Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh: 2026 Prices, Hours, and Secrets

Exterior view of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the perfect closing point at the end of the Royal Mile. Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse (or simply Holyrood Palace) originally began as a monastery founded by King David I in 1128. However, its comfort and strategic location led Scottish monarchs to prefer living here rather than in the cold and windy Edinburgh Castle. In the early 16th century, King James IV transformed the monastery into a proper royal palace.

Today, it remains a fully functioning working palace. This means that when King Charles III travels to Scotland (especially during Holyrood Week between late June and early July), the palace closes completely to the public to host official ceremonies and royal receptions. It serves as the ultimate reward after walking all the way down the Royal Mile heading east.

The Tragic Secret of Mary, Queen of Scots

The biggest draw for travelers crossing the palace gates is visiting the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, located in the northwest tower—the oldest surviving section of the building.

It was right here, on March 9, 1566, that one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of the Scottish monarchy unfolded. Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley, consumed by jealousy, led a group of nobles who forced their way into the Queen's private rooms. There, they brutally stabbed David Rizzio—Mary’s private secretary and closest confidant—56 times while she was six months pregnant.

Today, as you walk through the room, you can spot a small brass plaque on the wooden floor marking the exact spot where Rizzio fell. Local lore claims that despite countless attempts to clean the floorboards over the centuries, the bloodstain inexplicably reappears.

Historic wooden rooms and tapestries of Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Ticket Prices and Entry Updates (2026)

A crucial detail that confuses many visitors: tickets are significantly cheaper if you buy them online in advance. Buying them at the ticket office on the day of your visit incurs a surcharge.

Price Comparison (Online vs Gate)

Adults (25+): Online £22.00 / Gate £26.00
Young People (18-24): Online £14.00 / Gate £17.00
Children (5-17) / Concessions: Online £11.00 / Gate £13.00
Under 5s: Free in both cases

Traveler Tip / Money Saver: Before leaving the palace grounds at the end of your tour, you can ask a staff member to stamp your physical or digital ticket to convert it into a 1-Year Pass. If you plan to return to Edinburgh within the next 12 months, you will be able to enter again for free as many times as you like.

Opening Times and Closure Dates (2026)

The palace adjusts its opening schedule depending on the season. Keep an eye on this because, unlike other major sights, it closes two days a week during the winter months.

Summer Season (April 1 to October 31)

Opening Days: Open Thursday to Monday (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, except from May 21 to September 7 when it opens 7 days a week).
Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM).

Winter Season (November 1 to March 31)

Opening Days: Open Thursday to Monday (Closed every Tuesday and Wednesday).
Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Last admission at 3:15 PM).

⚠️ ROYAL CLOSURE ALERTS FOR 2026: As a working royal palace, the site will be closed from June 26 to July 3, 2026 for the King's annual visit. It also closes on December 25 and 26. Always double-check the official website before heading down just in case last-minute royal events arise.

The roofless, romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey next to the palace in Edinburgh.

What's Included: What Will You See Inside?

A standard ticket grants you access to a linear self-guided tour that comes with an official multimedia audio guide included in the price. The route covers:

The State Apartments: Stunning Baroque rooms packed with Flemish tapestries, elaborate plasterwork ceilings, and priceless works of art. These rooms were highly favored by Queen Elizabeth II, who spent a full week here every summer hosting thousands of guests in the famous palace gardens. Today, they are actively used by King Charles III.
The Great Gallery: The largest room in the palace, lined with 110 portraits of Scottish monarchs. This room holds immense recent historical significance, as it was chosen to host Queen Elizabeth II's first lying-at-rest following her passing at Balmoral in 2022, before her final journey to London.
Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers: The atmospheric historic section where narrow stone staircases transport you straight back to the 16th century.
Holyrood Abbey: Situated right next to the palace, these hauntingly beautiful, roofless ruins are an absolute architectural wonder and a dream for photography lovers.
The Royal Gardens: A gorgeous 4-hectare green oasis offering pristine, wide-angle views facing the volcanic cliffs of Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to visit the palace?

Exploring the interiors with the audio guide, walking through the abbey ruins, and strolling around the gardens will take you approximately 1.5 hours.

Is it included in the Explorer Pass?

No, it is not. The Explorer Pass covers properties managed by Historic Environment Scotland (like Edinburgh Castle). The Palace of Holyroodhouse is managed by the Royal Collection Trust on behalf of the Crown.

Can you take photos inside?

Photography for personal use is allowed without flash in most outdoor areas, including the gardens and abbey ruins. However, photography is strictly prohibited inside the State Apartments and historic chambers for conservation and security reasons.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The ground floor and the State Apartments are fully accessible. However, due to the historic nature of the building, Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers in the ancient tower can only be accessed via a very narrow, steep spiral staircase, meaning they are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

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