We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Palace of Holyroodhouse: Traveler Reviews

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, Scotland
44-131-556-1096
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #17 of 175 attractions in Edinburgh
Book a Tour

Type: Historic Sites, Castles
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Description: This is an official residence of the Queen and the Royal Family.
Write a Review

1,291 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    732
    424
    115
    16
    4
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Palace of Holyroodhouse
See the most recent reviews
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
“The Real Deal”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 20, 2012

As long as the Queen is not in residence, the palace is open for a guided tour. All the state rooms and private rooms are included in the tour as well as the bedroom of Mary Queen of Scots with an excellent narrative of the bloody history. The bedrooms and the Victorian collection room are of special interest where you feel that you are a witness to past and current history. The portrait gallery is unique in that all the portraits were restored and all reframed in the same plain frame, a very strange sight. You exit the palace into the ruins of a 13th to 14th century abbey that has enough dramatic arches and walls to keep you well occupied. When you step out onto the exterior of the abbey, notice the impressive wall decorations which are in excellent condition. The pathway back to the entrance gate is through the Queen's private garden. A nice touch to end the tour.

Visited October 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by JoeBoston73 for Edinburgh
Ask JoeBoston73 about Palace of Holyroodhouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vancouver, Canada
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Rich history and over-the-top interior”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

In terms of interior decor/furnishings Holyrood really was over the top. As you progress further in your tour, the plaster work ceilings become ever more grandiose. Downside is that you are unable to take photographs. Upside is that there are many willing and enthusiastic docents available to answer your questions.
Very interesting to see where Lord Darnley was murdered in front of Mary Queen of Scots - I know, gruesome, but this is history!
The abbey ruins are also quite compelling. Overall, we are very glad we visited and enjoyed this just as much as Edinburgh castle, perhaps a tad bit more.

Visited September 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Bucketlistgal for Edinburgh
Ask Bucketlistgal about Palace of Holyroodhouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Perth, Australia
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“I am glad I went...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

I wasn't so sure if I wanted to come here, having said that I would now say it is not to be missed.
So much history, such beautiful artworks and old tapestries, and such a beautiful garden.

Visited November 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by ElmoTJ for Edinburgh
Ask ElmoTJ about Palace of Holyroodhouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Edinburgh
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Not really that much to see”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 17, 2012

The Palace is ok if it's a rainy day with nothing else to do.

There's not that much to see and what there is isn't that thrilling.

Signage is poor and you get lost quite often.

Don't blink or you might miss it.

We were expecting sumptuous rooms (the Queens bedroom was good) and fine jewels, ornaments and table settings.

It all looked like it had been done on the cheap. I've seen grander hotels in Edinburgh where you can pop in for a look free!!!

Visited November 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Wykesey for Edinburgh
Ask Wykesey about Palace of Holyroodhouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
vienna
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
“Nice historic building”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 16, 2012

We made an audio tour through this important building. There the Queen lives in August. You can visit also the big dining room and the interesting paintings.

Visited October 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by christianvienna for Edinburgh
Ask christianvienna about Palace of Holyroodhouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Travelers who viewed Palace of Holyroodhouse also viewed

 
Edinburgh, Scotland
 

Been to Palace of Holyroodhouse? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Palace of Holyroodhouse, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing