Holyroodhouse Tour: Worth It?

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal residence at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Expect a straightforward one-hour self-guided tour through ornate state apartments, tapestries, and portraits. The highlight is the ruined abbey attached to it, which feels atmospheric even on grey days. It’s compact, well-maintained, and rarely feels overcrowded compared to Edinburgh Castle. You’ll see where Mary Queen of Scots lived, but the experience is more about elegant rooms and royal history than dramatic storytelling.

Best time is spring or early autumn when the crowds are lighter and the gardens look decent. Summer gets busy with day-trippers; winter offers shorter queues but you miss the garden appeal. Expect to pay around £25-£35 for a standard adult ticket. Combo tickets with transport or a guide push it closer to £100+ if you add a walking tour.

Tip: Skip the audio guide if you read quickly – the signage is good. Do spend ten minutes in the abbey ruins; they’re the most memorable part. Pair it with a walk up Arthur’s Seat afterwards rather than trying to squeeze in both palaces in one day.