Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh: Photos, Reviews & Location

The 16th-century palace of the Stuarts, with tours of royal reception rooms, antiques & relics.

At a glance

#15 of 37 Historical landmarks in Edinburgh #41 of 103 Tourist attractions in Edinburgh

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.60

1.5 km from the center of Edinburgh

Rating breakdown

5 ★68%
4 ★24%
3 ★6%
2 ★1%
1 ★1%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 16 recent reviews that mention each topic.

View19%
Waiting & crowds19%
Service & staff19%
Price & value13%

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom

rct.uk

+44 303 123 7306

Photos of Palace of Holyroodhouse (306)

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Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh – photo 1

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh – photo 2

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Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh – photo 11

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Palace of Holyroodhouse?: Palace of Holyroodhouse is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 33,374 reviews.
How does Palace of Holyroodhouse rank in Edinburgh?: Palace of Holyroodhouse is #15 of 37 Historical landmarks in Edinburgh by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Palace of Holyroodhouse located?: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom — 1.5 km from the center of Edinburgh.
What do visitors mention most about Palace of Holyroodhouse?: Most often: view, waiting & crowds, service & staff (from 16 recent reviews).
How can I contact Palace of Holyroodhouse?: Phone: +44 303 123 7306 · Website: rct.uk

Reviews (16)

John Lim 2023 Oct 24

Like all the royal attractions we have been to thus far, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is well-polished, immaculately maintained and thoroughly explained by way of the complimentary audio guide. Not sure why few seem inclined to wander down the royal mile from Edinburgh Castle to further explore the events of Scottish history which unfurled within the palace walls, but I’m not complaining considering the enormous crowds at the castle.

Christine Bonner 2023 Oct 19

This is the first time I have been inside. The information gadget was on a lanyard so it was a lot easier to use. The inside of what you saw is where the royal family entertained there is a lift to the next floor but not to the top floor. The gardens that I walked round were easy for wheelchairs.

Betta Rautio 2023 Oct 18

This self-guided audio tour was very well set up and allowed you to enjoy viewing each room without being overloaded with information. Most of the palace is easy to negotiate and you have the ability to skip certain audio portions if you choose not to climb stairs, etc. the outside gardens are not to be missed. The gift shop is well stocked and you don’t need to go on the tour to make a purchase. There is a cafe and restaurant on the premises. A must visit if you are in Edinburgh! No photos are allowed inside the castle and security is present throughout. This is a working castle.

Allison Barnett 2023 Oct 16

Lovely tour of the Palace with friends who had never been before. Lots of interesting things to see but could only rake photos outside.
Lively gardens and of course the view of Arthur's seat.

Fred Sp 2023 Sep 12

Great Royal palace with so much to see inside & out. Allow at least 2 hours of walking / touring with your audio guide which is loaned when you purchase the entrance ticket. The Abbey at the side of the palace adds great historical perspective and is a must see too.

Hashim Fakhreddin 2023 Sep 01

Beautiful historic palace. Definitely one of the main attractions of Scotland.

The audio guide is one of the better ones we've experienced, it's engaging and informative whilst not being draining.

You get to learn a lot about the history of the palace and Scotland whilst being entertained.

Highly recommend getting tickets in advance.

GC 2023 Aug 29

If you’re visiting Edinburgh you have to visit here.

We booked the night before online (slightly cheaper)
Turned up had our tickets scanned , no wait at all. Then grabbed our headphones and small tablet. These are optional but I would advise getting them as they are very informative.
As you enter different rooms / outside around the house you choose what section to listen to. They are numbered in each room so you won’t get lost / confused.
Sections are very informative and have videos to watch too.

Very beautiful building with exquisite rooms. It’s a brilliant experience visiting here.

I spent just over an hour here. You could spend longer quite easily.
It’s very easy to find.

Stanly Wilson 2023 Aug 28

The palace is a good place to visit if you are in Edinburgh. Quite big and the guided radio tours were quite good. You may be able to complete the visit in 2 hours maximum. It has a lot of paintings and tapestry (quite big ones). A lot of state rooms and art. No photos were allowed inside the state rooms

Heather Rodgers 2023 Aug 20

Nice day out, the audio guide was great, just enough information about each room. The tea room was really good, a good choice of food and homemaking available. We had a quick glimpse of Prince Edward as well when we were there

Mahmoud Musa 2023 Aug 10

The tickets were included in the royal package of Edinburgh bus tours, we arrived there and they gave us an audio tour guide with headphones, which was very informative and educational. The whole tour took us 3 hours, the palace was marvelous and the garden was beautiful. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Shout out to Anne (the gift shop keeper) extremely nice and we enjoyed an uplifting conversation with her.

FoxBox Photography 2023 Aug 09

Great experience. Go early to avoid crowds. No photography inside. Grounds and chapel were beautiful. The audio guide as you walk thru is interesting. Tons of art and history well preserved and on good display. People working the rooms were quick to answer any questions.

neha sharma 2023 Jul 31

Visit only if you are interested in royal life. It's a bit overwhelming and surreal inside. The garden is beautiful and worth a look. The view of the Arthur seat is magnificent from the garden. They offer a lift to take the buggy inside but not so kids friendly inside the palace as it's mostly dark and less space to walk.
They provide free audio for a self-guided tour.

Kathy N 2023 Jul 22

If you like history, this tour will not disappoint. The palace is still used today, but your tour takes you through several rooms of the palace with rich history. An audio guide gives you information as you make your way around. No photos allowed inside the palace m, but outside on the grounds, you are free to take photos. This was a great tour! I highly recommend for all! Buy tickets in advance or at the gate.

Meth Herath 2023 Jul 21

This is a working place and the royal family use this place all the time. Has many interesting things to see. The inside state rooms are a very interesting along with many artworks, sculptures etc. however you cannot take pictures inside. The garden at the back is very plain. The cost of entry is high.

Malathi Seshasayee 2023 Jun 25

Loved the entire place. The audio visual guide takes us through the history. So much to imagine and feel about. Beautifully paintings, tapestries, ceilings so artistically done speaks volumes.
To top it the garden adds beauty. The Abbey completes the whole set up. Totally we get a royal feeling going around.