Palace of Holyroodhouse
Historic Royal Palaces · Edinburgh
The official Scottish residence of the King, with richly decorated state rooms and fascinating royal history. Older children are drawn in by the story of Mary Queen of Scots.
Primary (6–10)Tweens & teens (11–16)Mid-range (££)IndoorHalf day
Why families love it
- The State Apartments showcase incredible tapestries and ornate plasterwork ceilings that even younger children find impressive once they understand the stories behind them.
- Mary Queen of Scots' chambers feel genuinely atmospheric, particularly the tiny supper room where her secretary was murdered in front of her.
- The included audio guide offers a children's version that brings the royal stories to life without dumbing down the history too much.
Best for
Families with primary-aged children who already have some interest in history or royalty, and teenagers who appreciate dramatic historical tales and authentic period interiors.
Good to know
The palace sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile, so combine it with a walk up to the castle to avoid backtracking. Audio guides are included in admission and the children's version is genuinely engaging rather than patronising. The ruins of the adjacent Holyrood Abbey are part of your ticket and worth exploring, though watch younger ones on the uneven ground.
Practical info
- Age guidance
- Children under five go free, though realistically this works best for ages eight and up who can engage with the history and stick with a self-guided tour.
- Typical cost
- Adult tickets are around £18 and children five to fifteen pay approximately £10, with family tickets offering modest savings for two adults and three children.
- How long to allow
- Allow two to three hours to explore the state rooms, Mary's chambers, and the abbey ruins without rushing, though teens absorbed by the history may want longer.
- Last checked
- May 2026