Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

Private tour

Edinburgh City Tour with Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Residence

Known as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, opposite Edinburgh Castle, and has served as the Scottish monarch's principal residence since the 16th century. The palace is used for state occasions and official entertaining.

During her one-week stay at Holyroodhouse each summer, Queen Elizabeth II undertakes a number of official engagements and ceremonies. Mary, Queen of Scots' historic 16th-century apartments, as well as the State Apartments, which were used for official functions and state entertaining, are open to the public throughout the year, except when members of the Royal Family are in residence.

Built in 2002, the Queen's Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection at the western entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The palace gardens are part of Holyrood Park.

The medieval legend states that the Abbey was founded around 900 years ago by David I of Scotland. A stag with glowing antlers appeared to the king while he was out hunting. A monastery was built on the very same spot because he saw this as a message from God. Abbey and Palace are called 'Holy Rood' because they refer to the Holy Cross. When Edinburgh was recognized as Scotland's capital, its monarchs chose Holyroodhouse as their residence.