Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets 2026
Multimedia guide available in 10 languages | Reserve now & pay later
About Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
Learn about Scotland’s history with Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets. Walk through the State Apartments, stand in the Throne Room, and see where Mary, Queen of Scots lived in the 1560s. Explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128. Walk through gardens enjoyed by kings and queens for centuries at the end of the Royal Mile. Book your tickets and visit the King’s official residence in Scotland!
Visit the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, where she lived in the 1560s. See the intricate oak ceilings and her supper room.
Explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128. It once hosted coronations and gatherings of Scotland’s most important historical figures.
Stop at the café at the palace for a drink, snack, or lunch. It’s set in a historic courtyard with royal surroundings.
Stand in rooms still used by the King for official ceremonies and private audiences. They show how royalty lives and works today.
An audio guide in 10 languages is also included in the admission price. This lets all visitors, including blind or partially sighted visitors, learn about the palace.
Cancel up to 24 hours before your visit to the palace. Reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.
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Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
A great historical experience
I’ve seen the outside of the Palace of Holyroodhouse many times, but I never went in. This being my third time in Scotland, I decided to buy tickets for the palace, and it was so worth it! I enjoyed visiting the State Apartments. The French and Flemish tapestries on the walls were stunning. The Throne Room was impressive. My favorite part was the Great Gallery with Jacob de Wet's portraits of Scottish kings. All in all, it was a great way to spend an afternoon!
A must-see in Edinburgh
I loved seeing Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers. My favorite parts were the oak ceilings, the supper room, and the Darnley Jewel on display. The audio guide explained her life and the events that happened there, so I also learned a lot. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey were my favorite outside space. I saw the remaining arches and parts of the cloisters that once hosted coronations. It’s right next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, so it was easy to explore both in one visit. Don’t miss this if you’re in Edinburgh!
DESCRIPTION
Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
- Palace of Holyroodhouse entry ticket
- Multimedia guide (available in 10 different languages)
- Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Scottish Gaelic
VISIT STATE APARTMENTS AND ROYAL ROOMS
Begin your visit at the State Apartments. This is the King’s official residence in Scotland. The rooms show how monarchs’ tastes changed from the 17th century to today. See plaster ceilings, gilded cornices, and Brussels tapestries from the 1600s. Explore the Throne Room, which hosted lunches for the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle. The Morning Drawing Room is still used for private audiences by the King. The Great Staircase was built for Charles II in the 1670s. It features life-size angels that hold the Scottish crown. From the windows, you can see the Royal Mile stretching toward Edinburgh Castle.
EXPLORE THE GREAT GALLERY AND MARY’S CHAMBERS
Next, walk through the Great Gallery, the palace’s largest room at 150 feet (45 meters) long. It displays 96 Jacob de Wet portraits of Scottish monarchs, both real and legendary. This room is still used for Investiture ceremonies for the New Year’s and Birthday Honours Lists. Then explore Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers from the 1560s. See the inlaid oak ceilings and her closets, including the Supper Room. The audio guide will talk about the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio. Lord Darnley led the attack in those exact rooms. Nearby, you'll find the Darnley Jewel. It’s a heart-shaped locket adorned with rubies, emeralds, and blue glass. After her chambers, visit the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. It was founded in 1128 by David I. The abbey once held coronations and royal ceremonies. Its arches and cloisters are still visible today.
WALK THROUGH THE ROYAL GARDENS
Finish your tour in the 9.9-acre (4 hectares) Royal Gardens. See Holyrood Park and the Wentworth Elm, a rare tree once thought extinct. The Physic Garden shows medicinal plants that would have grown in the 17th century. Stop at the Café at the Palace for a light lunch or drink. From the gardens, you can also see the modern Scottish Parliament. Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the views across the palace grounds. This final stop perfectly rounds off a visit full of history, art, and royal stories.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
Murder at Holyroodhouse?
In 1566, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was the scene of a shocking event. David Rizzio, secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, was attacked by a group of Scottish lords. The attack was led by her husband, Lord Darnley. Rizzio was stabbed 56 times. His body was left in the Outer Chamber next to Mary’s Supper Room. It is said that his bloodstain is still visible on the floor by one of the windows. This violent act changed the course of Mary’s reign. It shows how the palace was not just a royal home, but also a place of political intrigue and danger.
Good to know before you go
- Disabled visitors can get concession rates and a free companion ticket. To get that, book Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets through the Royal Collection Trust.
- Security checks may apply. Some items must be left and collected after your visit.
- Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets from GetYourGuide cannot be exchanged for a 1-year pass.
- A one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse for safety.
- Smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed inside.
- Mobile phones must be switched off inside the palace.
- Some areas have stairs and uneven floors, so wear comfortable shoes.
Meeting Point
Show your voucher on arrival at the Palace of Holyroodhouse ticket office to exchange for an entrance ticket.
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FAQ - Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
How much time do you need at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This will let you explore the palace and the gardens at your own pace, without having to rush.Can you take pictures inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Photography and filming, including wearable devices, are not allowed inside the State Apartments. However, you can take photos for personal use in the outdoor areas.Can you take backpacks into the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the palace. Bags bigger than 45 cm × 20 cm × 30 cm aren’t allowed. However, you can store your luggage nearby at Waverley Station.Are there toilets at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Toilets and baby-changing facilities are in the Mews Courtyard. Accessible toilets are at the café. It is recommended to use them before beginning your visit.Are food and drinks allowed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed. You can buy refreshments at the café in the Palace.What else can I do in Edinburgh?
If you’re looking for more things to do in Edinburgh, start with a tour of Edinburgh Castle to step into royal history. For something spooky, the Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets and Edinburgh Underground Vault Tour bring the city’s darker past to life. Whisky lovers can join the Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Experience, while walkers can choose between a classic Edinburgh walking tour or a themed Edinburgh Harry Potter tour. To see the city at your own pace, go on an Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or book the Edinburgh Pass, which includes major sights. And if you have time for a day trip, head out to Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh or the Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh for breathtaking Scottish scenery.Don’t wait! Book now!
- Palace of Holyroodhouse entry ticket
- Audio guide in 10 languages
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation