Holyrood Palace Entrance Fee

The Holyrood Palace entrance fee allows visitors to explore the magnificent royal residence in Edinburgh. This iconic palace offers various ticket options tailored to different visitor categories, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

Standard Admission Prices

The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers tiered pricing to accommodate different visitor groups. Adult tickets cost £18.00, providing access to the historic and State Apartments, the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and the royal gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour available in 10 languages. Young people aged 18-24 can purchase discounted tickets for £11.50, while children between 5-17 years old pay £10.00. Visitors with disabilities receive reduced admission at £10.00, and children under 5 enter free of charge.

Opening Hours and Seasonal Variations

The palace operates on a seasonal schedule that affects both opening hours and pricing. From April to October, the palace is open from 09:30 to 18:00, with last admission at 16:30. During the winter months from November to March, operating hours are reduced to 09:30-16:30, with last admission at 15:15. The palace is typically closed every Tuesday and Wednesday, except during July, August, and September when it remains open seven days a week.

Special Closures and Availability

Visitors should be aware of planned closures when the palace is completely unavailable. The Palace of Holyroodhouse will be fully closed from May 15-24, 2025, and again from June 26 to July 4, 2025. These closures typically coincide with royal visits and official events, as the palace serves as His Majesty The King’s official residence in Scotland.

Additional Features and Services

The standard entrance fee includes access to significant historical areas within the palace complex. Visitors can explore the State Apartments used for official ceremonies, the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots where dramatic episodes of her reign unfolded, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The palace also features beautiful royal gardens set against the backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, including a newly added physics garden with medicinal and culinary plants.

Enhanced Tour Options

For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, upgrade options are available. Visitors can enhance their visit with a 1.15-hour guided tour led by expert Royal Collection Trust guides, which includes exclusive after-hours access to the State Apartments. Alternative packages combine palace admission with 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus passes that also provide entry to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Accessibility and Special Services

The palace provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities, including mobility access and services for those who are hard of hearing, blind, or partially sighted, as well as visitors on the autism spectrum. Disabled parking is available where possible, and visitors requiring special assistance can contact the Specialist Sales team at specialistsales@rct.uk or +44 (0)303 123 7322.

The Holyrood Palace entrance fee not only allows access to a historic landmark but also ensures a comprehensive and enriching experience for all visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or the beautiful gardens, Holyrood Palace offers something for everyone, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Scotland’s royal heritage.