Sitting at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was built in 1498 by King James IV (Mary, Queen of Scots grandfather) originally as a guesthouse for Royal visitors.  It was built next to the Augustinian Abbey of Holyrood which itself had been founded by King David I in 1128.  Legend tells that the King was hunting in the Royal Park when a Stag charged him.  He thought he was going to die until he waved a cross at it & it ran away.  He built the Abbey to thank god for his rescue!  The Palace has had a turbulent history, including murder.  It was here that David Rizio, the confidante of Mary, Queen of Scots, was murdered by her jealous husbands friends.  Today it remains the official Royal residence of the UK monarchy in Scotland.  You can also visit the Queens art gallery.  The admission cost to the art gallery is separate from the entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

     The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open everyday except:  9th April 2004, 7th May 2004, 11th-23rd May 2004, 23rd June-4th July 2004, 25th-26th December 2004 (current information).

The Palace is open from 9:30am until 6pm (last admission 5:15pm) - 1st April-31st October & from 9:30am until 4:30pm (last admission 3:45pm) - 1st November-31st March.

Admission costs £7:50 for an adult & £4.00 for a child (children under 5 are admitted free).

It is advisable to check on current information regarding entry prior to going to this attraction.

Telephone them on: 0131 556 5100