Edinburgh Attractions

Palace of Holyrood House

The 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; Transport: 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: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (except 25- 26 December and during Royal visits). Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm in winter (1 November to 29 February); Admission: £10 (adults), £6 (children 5-16)