Hidden Gem in Edinburgh: The Enchanting Palace of Holyroodhouse

#edinburghtrips A royal retreat full of secrets, drama, and timeless elegance. Often overlooked by visitors rushing to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse (commonly known as Holyrood Palace) quietly sits at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, guarding centuries of Scottish royal history. Once a 12th-century abbey, it was later transformed into a grand royal residence blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Since the 16th century, Holyroodhouse has served as the principal residence of Scottish monarchs and remains an official royal residence of the British monarchy in Scotland. What Makes It Special? Inside, the palace is exquisitely decorated with historic artifacts and royal artwork. The most captivating part? Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers — the very place where she experienced love, loss, and betrayal. One of the darkest tales is the murder of her secretary, Rizzio, which happened right here, with bloodstains said to still mark the floor. Don’t miss the Great Gallery, which displays portraits of past Scottish kings, and other rooms that beautifully narrate the grandeur and political drama of the Scottish crown. Practical Tips for Visiting • Opening hours: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Open other days from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. • Recommended time: 1.5 hours is perfect for a full visit. • Photography: Not allowed in most areas inside, so just soak it in with your eyes! • Audio Guide: Free, includes Chinese! There’s even an interactive screen feature — quite fun! • Food: The on-site café is surprisingly good. If you’re short on time, you can grab food to go. • Parking: There’s a small parking area nearby. On weekends, it’s free — ideal for self-driving travelers. Tickets & Booking Tips • Online ticket: £20 (adult), £13 (ages 18–24), £10 (children 5–17) • On-site ticket: £22 for adults — yes, booking in advance does save you money! • Booking tip: You’ll need to select a specific entry time when booking online. But don’t panic — I arrived 90 minutes late, and they still let me in. Just try to be reasonable with delays. In Summary Holyroodhouse is not just a palace — it’s a portal to Scotland’s royal past, filled with haunting stories, beautiful rooms, and a regal calm that lingers in the air.