Palace of Holyroodhouse
On Gingerguide's self-guided Edinburgh audio tour, Palace of Holyroodhouse is a stop worth about ~90 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type palace
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Edinburgh Edinburgh guide
About Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official Scottish residence of the British monarch, steeped in the turbulent history of Mary, Queen of Scots.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the foot of the Royal Mile, in the shadow of Arthur's Seat. Founded as a monastery in 1128 by David I of Scotland, it has been the principal residence of the kings and queens of Scotland since the 15th century. The palace is perhaps most famous for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here from 1561 to 1567. It was in her private chambers that her secretary David Rizzio was brutally murdered by a group of nobles. Today visitors can tour the State Apartments, the ruins of the medieval abbey, and the beautiful palace gardens.
Did you know? David Rizzio was stabbed 56 times in Mary Queen of Scots' private chambers, some say a bloodstain on the floor has never been fully removed.
How much time do you need at Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Around ~90 min works well for Palace of Holyroodhouse — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Yes — Palace of Holyroodhouse made the cut as one of 26 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Edinburgh. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Edinburgh
Hear the story of Palace of Holyroodhouse
Preview the Edinburgh tour free in the Gingerguide app.