Palace of Holyroodhouse (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Palace of Holyroodhouse?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Strolling hand-in-hand through gardens, sharing afternoon tea, or booking an after-hours champagne tour feels special, but tight room flow and ticket price mean it is charming rather than perfect.
Positives:
- Rich royal heritage: Explore over 500 years of Stuart history in intimate palace rooms.
- Scenic garden strolls: Wander hand-in-hand through landscaped grounds with city views.
Challenges:
- Uneven surfaces: Abbey ruins and some apartments have narrow stairs and floors.
- Limited indoor seating: Few benches inside; plan café breaks to rest during the tour.
What is Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- A 16th-century royal palace at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile that serves as the official Scottish residence of the monarchy
- A historic complex that combines the Palace of the Stuarts’ State Apartments, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and ten acres of landscaped gardens beside Arthur’s Seat
- A repository of royal art and furnishings, featuring ornate plaster ceilings, Brussels tapestries and the apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots
What is so special about Palace of Holyroodhouse for couple trip?
- Immerse in centuries of royal drama in the State Apartments.
- Discover Mary, Queen of Scots’ private chambers and hidden stories.
- Stroll ten acres of gardens with Arthur’s Seat as a backdrop.
- Join free warden talks in the Abbey for local myths and legends.
- Relax with local dishes or afternoon tea in a historic courtyard.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to tour the State Apartments, explore the abbey and gardens, and enjoy a café break.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Palace of Holyroodhouse
State Apartments:
View the Great Gallery, ornate plaster ceilings, and Brussels tapestries.
Tip: Use the free multimedia guide to learn royal stories as you walk through.
Mary, Queen of Scots Apartments:
See the room where David Rizzio was murdered and read period details.
Tip: Look for descriptive plaques; arrive early to avoid groups.
Holyrood Abbey:
Wander the 12th-century Gothic ruins set against the palace walls.
Tip: Join a free hourly warden talk near the abbey for hidden legends.
Palace Gardens:
Stroll ten acres of landscaped grounds with views of Arthur’s Seat.
Tip: Walk to the east terrace at sunset for the best couple photo spot.
Café at the Palace:
Historic Mews Courtyard café serving local dishes and afternoon tea.
Tip: Book tea online in advance to secure a table and avoid waits.
When is the best time to visit Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
From May to September, visit late morning to see gardens in full bloom and enjoy extended café hours. In winter, check shorter café times and bring layers; midday tours are quieter.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh)
Anandaraman Kaippillil Ramachandran
The palace was truly magnificent, though it offered little beyond its rooms; there were no relics of the king, no swords, nor treasures to behold. Yet, in its grandeur and elegance, the palace itself was marvellous.
Melanie Stensrud
Our visit was a life long (or at least since college) bucket list item accomplished. No pictures allowed inside, but it's magnificent. Only a tiny part is preserved from Mary, Queen of Scots time. The rest is a remarkably comfortable stately house. The furniture and art are impressive. The back stairs to Queen Mary's apartments are so tiny and steep it's amazing that so many people could use them...
Linda McVicar
Interesting castle and history. Recommend taking the after hours guided tour. No one else around. The guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. The tour also includes the gardens and the abbey. And they give you a souvenir book!
Katherine Haywood
Don’t think it was worth the cost of admission compared to some other attractions I’ve been to. I took my time and still only spent about an hour here. Got there early and was probably one of the first 50 people in line so got to enjoy some of the rooms by myself for a bit which was great. Loved that they automatically give you the audio tour. There’s maybe 10 or so rooms that you get to walk thro...
Jana Miskarova
The best way is to buy tickets in advance or buy a package with hop on and off bus as the tickets are guaranteed entry, pre booked. It's kinda lots of people,despite its Monday afternoon. Anyway, it is worth visiting. It's strictly prohibited to take photos inside the palace, so i can only post the area around. Enjoy coming as it's full of history. The Royal Botanical Garden is stunning 😍
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission for 2 Adults (advance) | GBP 42 |
| Traditional afternoon tea for two | GBP 60 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 102 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Purchase advance tickets: Book online to secure the £21 rate and skip on-site lines.
- Start early: Begin with the State Apartments at opening to beat midday crowds.
- Reserve tea slot: Book afternoon tea ahead to avoid fully booked time slots.
Map of Palace of Holyroodhouse
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
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About Palace of Holyroodhouse
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 303 123 7306Explore Popular Things to Do
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