How to Beat the Crowds at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse costs about £22 for adults booked in advance (about £26 at the door). It's closed for royal visits, including 26 June to 3 July and 25-26 December, and sometimes at short notice. Go at opening or after 3 pm, as cruise and tour groups arrive late morning.
- Adults (advance)
- About £22
- Adults (door)
- About £26
- Ages 18-24
- About £14
- Children 5-17
- About £11
- Closures
- 26 June to 3 July, 25-26 December
- Best time
- Opening, or after 3 pm
- Time to allow
- 1.5-2 hours
How busy is Holyroodhouse?
Holyroodhouse sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile, so tour groups arrive after visiting Edinburgh Castle. The State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers are narrow and get slow at peak times.
Before you go, check how busy the Palace of Holyroodhouse is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for Scottish school holidays, royal visits and events.
Check today’s crowds at Palace of Holyroodhouse →Best (and worst) times to go
- Opening time: quiet State Apartments.
- After 3 pm: fewer groups.
- Worst: late mornings in summer and August.
Our hourly forecast for Holyroodhouse shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at Palace of Holyroodhouse →Insider tips that actually save time
- Book online for the lower price.