Top things to see and do at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

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Enjoy the ultimate royal experience at the home of Scottish royalty. The Palace is open to the public all year round and we can’t wait to welcome you in and make some magical memories together.

Your visit to the Palace includes the State Apartments which are used by the monarch and members of the Royal Family for official ceremonies and events. 

As the home of Scottish royal history, these spectacular rooms have played host to many significant occasions. See the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie partied, and the remarkable Throne Room, where George IV famously wore Highland dress at a levée or royal reception. With so much royal history and splendour it is possible to walk straight past some amazing treasures, so here are a few to look out for.

1. Glimpse the Great Stair

What would a royal palace be without a grand entrance? As you enter the Palace you will see the impressive stone staircase built for Charles II. Don't miss the spectacular ceiling plasterwork where a life-size angel holds the Scottish crown, as well as amazing Tapestries on the walls which were sent to the Palace by Prince Albert. 

2. Be charmed by Charles II

Come for the majesty, stay for the masters. There are amazing paintings to see on your visit to the Palace. A highlight has to be the magnificent portrait of Charles II by John Michael Wright hanging in the Throne Room. Much of the Palace you can see today is from renovations and rebuilding work started during Charles II's reign, however he never actually visited the Palace himself. The Palace is packed with other extraordinary treasures including incredible furniture and tapestries.

3. Discover the Royal Dining Room

Want to see where the Royal Family dines? Queen Elizabeth II used the lavish Royal Dining Room when she stayed at the Palace. It was however Queen Victoria who first decided that this room should be used as a royal dining room. Don't miss the wonderful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which was specially commissioned to hang at Holyroodhouse. 

4. Be dazzled by the Darnley Jewel

Well it wouldn't be a royal residence without some bling! As you make your way through the rooms where Mary, Queen of Scots lived, you will see this spectacular heart-shaped locket made from blue glass, rubies, and an emerald! Made for Mary's mother-in-law, Lady Margaret Douglas, the Jewel features emblems and inscriptions that reveal Margaret's ambitions for her grandson the future James VI and I.

5. Spot a spectacular unicorn

Did you know Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn? While you make your way around the Palace and grounds keep an eye out for unicorns on gate posts, carved into walls and on ceilings. There are some on the ceiling of the Presence Chamber and see if you spot the unicorns above the Palace's front door.

6. Keep the kids keen

While our free multimedia guide has a children’s version where Holly and Rudy help guide you through the Palace, that's not the only helping hand for parents. Be sure to drop by the Family Room where there are costumes for dressing up and fun activities to entertain the kids. Try out the magnetic wall where you can create your own coat of arms! See our family page to discover more.

7. Glide through the gardens

Want to see where Queen Elizabeth II hosted garden parties while in Edinburgh? You can wander through the beautiful 4-hectare Palace gardens which have uninterrupted views towards the Queen's Park, also known as Holyrood Park. The gardens include the Wentworth Elm, a species which until recently was thought to be extinct! You can also visit the Physic Garden which contains medicinal and culinary plants that would have grown at the site in the 17th-century.

8. Treat yourself to tea

What better way to end your day then relaxing in the Café at the Palace? Set in the historic Mews Courtyard, the Café offers seasonal home-made dishes from fresh, locally sourced produce including a delicious Afternoon Tea. Our Afternoon tea showcases a variety of delicious savouries, sandwiches and elegant sweets and cakes, served with your choice of loose-leaf tea or coffee, and paired with a glass of Sparkling Wine. The Café was recently awarded ‘Taste Our Best’ by VisitScotland and is also dog-friendly.

So what are you waiting for...