The Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the official residence of the monarch in Scotland and is steeped in history. Located at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, it has been a focal point for Scottish royalty since the 16th century. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, which feature opulent furnishings and precious artworks. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128, complement the palace's rich historical landscape. The beautiful gardens surrounding the estate provide a serene setting for reflection and enjoyment.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 21,346
- Tripadvisor 4.5 11,967
- Viator 4.3 7,072
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Beautiful gardens and abbey ruins The palace grounds feature stunning gardens and the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey, offering picturesque views and a serene environment for exploration.
- Comprehensive audio guide included A detailed and engaging audio tour is included with admission, providing valuable context and insights into the palace's history, art, and architecture, enhancing the visitor experience.
- Convenient location on the Royal Mile Situated at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the palace is easily accessible and can be combined with other attractions in the city center.
- Rich history and royal connection The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a deep dive into Scottish and British history, with connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, and its continued use as a working residence for the Royal Family.
- Stunning views of Arthur's Seat The palace gardens offer spectacular views of Arthur's Seat, providing a scenic backdrop and photo opportunities.
Criticised
- Admission fee can feel expensive The cost of entry may seem high compared to other attractions, especially considering the time spent inside.
- Can be crowded The palace can get crowded, particularly during peak season, potentially impacting the enjoyment of the tour.
- Limited access in some areas Some areas, such as Mary Queen of Scots' chambers, may involve navigating narrow stairs, which could be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
- More focus on British than Scottish history Some visitors may find the palace's focus leans more towards British monarchy than specifically Scottish history.
- Photography prohibited inside Photography is strictly forbidden within the palace interiors, which may be disappointing for visitors who wish to capture their experience.
The longer read
The Palace of Holyroodhouse receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many visitors considering it a highlight of their Edinburgh trip, some even preferring it to Edinburgh Castle due to smaller crowds. Its location at the end of the Royal Mile, coupled with beautiful gardens and views of Arthur's Seat, contributes to its appeal. A key feature consistently praised is the comprehensive and user-friendly audio guide, included with admission, which enriches the experience by providing historical context and insights from both historical figures and current royals. Many reviewers highlight that it’s a working royal palace, which adds a unique dimension to the visit. This means you get to see a place still in use by the Royal Family. The palace's connection to Mary, Queen of Scots, is a focal point, with her chambers being a particularly popular area. Visitors find the palace steeped in Scottish and British history, covering events from Mary's reign to modern times. The state rooms are often described as impressive, showcasing elegant ceilings, tapestries, and artwork. The abbey ruins and gardens offer a tranquil escape and photo opportunities. While photography is not permitted inside the palace, this is generally viewed as a positive aspect, encouraging visitors to fully engage with their surroundings and appreciate the details of the interior. Many advise purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season. Some reviewers mention the gift shop and cafe as convenient amenities. Several reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly staff. Wheelchair accessibility is also commended, making the palace inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges. A few reviewers mention that if you gift aid your ticket purchase you can get a pass that gives you access for twelve months. Though some find the admission fee a bit expensive, most agree that the overall experience, including the audio tour and access to the palace, abbey ruins, and gardens, justifies the cost. Overall, visitors describe it as an informative, engaging, and memorable experience, suitable for history enthusiasts and those interested in royal history.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 303 123 7306
- Website
- rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse
| Mon | 9:30 - 18:00 |
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| Tue | 9:30 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 9:30 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 9:30 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 9:30 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 9:30 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 9:30 - 18:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh?
- What are the must-see rooms and features inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- When is the best time of year to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse for fewer crowds and good weather?
- Are guided tours offered at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and are they recommended for first-time visitors?
- What should visitors know about accessibility and practical tips when touring the Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.