"The ticket cost seemed too high for the service received. Delayed buses, overcrowding, and limited flexibility made the tour disappointing compared to other transportation options."
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overview
At the foot of Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands against the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, offering a striking blend of history and grandeur. As the official residence of the King in Scotland, this magnificent palace serves as a venue for state ceremonies, prestigious events, and elegant garden parties, making it one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks.
About the activity
Free Cancellation
Mobile Voucher
Instant Confirmation
Highlights
- An intimate peek of Scotland's official Royal Residence
- Located in the heart of Edinburgh is the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Discover the State Apartments' magnificence.
- Take a tour inside Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Itinerary
Located at the end of Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse sits against the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. As the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the palace remains an active royal venue where His Majesty the King hosts state ceremonies, formal receptions, and prestigious garden parties—making it both a historic landmark and a living symbol of the monarchy.
Explore the State Apartments
Step inside the opulent State Apartments, where centuries of royal taste and craftsmanship are on full display. Admire intricately detailed plaster ceilings, a rich collection of historic artworks, and an impressive array of grand tapestries that reflect evolving royal styles across different eras.
Continue your tour into the Throne Room, an important ceremonial space where members of the Order of the Thistle gather for official occasions. From there, enter the Great Gallery—the largest room in the palace—featuring striking portraits of Scotland’s legendary monarchs painted by Jacob de Wet. This gallery offers a powerful visual journey through Scotland’s royal lineage.
Discover Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers
Delve into one of the most captivating chapters of Scottish history in the private apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots. These chambers were her residence during a turbulent reign marked by political intrigue and personal tragedy.
Walk through the Bedchamber, Outer Chamber, and her intimate oratory, each space echoing stories from her life. Notably, these rooms were the setting for the dramatic murder of her Italian secretary—an event that continues to fascinate historians and visitors alike.
Why Visit
A visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a rare combination of royal heritage, architectural beauty, and compelling storytelling. From ceremonial grandeur to deeply personal royal history, this landmark delivers a comprehensive and unforgettable Edinburgh experience.
What's Included
What's Included
- Entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Schedule
Opening times:
- 01 Jan to 30 Mar 2026: Thu-Mon, 09:30 to 16:30 (last admission 15:15)
- 02 Apr to 11 May 2026: Thu-Mon, 09:30 to 18:00 (last admission 16:30)
- 21 May to 14 Sep 2026: Daily, 09:30 to 18:00 (last admission 16:30)
- 17 Sep to 31 Oct 2026: Thu-Mon, 09:30 to 18:00 (last admission 16:30)
- 01 Nov to 31 Dec 2026: Thu-Mon, 09:30 to 16:30 (last admission 15:15)
- Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX (Nearest Train Station: Edinburgh Waverley)
- Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Redemption Info
- Travellers must exchange their booking voucher.
- Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket.
- The company or tour operator will not provide a refund if ticket is misplaced.
Know Before You Go
- You must ensure that you have a mobile / printed copy of your ticket for entry.
- Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to Mary, Queen of Scots’ Apartments.
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open daily throughout the year, with a few exceptions when it is in use for official functions.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time.
- You must contact us through email. The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- There may be unexpected changes in the timetable due to public holidays, weather conditions, or other unanticipated situations. During major events, summer vacations, and weekends, the city will be quite busy.
- We will do everything we can to provide a smooth and consistent service! In such cases, no reimbursement is allowed.
- Tours run regardless of the weather. Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the service is discontinued due to inclement weather.
- The service provider preserves the right to amend or cancel the itinerary due to city events or force majeure.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
4.5
based on 2,096 reviews
Rating Distribution
"As first-time visitors, this tour was exactly what we needed. It provided an excellent overview of the city while making every destination easy and enjoyable to explore."
"The buses appeared worn, and some advertised stops were missed without explanation. Poor communication and unreliable service made the overall sightseeing experience frustrating rather than enjoyable."
"The bus simplified our entire trip. Clear routes, frequent departures, and comfortable seating helped us visit famous attractions without worrying about maps or complicated public transportation."
"Riding on the upper deck was the highlight of our vacation. Stunning city views, fresh air, and entertaining commentary made every mile enjoyable and memorable."
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