Palace of Holyroodhouse

Five centuries of royal history

An abbey came first: David I founded Holyrood Abbey in 1128, and legend links its founding to a vision of a stag. James IV built a palace beside it between 1501 and 1505, and Charles II rebuilt it in the 1670s to designs by Sir William Bruce, giving it the shape you see today. The King still uses it for official engagements in Scotland, including a week each summer.

Mary, Queen of Scots and the abbey ruins

The rooms most people come for are in James V's Tower, where Mary, Queen of Scots lived from 1561 to 1567 and where her secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566. Access to these rooms has some restrictions, so allow a little time to queue. Afterwards, the roofless nave of the abbey and the garden, first used in 1503, are a quieter end to the visit.

Planning your visit

Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day, and a multimedia guide is included, with British Sign Language and subtitled versions plus an audio-descriptive guide. The Café at the Palace serves seasonal dishes made with local produce. Combine the visit with the Scottish Parliament opposite or Dynamic Earth a few minutes' walk away, or climb Calton Hill for the view back down over the palace.

Highlights

• Official residence of the monarch in Scotland
• Rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots in James V's Tower
• Ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128
• Palace garden, first used in 1503
• Multimedia guide included, with BSL and audio-descriptive versions

Good to know

• Concessions are available, and disabled visitors can book a free access companion ticket online.
• Accessible parking on Horse Wynd is first come, first served.
• Groups of 15 or more must pre-book.
• Registered assistance dogs are welcome.

Frequently asked questions