Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace)

Also known informally as Holyrood Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was founded as a Monastery, was the main residence of Kings and Queens of Scotland since the 15th century, and is the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

Pronounced "holly rude", like "Hollywood", not "holy rood" the name is an Anglicised version of the Scots Haly Ruid or Holy Cross.

Holyrood Palace is a must see attraction if you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, and there plenty of history and intrigue surrounding the Palace ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable day. Steeped in Scotland's Royal history, from the birth of James II in 1430, through the infamous murder of David Rizzio, rumoured to be having an adulterous affair with Mary Queen of Scots', to Bonnie Prince Charlie who held court there during the Jacobite Rising in 1745.

Things to see and do at Holyrood Palace

The apartments of Mary Queen of Scots - With the turbulent history surrounding the cosmopolitan queen, you will feel closer to her plight, and her story when you visit her apartments at the Palace.

The Queen's Gallery - The Gallery hosts a program of exhibitions from the Royal Collection throughout the year.

The Great Gallery - Housing paintings of Scottish Kings, 110 in total, both real and imaginary is quite a sight.

Hotels near Holyrood House

Edinburgh Rooms Online have a number of Hotels and Guest Houses in Edinburgh city centre, close to the Palace of Holyrood, and our apartments, while not quite as regal as those in Holyrood, are perfect for a city break.