The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 18 Jun, 2023
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Welcome to the official Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland; a castle filled with intrigue, history, and incredibly unique stories that have spanned over centuries. From its royal connections and mysteries to its standing as a hotspot for travel, this majestic palace has seen it all. Let’s dive into the interesting facts and travel guide of the eminent Palace of Holyroodhouse and see what makes it so special.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
1. King Charles I signed the death warrant of his father-in-law, Lord Damley, in the Council Chamber of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 1648.
2. The palace is said to be haunted by Mary, Queen of Scots’ father-in-law, Lord Damley.
3. The original palace was built in 1128 on the orders of King David I.
4. The palace has its own resident ghost, in the form of James V of Scotland.
5. The palace was the official residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert when in Edinburgh.
6. The palace has had a tumultuous history over the years with several sieges and historic battles fought here.
7. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when in Scotland.
8. The palace is a popular tourist attraction and offers guided tours of the official state apartments.
9. Every summer, the Queen hosts The Palace of Holyroodhouse Garden Party in the palace gardens.
10. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an important venue for state ceremonies such as investitures of new knights, ambassadors presenting credentials to the monarch, and the annual ceremony to mark Her Majesty’s birthday in Scotland.
History & Information About The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and provides a home for Queen Elizabeth II for one week every summer. The palace also served as the home for numerous Scottish kings and queens throughout the centuries but is best known for being the scene of the murder of Mary, Queen of Scots’ secretary, David Rizzio, in 1566.
The palace was originally a guesthouse for the monks of Holyrood Abbey, which was founded by King David I in 1128. In 1501, King James IV built a new palace on the land and it became his favoured residence. By the time of Mary, Queen of Scots’ accession to the throne in 1542, the palace had been extended and much of the current building dates from this period.
The palace is made up of two main parts: the Palace, which comprises the original royal apartments, and the Great Hall, which was built in 1617 by King James VI. The Great Hall is home to many works of art, including large tapestries depicting the royal coats of arms.
Today, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is used for state ceremonial events and is open to the public throughout the year. Many of the rooms are used to host royal receptions, investitures, and other functions, and parts of the palace complex, including the Great Gallery and Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, are open to visitors.
Travel Guide For Visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence and principal workplace of the British monarch in Scotland. Situated at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, beside the Scottish Parliament, it’s the home of stunning historic interiors and magnificent artwork by the likes of Rubens, van Dyck and Verrio. It has royal connections going back to the 16th century, when it served as the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Getting There
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and is easy to get to. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street. Alternately, you can take the number 4, 23 or 27 buses to Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Opening Time
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open to visitors from April to October daily from 9.30am to 6.00pm, with last admission at 5.30pm. During the winter months (November to March) the palace is closed to visitors. However, it is open on certain dates for special exhibitions.
Ticket Price
Tickets for adults cost £15.50, while tickets for children aged 5-15 cost £9.50 and those for younger children (up to age 4) are free. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Visitor Centre.
What to See
When visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, make sure to explore the State Apartments and the Queen’s Gallery. A audio tour is available to visitors, which details the history of the palace and its inhabitants. Also, don’t miss out on the chance to wander around the ruins of the 12th century Abbey.
Groups
If you’re planning a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a group of 10 or more, make sure to book your tickets in advance as group discounts are available. You will need to purchase all the tickets in one transaction at the time of booking in order to qualify for the discount.
Planning a Visit
To make the most of your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, make sure to plan ahead. Familiarise yourself with the opening times and ticket prices and check to see if there are any special exhibitions on while you’re there. Also, consider taking the audio tour to learn more about the history of the palace and its inhabitants.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Q. What is The Palace of Holyroodhouse?
A. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It is located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the Old Town area of the city.
Q. How long has it been around?
A. Holyroodhouse has been around since the early 16th century and was the location of Mary Queen of Scots’ coronation as well as her wedding.
Q. What can I see at The Palace of Holyroodhouse?
A. You can see many items of interest in The Palace of Holyroodhouse, including a chapel, the Great Gallery and St. Margaret’s Museum.
Q. Is The Palace of Holyroodhouse open to the public?
A. Yes, The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open to the public and guided tours are available.
Q. Is there a dress code for visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse?
A. There is no formal dress code, however, respectful dress such as trousers, skirts, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.