John Allan · CC BY-SA 2.0 Why visit
Palace of Holyroodhouse is worth allowing time for because it combines state rooms, architecture and the political or social history attached to a major residence. The site is more useful than a quick photograph: its surviving features give clear evidence of how the place developed and how people used it. Key things to concentrate on are principal state or historic rooms, exterior architecture and landscaped setting and historic urban setting. Its position in or near Edinburgh also makes it a practical anchor for exploring the surrounding region without reducing the visit to a simple landmark stop.
What you will see
- principal state or historic rooms.
- exterior architecture and landscaped setting.
- historic urban setting.
History
Holyrood Abbey was founded in the 12th century, and a royal residence developed beside it. The palace became a principal Scottish royal residence and was extensively rebuilt in the 17th century.
Photographs
John Allan · CC BY-SA 2.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.
Visitor tips
- 1
Allow enough time for the principal features rather than treating the stop only as a photograph.
- 2
Check the official visitor page shortly before travel for access, booking and any temporary restrictions.
About Central and Southern Scotland
Edinburgh and Stirling’s royal strongholds, national collections, modern public art and the planned industrial village of New Lanark.
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