The Palace Of Holyroodhouse

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse located in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the official monarchial residence for one week in the beginning of the summer until the queen moves on to Balmoral Castle. During this time, it functions as a venue to hold official ceremonies, garden parties, and entertain guests. It is sometimes used at other points of the year due to its proximity to the Scottish Parliament.

The palace has seen many centuries, first serving as a home to monarchs in the fifteenth-century. The opportunity to catch a glimpse of the royal lifestyle lures thousands of visitors through its gates each year, and it doesn't disappoint.

Each visitor is given a hand-held, self-guided audio player that allows for constant narration throughout the walk in the palace and through the adjoining abbey and grounds. Visitors may wander through the dining room, reception hall, throne room, waiting room, and queen's bedroom, along with many other rooms of interest. The tapestries, portraiture, and elaborate furniture and ceilings are sure to capture any visitor's interest. Perhaps the most fascinating part of all, however, are the rooms that the unfortunate and eventually beheaded Mary, Queen of Scots once inhabited. Her bedroom and small dining chamber are on display, as well as the room where Mary's personal secretary, David Rizzio, was stabbed to death by her conspiratorial husband, Lord Darnley. The bloodstain from Rizzio's stabbing still remains in the wooden floorboards to this day, and can be clearly seen if sought out by curious visitors.

Besides the main house, the property also includes extensive grounds and gardens which are particularly beautiful and often used in royal functions, as well as an adjoining abbey that though it is in ruins, is no less fascinating.

A trip to the palace allows for not only aesthetic pleasure, but also historical education that is provided in a fun and interesting manner.


Hours:
9:30 am - 4:30 pm (1November - 31 March)
9:30 am - 6:00 pm (1 April - 31 October)

Admission:
Adults £10
Over 60/Students £9
Under 17 £6
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £38.50

Access:The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile, opposite Edinburgh Castle, in Old Town Edinburgh. There are constant trains into the city at Waverley and Haymarket Stations. Edinburgh bus station is a short walk away, located in New Town off of N. St. Andrews Street.

Palace of Holyrood House Homepage




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