Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
| Tour Details & Highlights
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse with Bright Bus Tours and step into royal splendour in the heart of Edinburgh.
This stunning royal residence invites you to explore centuries of fascinating history and admire breathtaking art.
Our Bright Bus City Tour stops right at the palace’s doorstep, making it easy to hop off and enjoy a regal experience.
Read on to learn more about this impressive landmark in Scotland’s capital.
We’ll also share the best tips and tour tidbits to enrich your visit to Holyroodhouse.
The History of Holyrood Palace
Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh sits proudly at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and boasts an incredible history that spans nearly 900 years. It was originally founded as a monastery in 1128 and evolved into the official Scottish residence of the monarchy.
The palace has witnessed countless royal dramas, from the tragic reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the brief occupation by Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Today, the Palace of Holyroodhouse continues its legacy as the official residence of the reigning British ruler in Scotland, hosting the Royal Family during their visits. The palace’s close associations with some of Scotland’s most famous residents and well-known historical figures make it a gold mine of Scottish history.
Visit Holyrood Palace With Bright Bus Tours
Our convenient bus to Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh makes it easy to explore this royal wonder.
Get all the essential information you need below.
Tour Details
Hop off at stop 15 during our City Tour for direct access to Holyrood Palace. Would you rather take our Britannia Tour to explore even more royal treasures? No problem — you can easily walk or take a short taxi ride from Edinburgh Castle to reach this historic site. Our friendly on-street ambassadors are always ready to help you plan your visit.
Here’s what you can expect when planning your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Opening hours — The palace opens at 9:30 AM and welcomes visitors daily during July, August, and September.
- Standard admission prices — As of 2024, walk-in tickets are: Adults £22, Children (5-17) £11, and Under 5s enter free. Visit the official website to learn more. Please note our Bright Bus Tour tickets are a separate charge.
- Guided tours — Enjoy an elevated experience with expert-led Holyrood Palace tours, available throughout the day.
Accessibility
- The palace is extremely accessible, with some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms.
- Accessible toilets are located in the Café at the Palace (no ticket required).
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Audio guides are provided for blind or partially-sighted visitors.
Restaurants, Shops & Events
- Palace Shop — Browse exclusive gifts inspired by various royal palaces and the Royal Collection.
- Café at the Palace — Enjoy homemade dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce.
- Upcoming events — Check the official website for upcoming special events.
Discover the majestic Holyrood Palace as you explore Edinburgh with Bright Bus Tours.
Book your tickets online today.
Highlights of Holyroodhouse Palace
Get ready for a royal adventure as you explore these must-see areas of the palace.
#1: State Apartments
Marvel at the grandeur of the state apartments where the Queen and other royals hold official engagements. You’ll be dazzled by the shiny furniture, amazing art, and beautiful tapestries that reflect the majesty of the British monarchy. It’s like stepping into a royal fairytale.
#2: Mary, Queen of Scots Chambers
Immerse yourself in the dramatic history of Mary Queen of Scots. These chambers witnessed the infamous murder of her secretary, David Rizzio, planned by her husband Lord Darnley. Feel the weight of history as you stand where these pivotal events unfolded.
#3: The Great Gallery
Prepare to be awe-struck by the Great Gallery, the largest room in the palace. This impressive hall is packed with portraits of Scottish kings and queens — both real and legendary. It offers visitors a visual journey through Scotland’s royal lineage.
#4: Abbey Ruins
Explore the haunting beauty of Holyrood Abbey, where Holyroodhouse stands today. These ruins date back to 1128 and have played witness to coronations, royal weddings, and burials of Scotland’s monarchs. Also, don’t miss the Abbey Strand, which connects the palace to the Royal Mile of Edinburgh.
Get ready to walk in the footsteps of kings and queens.
Choose our buses to Holyrood Palace and experience these incredible highlights for yourself!
Book your Holyrood Palace Experience Now
Benefits of Visiting Holyrood Palace With Bright Bus Tours
Here’s why you’ll experience the royal side of Edinburgh with ease and excitement on our hop-on, hop-off tours.
The Most Engaging Way To Tour Edinburgh
Our friendly drivers and on-street ambassadors bring Edinburgh’s history to life, making your Holyrood Palace tour unforgettable. We don’t just drive you around — we’re also here to share local tips and fascinating stories about the city we love.
Explore Nearby Royal Attractions
Holyrood Palace is just the beginning of your royal adventure! Our City Tour also stops at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, while our Britannia Tour takes you to the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Garden for a peaceful stroll through regal greenery.
Cheap Tickets & Simple Booking
We believe everyone deserves a royal experience without the royal price tag. Our tickets start from just £16 for 24 hours, giving you amazing value for your Edinburgh exploration. Booking is effortless: You can do it online before you arrive, or chat with our on-site specialist Ambassadors at St Andrew Square, Waverley Bridge or Waterloo Place.
Get the royal treatment all across Edinburgh with Bright Bus Tours.
Visit our tour page to learn more about our City and Britannia tours.
Bright Bus Tours: The Brightest Way To Explore Edinburgh’s Royalty
At Bright Bus Tours, we’ve been lighting up Edinburgh’s streets since 2019. Our mission is to give you the friendliest, most fun-filled way to explore this amazing city. And we’re not just about getting you from A to B — we’re passionate about making every moment of your journey exceptional.
From Holyrood Palace to other stops along the Royal Mile, our City and Britannia Tours have got you covered. And if you’re touching down in Edinburgh, our Airport Bus Express service is the fastest and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre.
Embark on a special Edinburgh adventure with Bright Bus Tours.
Book your tickets now to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the city’s other majestic landmarks.