Palace of Holyrood HouseThe Palace of Holyrood was originally an abbey, built in the
12th century, and later the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, notorious
for her turbulent reign and dramatic life. Today the palace is the
official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and is used by
the Royal family for state ceremonies and entertaining, but much of
the imposing baroque building is open to visitors. An audio guide
steers visitors around the grand royal apartments, which reflect
the changing tastes of a line of monarchs, as well as the Throne
Room and the Great Gallery, culminating in the apartments of Mary
Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley, their bed-chambers
linked by a secret staircase. A plaque on the floor marks the spot
where Mary's Italian secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566.
The rooms feature splendid plasterwork ceilings and magnificent
furnishings and tapestries.
Address: Canongate, Royal Mile
Website: www.royalcollection.org.uk
Telephone: (0)131 556 5100
Transportation: Buses 35 and 36 stop near the Palace, as do the open-top
city tour buses. The Palace is about 15 minutes' walk from
Edinburgh's Waverley train station
Opening Time: Open daily, from 9.30am to 6pm (1 April to 31
October), and from 9.30am to 4.30pm (1 November to 31 March). Last
admission is always an hour before the closing time
Admission: £10.75 (adults), £6.50 (children under 17). Note that
these prices include an audio guide |
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