The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Originally founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1128, it evolved into a royal palace in the 16th century and has been a focal point of Scottish history ever since. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here during some of the most dramatic episodes of her reign, including the infamous murder of her secretary David Rizzio. Today, the palace remains a working royal residence, hosting state ceremonies and the annual Holyrood Week. Visitors can explore the opulent State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The surrounding gardens offer a tranquil contrast to the grandeur within. Rich in architectural detail and historical significance, the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a compelling glimpse into Scotland’s royal past and present, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the nation’s heritage.
Edinburgh ScotlandThe Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly known as Holyrood Palace, is located at the bottom of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile in the Old Town, with the address Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX. Serving as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the palace has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and is closely linked to famous Scottish figures like Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors can explore impressive state apartments, the Great Gallery adorned with royal portraits, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, all set within beautiful royal gardens. The palace is a functioning royal residence, hosting state ceremonies and official entertaining, and is accessible via foot, bus, or tram from Edinburgh city centre. Nearby, the Royal Mile offers a vibrant cultural route filled with historic buildings, shops, cafes, and other attractions such as the Scottish Parliament, Arthur’s Seat, and the lively Grassmarket, making the palace a key highlight in Edinburgh’s rich heritage and visitor experience.
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Museum of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Edinburgh
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Museum on the Mound
Edinburgh
National War Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Newhaven Heritage Museum
Edinburgh
People’s Story Museum
Edinburgh
Writers’ Museum
Edinburgh
St Cecilia’s Hall
Edinburgh
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Edinburgh
Corstorphine Heritage Centre
Edinburgh
Queensferry Museum
Edinburgh
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
Edinburgh
Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
Edinburgh
Our Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh
Trinity House Maritime Museum
Edinburgh
Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft
Edinburgh
King’s Theatre
Edinburgh
Festival Theatre
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Edinburgh Playhouse
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Queen’s Hall
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Usher Hall
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Royal Lyceum Theatre
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Traverse Theatre
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Bedlam Theatre
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Church Hill Theatre
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Rose Theatre
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Scottish Storytelling Centre
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Summerhall
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St Stephen’s Theatre
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Festival Square Theatre
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Leith Theatre
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Portobello Town Hall
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
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City Art Centre
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Collective Gallery
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Fruitmarket Gallery
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Open Eye Gallery
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Leith Walk Gallery
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Braewell Gallery
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Dovecot Studios
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Morningside Gallery
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West End Craft & Design Fair
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Bourne Fine Art Gallery
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Red Door Gallery
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Marchmont Gallery
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Talbot Rice Gallery
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Torrance Gallery
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Gallery TEN
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Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery
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Rhubaba Gallery and Studios
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Edinburgh Castle
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Craigmillar Castle
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Holyrood Park
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Princes Street Gardens
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The Meadows
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Inverleith Park
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Calton Hill
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Harrison Park
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Victoria Park
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Pilrig Park
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Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
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Arthur’s Seat
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Scott Monument
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The Royal Mile
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St Giles’ Cathedral
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
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Dean Village
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Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path
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The Real Mary King’s Close
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
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The Edinburgh Dungeon
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Grassmarket
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Stockbridge Market
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Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
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Leith Market
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Tron Kirk Market
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Ocean Terminal Market
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