The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse?
What makes it 57% Kids-Friendly: Easter crafts, child tickets, and scavenger trails help older kids engage, but strict no-touch rules and fine-art focus may leave younger children restless after 45-60 minutes.
Positives:
- Child-friendly facilities: Pushchairs allowed, baby-care rooms and under-5s free admission make visits smooth.
- Engaging multimedia guide: Free audio guide offers kid-friendly commentary and subtitles.
Challenges:
- Detailed art focus: Fine-art drawings may be less engaging for younger children over long periods.
- No hands-on exhibits: The gallery has no interactive displays to occupy very active kids.
What is The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse?
- An art gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse dedicated to rotating exhibitions drawn from the Royal Collection, one of the world’s most significant art holdings
- Housed in a restored 19th-century church and school shell at the palace entrance and opened as The Queen’s Gallery during the 2002 Golden Jubilee
- Showcases paintings, drawings, sculpture and decorative arts held in trust by the sovereign, spanning from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary royal commissions
What is so special about The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse for with kids?
- Scavenger-hunt style Art Detective Trail keeps kids engaged.
- Free multimedia guides with kid-friendly mode bring drawings to life.
- Joint Palace and Gallery ticket unlocks royal history and savings.
- Easter craft sessions add a hands-on twist during school holidays.
- Facilities like pushchair access and baby-care rooms ease family needs.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets a family explore key exhibitions and activities without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Explore Drawing the Italian Renaissance:
See 80 works including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian.
Tip: Use the free multimedia guide’s Plain English mode for kids.
Art Detective Trail:
Challenge kids to spot Scottish lion, unicorn motifs and red chalk studies.
Tip: Print a simple checklist and bring pencils for a fun scavenger hunt.
Combine with Holyroodhouse Palace:
Upgrade to a joint ticket for 10% off and tour Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms.
Tip: Buy the combo online in advance to skip lines and unlock savings.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Book tickets online: Reserve timed-entry slots and joint tickets to skip queue and save 10%.
- Visit early: Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter galleries and more space for kids to move.
Reviews of The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Fiona Priestley
A wonderful look at some of the world's most precious artworks. I have visited several exhibitions and enjoyed them thoroughly. An extra 'plus' is that your ticket is valid for a year.
Karen Holland
The King’s Gallery at Holyrood is a real gem. It’s smaller and more intimate than the Palace itself, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable – you can take your time without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The exhibitions are beautifully curated and always changing, so there’s something fresh to see each visit. What I loved is how well presented everything is: the information is clear, interesting a...
Aaron Daniels
A wonderful gallery which changes its show every so often. When we were there, it featured the royal family's official photographs. The audio guide really made this come alive. Although it is not a huge gallery, its quality is excellent. Most people appear to skip this element of the Holyrood House--it is an additional ticket; but it really enhances the experience. I don't suppose kids would find ...
Emily
We visited the Royal portraits exhibition which was well worth a visit, some incredible photos that you've never seen before and expertly curated. A great self guided tour with the option of using a free audio guide and headset. £11 adult entry, approx. 1 hour tour & only in Edinburgh until September 2025 so get a visit in!
Agnal Jose Thodupuzha
Nothing is here to see for 20 pounds . Waste of money and time. If you have money for wasting you can go there. No drinking water allowed and no camera and photography allowed here
When is the best time to visit The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
During Easter school holidays (late Mar to mid-Apr), join free craft sessions on Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat 11:00–15:00 in the Palace Family Room. Check rct.uk for exact dates.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket ×2 | GBP 22 |
| Child ticket ×2 | GBP 11 |
| Souvenirs | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 43 |
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
Map of The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
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About The King's Gallery, 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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