Palace of Holyroodhouse (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Palace of Holyroodhouse?
What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: Free family audio, costume play room, garden and abbey trails, and child tickets make it educational fun, yet fragile art, no playground, and occasional stroller storage demand close parental control.
Positives:
- Free under-5 admission: Children under 5 enter free, easing the cost for toddlers.
- Child-focused resources: Family audio guide and activity trails keep 7–12 year-olds engaged.
Challenges:
- Narrow passages: Some royal rooms have tight corridors and uneven floors—kids may need to walk close to walls.
- Weather impact on gardens: Gardens can get muddy after rain. Bring waterproof shoes for children.
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 with kids?
- Interactive family audio guides keep kids entertained
- Family Room offers costumes and hands-on activities
- Under-5s enter free, child rates for ages 5–17
- Gardens and Abbey ruins provide outdoor fun
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets a family cover the State Apartments, Abbey ruins, gardens and take breaks at the café without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Palace of Holyroodhouse
Self-guided State Apartments tour:
Visit the Great Gallery and Mary, Queen of Scots’ private rooms.
Tip: Pick up the family audio guide at the entrance to unlock quizzes and fun facts.
Family Room & activity trails:
Dress up in period costumes and use worksheets to explore palace history.
Tip: Grab the worksheets early in the Family Room so kids can spot symbols throughout the palace.
Explore Holyrood Abbey ruins:
Walk through the medieval nave and Gothic arches of the Abbey.
Tip: Join a free warden talk (hourly) to hear dramatic stories about the Abbey.
Stroll the Palace Gardens:
Roam ten acres of landscaped lawns with views of Arthur’s Seat.
Tip: Follow the family garden trail to spot wildlife and discover hidden monuments.
When is the best time to visit Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
April–September brings blooming borders and longer daylight. Winters are quieter but cool and wet—pack raincoats and layers.
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 Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission tickets (2 adults, 1 child 5–17, 1 under-5) | GBP 52.5 |
| Light lunch at the Palace café | GBP 35 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 87.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Book tickets online: Secure advance tickets at lower prices and skip the ticket queue.
- Arrive at opening: Beat crowds by entering when the palace opens; quieter rooms make exploring with kids easier.
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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