Welcome to Scotland! Direction Edinburgh to visit the Palace of Holyrood, witness of the royalty and place responsible for history.
Just two hours aboard Paris, the sumptuous city of Edinburgh, located east of Scotland, attracts many tourists every year. We come to Edinburgh to enjoy its cafés, pubs, its chic and relaxed atmosphere, but also its medieval city, its surrounding countryside and its magnificent monuments, witness to a rich, prestigious and exciting history. At the same time medieval and modern, bucolic and groubling, student and dynamic, the capital of Scotland has many advantages to allow you to spend a wonderful weekend, of which you will surely remember.
Of course, you will certainly visit Edinburgh Castle, the Chapel of Saint Marguerite or the Cathedral of Saint-Gilles. But, during your stay, do not miss visiting the Holyrood Palace. Located at one end of the Royal Mile, this palace, also known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, has the peculiarity of being, still today, one of the official residences of the Queen of England in Scotland. This jewel of classical architecture is absolutely worth a visit!
Here's all you need to know to visit the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh! Good visit!
History of the Holyrood Palace
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Richie Chan
It is only in the Middle Ages that the kings of Scotland delay the austere castle of Edinburgh, to settle in the comfortable Abbey of Holyrood, built in 1128, by order of David 1 . It was also in this abbey that Jacques 2 of Scotland lived the day and was buried. But it was not yet a palace.
It will be necessary to wait until the end of the 15th century, for the abbey to gradually become a palace, thanks in particular to the arrangements ordered by Jacques 4. At the beginning of the 16th century, his successor will build the northwest tower, which will later become the apartments of Mary Stuart. At the beginning of the 17th century, while the crowns of Scotland and England were brought together, the palace lost its permanent seat of the royal court and had many destructions, which would require multiple renovations. During the French Revolution, the Count of Artois, the future Charles X, will find refuge in the palace. The royal family of France will again occupy the place during its exile in 1830.
Today, the Queen Elizabeth 2 spends a week a year at the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh to meet the Scottish Prime Minister and preside over various ceremonies. Prince Charles stays there regularly. When the royal family does not occupy the place, the palace is open to the public, which can thus appreciate the sumptuousness of the place, discover the secrets of royalty and the fierce stories of love, treason and crimes.
What to see and what to do at the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Shuang Li
State Apartments
Start your visit with state apartments or State Apartments English. You will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful antique rooms and the many reception rooms, still used today. Take a tour in the dining room of royal apartments, where the king dine in public, in front of a crowd of spectators, and discover the sumptuous bed of the King’s Bedchamber and his furniture.
Visiting the Palace of Holyrood is also passing through the room of Charles II, Privy Room . Today, she was used by the Queen for her private hearings with the Scottish Prime Minister.
The pieces of Bonnie Prince Charlie
Take it. Great Gallery , a room of more than forty-four meters long, used today for receptions organized by the Queen. It is said that Prince Charles Edouard Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charles, organized the most extravagant balls in the evening. In particular, you can admire the portrait of 89 kings of Scotland painted by Jan Wet between 1684 and 1686.
In the Ante-Room , you will discover where the prince dine in public, and in the bedroom of Lord Darnley, the sumptuous bed where he slept.
The Throne Room
Don't miss the throne room, a must-see at the Holyrood Palace! This room is always used for Queen's official receptions. You can admire the two thrones, commissioned by Georges 5, as well as a portrait of the king, dressed in a kilt in honour of the Scottish people.
Mary Stuart apartments
It is impossible to visit the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, without taking the time to go to the northeast tower, to discover Mary Stuart’s apartments, one of the most famous queens who lived here. You will discover her room, her dining room and the room where she received her visitors. Each of the pieces is decorated with intimate objects belonging to the Queen in person. It was here, in these apartments, that David Razzio, his closest advisor, was murdered in front of the Queen. The sponsor of this assassination was only in Henry Stuart, the son of the Queen and heir to the throne.
The gardens of the Palace of Holyrood
Enjoy these sumptuous gardens of four hectares, to take the air and admire the sundial of Queen Mary, created in 1633, for the crowning of Charles 1e. It is here, that every year, Garden Party, organized by the Queen.
Holyrood Abbey
The Abbey of Holyrood is located in the palace gardens. It is one of the largest medieval abbeys in Scotland. Observe the Romanesque arcades, Gothic windows, and look for the royal vault, where the remains of James 5. For the little story, the name of the abbey would come from the word “Rood”, the name attributed to the Holy Cross in ancient Scottish. Several coronations, marriages, and burials of members of the royal family took place in this abbey.
Temporary exhibitions and activities
The Palace offers many exciting temporary exhibitions. It also hosts several activities for the whole family. To know the exhibitions and activities of the moment, visit the official website of the Palace.
How do I go to the Holyrood Palace?
To visit Edinburgh and visit the Palace of Holyrood, book your flight to Edinburgh International Airport, very well served by many flights from most major European cities. To get the best prices, go to the flight comparison Ulysses .
Once at the airport, it is very easy to reach the city centre. The Airlink 100 bus takes you to the train station in less than 25 minutes, for 4.5 pounds sterling, or about 5 euros (2 pounds or 2,20 euros for children). The shuttle passes every ten minutes, twenty-four hours a day.
You can also opt for the tram or taxi to the centre of Edinburgh.
By car
It is easy to reach the Palace by car from the centre of Edinburgh. Parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd , just outside the palace.
By train
Many trains regularly serve the city of Edinburgh, from the main cities of England and Scotland. The palace is only a 15-minute walk from the train station.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place . The palace is a 20-minute walk from this resort. Consult Edinburgh’s tram website for schedules and rates.
By bus
Bus 6 and 35 stop near the palace. Panoramic buses are also available and offer stops to visit the Palace of Holyrood.
Schedules and Tariffs of the Holyrood Palace
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Samot
HORARI
- 1 November - 31 March : input at 09:30 / 15:15 / 16:30
- 1 April - 31 October : input at 09:30 / 16:30 / 18:00
- Closed on 25 – 26 December 2019 and on days visit of the Queen and her family
- Holyrood Abbey is closed 10 and 11 August
Rates
- Adult : 15 pounds (16.75 euros)
- Over 60 years / student : 13,50 pounds (15 euros)
- Under 17 / disabled person : 8.70 pounds (9.70 euros)
- Under 5 years : free
- Family (2 adults and 3 under 17) : 38,70 pounds (43,20 euros)
BON A LEARN
1. Your ticket includes multimedia visit one hour, available in many languages and in the language of British signs.
2. Des guided tours and royal visits are organized. Ask the palace.
3. He is forbidden to photograph inside the palace.
4. You can't go in with one. pushchair In the palace.
You now know everything you need to know to visit the Holyrood Palace!
Loading comments ...