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Palace of Holyroodhouse

Castle & Historic Landmark · Edinburgh, Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse is a castle & historic landmark in Edinburgh, Scotland. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £22–£26 · Child £11–£13 · Family £66
Royal Collection Trust 2026 prices: advance adult £22, child 5-17 £11 (on the day £26 / £13); under-5s free. No family ticket; figure shown is 2+2 in advance. Open through the year, but closes when the Royal Family is in residence, so check dates.
Best time to goWeekday mornings; avoid royal visit closures.
School holiday tipLate August is the sweet spot for English/Welsh visitors: Scottish schools are back by mid-August while England/Wales are still on holiday. Early July is the Scottish local peak, so go midweek.
Best agesAll ages for the grounds; house rooms suit about 6+ (prams may need to stay at the door)
Best for 8+; family audio guide.
If it rainsMixed: house rooms are indoors, gardens and grounds are outdoors
FoodThe Café at the Palace: seasonal home-made dishes; can be visited without a ticket.
Money saverCheck National Trust, Historic Houses or English Heritage membership value; family tickets usually beat singles.
Top tipsTake the audio tour first, then the abbey ruins and gardens.
What to packComfortable shoes, layers, picnic for the grounds, carrier for toddlers

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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