnessing dramatic events, adding historical legend. Visitors see the State Apartments, historic royal rooms (including Mary's chamber), and art; beside it, the ruined Holyrood Abbey and palace gardens. Visiting Holyroodhouse is a knowledgeable Edinburgh sight.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Normally closed, open daily in June to August |
| Wednesday | Normally closed, open daily in June to August |
| Thursday | 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) |
| Friday | 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) |
| Saturday | 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) |
| Sunday | 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct) |
From plan-your-visit on rct.uk (checked 5 November 2026): last admission is 15:15 in winter and 16:30 in summer, and the Palace keeps to Tuesdays and Wednesdays closed outside June, July and August, when it opens daily. The closure list on the page reads 24-26 December 2026, 1 January 2027 opening at 11:00, 11 January 2027, 18-26 May 2027 and 25 June to 3 July 2027. Mornings are busiest at the admission centre, so arriving after 11:00 is advised.
Ticket Information
| Adult | £22 advance and £26 on the day in 2026, £23 and £27 in 2027 |
|---|---|
| Student | Young Person fares for 18-24 year-olds: £14/£17 in 2026, £15/£18 in 2027 |
| Child | £11/£13 for ages 5-17 in 2026 and £11.50/£13.50 in 2027, with under-5s free |
| Senior | No senior band appears; the disabled visitor fare matches the child price at £11/£13 in 2026 and £11.50/£13.50 in 2027 |
| Free Admission | Under-5s and an access companion for a disabled visitor are free, and £1 tickets are offered to those on Universal Credit and other named benefits |
Booking ahead gives the best value and children are half price, groups of 15 or more have their own rates, a ticket can be converted into a one-year pass with unlimited re-entry apart from a £2 transaction fee on each booked return visit, and the exclusive guided tour is £55 a person while the Palace is shut to the public.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Holyrood Palace?
Monday: 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct); Tuesday: Normally closed, open daily in June to August; Wednesday: Normally closed, open daily in June to August; Thursday: 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct); Friday: 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct); Saturday: 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct); Sunday: 09:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar) / 09:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct); From plan-your-visit on rct.uk (checked 5 November 2026): last admission is 15:15 in winter and 16:30 in summer, and the Palace keeps to Tuesdays and Wednesdays closed outside June, July and August, when it opens daily. The closure list on the page reads 24-26 December 2026, 1 January 2027 opening at 11:00, 11 January 2027, 18-26 May 2027 and 25 June to 3 July 2027. Mornings are busiest at the admission centre, so arriving after 11:00 is advised.
How much is the admission for Holyrood Palace?
Adult: £22 advance and £26 on the day in 2026, £23 and £27 in 2027; Student: Young Person fares for 18-24 year-olds: £14/£17 in 2026, £15/£18 in 2027; Child: £11/£13 for ages 5-17 in 2026 and £11.50/£13.50 in 2027, with under-5s free; Senior: No senior band appears; the disabled visitor fare matches the child price at £11/£13 in 2026 and £11.50/£13.50 in 2027; Free Admission: Under-5s and an access companion for a disabled visitor are free, and £1 tickets are offered to those on Universal Credit and other named benefits; Booking ahead gives the best value and children are half price, groups of 15 or more have their own rates, a ticket can be converted into a one-year pass with unlimited re-entry apart from a £2 transaction fee on each booked return visit, and the exclusive guided tour is £55 a person while the Palace is shut to the public.
Any practical tips for visiting Holyrood Palace?
Enter Holyroodhouse for the monarch's Scottish residence. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here—poignant history and legend.
How long should I spend at Holyrood Palace?
A typical visit takes 1.5–2 hours.
