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Holyrood Palace and Gardens

Officially known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Holyrood is the King’s official residence in Scotland. ‘Royal Week’ normally falls about the first week of July, during which the monarch attends parades, holds audiences and hosts a royal garden party for about 8000 people from all walks of life before travelling north to holiday at Balmoral Castle .

Originally this site housed a small abbey founded in 1128 by King David I, to which many buildings and later some royal lodgings were added. In 1430, James II was the first king to be born at Holyrood, and James III was married there. During his reign (1488-1513), James IV was a frequent visitor and in 1503 he built the first royal palace here as a home for his new bride, Margaret Tudor. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here from 1561 after her return from France, and here she married her two Scottish husbands in turn. Her chambers and the Darnley rooms are a highlight of any visit.

James VI lived at the palace from 1579 with a household of about 600 people. He carried out extensive repairs, but after he was crowned as James I of England he moved his court to London. Except briefly for Bonnie Prince Charlie, later Stewarts showed little interest in the palace.

Much later, Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor and during her reign (1837-1901) there was extensive renovation. After World War 1, major improvements were made to the State Apartments and Throne Room under King George V.

The gardens are extensive (10 acres/4 hectares) and full of historical interest. It was here that Mary, Queen of Scots practiced hawking, wild boar hunting, tennis and archery. Archery is still practised three times weekly in the gardens by the Royal Company of Archers who form the royal bodyguard in Scotland. The ‘Royal ticket’ allows visitors to combine visits to the palace, gardens and Queen’s Gallery (with changing exhibitions).

Palace of Holyroodhouse Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8DX www.rct.uk

Open annually except Christmas Day (25th December) and Boxing Day (26th December)

Private tours that visit this location:

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2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour

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2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour

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You'll have a unique tour provided by a local showing off all the Hollyrood Palace has to offer. From the stunning Great Staircase the the Throne room and the Royal dining room there is so much to see in this stunning palace.

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Activity location

  • EH8 8DF, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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  • High Street
  • EH1 1RE, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
  • Thu, Mar 14 $76
  • Fri, Mar 15 $76
  • Sat, Mar 16 $76
  • Sun, Mar 17 $76
  • Mon, Mar 18 $76
  • Tue, Mar 19 $76
  • Wed, Mar 20 $76
  • Thu, Mar 21 $76
  • Fri, Mar 22 $76
  • Sat, Mar 23 $76
  • Sun, Mar 24 $76
  • Mon, Mar 25 $76
  • Tue, Mar 26 $76
  • Wed, Mar 27 $76
  • Thu, Mar 28 $76
  • Activity duration is 2 hours 2h 2h

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A Virtual Tour of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland

Tour of Holyrood Palace

You can once again take a tour of Holyrood Palace , now that enhanced health and safety measures are in place. Among the changes are mandatory advanced bookings and a limited number of people in the smaller rooms, which will reduce the number of people who can take the tours each day. If you’re not able to visit soon, here’s a virtual tour of the palace in the meantime.

Table of Contents

An Overview of Holyrood Palace

The original building at this site was the Augustinian Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128. The name derives from either Old English “holy rood” or Scots “haly ruid”, both of which meant “holy cross”. The abbey was purportedly started with a fragment of the cross which Jesus was crucified on. Over the next four centuries, the abbey was used for parliamentary sessions, crownings and interments.

Between 1501 and 1505, a gothic palace was built next to the abbey by James IV. This was followed by a complete reconstruction in the 1670s, which is the design we see today. The building is three stories tall and built around a quadrangle – a rectangular courtyard. Three styles of columns, each more intricate than the level below, decorate the building around the courtyard.

A Virtual Tour of Holyrood Palace

Your ticket to the palace comes with a free audio guide. It covers each part of the castle and grounds, and includes several royal and notable figures giving speeches about the palace.

For the first time ever, photographs are now allowed in the palace (not just in the grounds), which is how I’m able to give you a virtual tour of the palace. While this will give you the photos, I don’t want to supplant the full audio guide tour of Holyrood Palace. You’ll have to visit in person to get that.

Front Courtyard

The highlight of the front courtyard is the ornate fountain, built in the 19th century as a replica of the 16th-century fountain found at Linlithgow Palace. For several years, there were storage containers on the south side of the courtyard, blocking a view of the palace from passing tour busses, but those have recently been removed.

The quadrangle might appear to be simple at first, but architecture lovers will note the intricate detail of the columns and stonework.

My tour this year was different than last year, and a new room was opened up which previously had never been on display – the kitchens. This is the only part of the palace where photographs are still forbidden, although they let me take a snap of the decorations beside the actual kitchens.

Grand Staircase

The grand staircase isn’t as impressive as in some palaces, but still beautiful in its own right. At the bottom, you’ll find display cases and swords on the walls. Surrounding the staircase are huge tapestries and portraits.

Royal Dining Room

This is the room where the Queen would host meals, although it was originally a guard chamber. The gorgeous silver banquet service dates back to 1935 and was a gift to King George V and Queen Mary by Sir Alexander Grant, in honor of their Silver Jubilee.

Throne Room

This room is pretty obvious. The two thrones on the righthand side were commissioned in 1911, and the wood paneling was added in 1929. The portraits are of Charles I, Charles II and his consort, James II and his second wife, and James VII.

Presence Chamber

This room used to be called the Presence Chamber of Charles II. There are 4 large tapestries from Buckingham Palace which Queen Victoria brought up in 1851. During the realm of Queen Mary of Scots, there were 13 sets of tapestries throughout the palace, but none of these survived to this day.

Privy Chamber

Privy here means private, not a toilet. This was the original private chamber of Charles II where he entertained guests. There are several beautiful works of art, paintings and other artifacts around the room, including the intricate details on the ceiling.

King’s Ante-chamber

This was the King’s Study and features many more beautiful works of art and tapestries, as well as luxurious pieces of furniture. The centerpieces of the room are the harp and harpsichord.

King’s Bedchamber

The highlight of this room is the ornate bed, which dates back at least to 1684, although it was restored in 1976. Only the most privileged guests were allowed to enter this room when the king lived here. It’s also the only room with a colored painting on the ceiling.

King’s Closet

This was yet another lavish room for the king, complete with two ornate sleeping chairs and a Flemish cabinet from the 17th century.

Great Gallery

This is the largest room in the palace. Along the walls are portraits of all the Scottish monarchs, dating back to the 1680s. Some of the portraits were damaged (and later repaired) during the Jacobite uprising. The room has been used for state functions and banquets by the Queen, as well as to carry out investitures for Scottish recipients of orders (knighthood, etc.).

Lobby and Ante-Chamber

The next two rooms are quite similar to other rooms in the palace with their decorations, tapestries and portraits. There are also a few artifacts in display cases you can see, including a tartan dress which I particularly liked.

Lord Darnley’s Bedchamber

This wasn’t actually the bedchamber of Lord Darnley, but rather contains the bed which he used before it was donated to Holyrood Palace in 1682. Bonnie Prince Charlie slept in this bed in 1745. It’s now displayed behind a glass barrier to preserve the textiles.

Mary Queen of Scots’ Bedchamber

This was the very bedchamber that Mary Queen of Scots slept in during the 16th century. The gorgeous room is filled with furniture and artifacts, many of which were gifted to the castle long after Mary Queen of Scots was in residence.

Mary Queen of Scots’ Outer Chamber

This is the room where Mary Queen of Scots received her visitors, and included a small enclave on the east wall where she did her prayers. This is also where her secretary David Rizzio was stabbed to death. The reddish patch on the wooden floorboards by the window is attributed to the spot where he was killed. Now the room holds relics connected to Mary Queen of Scots, including the Darnley Jewel.

Holyrood Abbey

Unfortunately, the interior of the Holyrood Abbey is currently closed for renovations. It has been a ruin since the 18th century, but the medieval decorations and architectural styles are still evident.

The gardens surrounding the castle are beautifully manicured by an expert team. Until now, the Queen has hosted a Garden Party every year in July during the week when she is in residence at the palace. In the northern portion of the gardens, there’s a sundial from 1633. You also have great views of the outside of Holyrood Abbey from the garden, as well as Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crag.

Visiting Holyrood Palace in Person

Click on this link to get the current information opening times and prices for a tour of Holyrood Palace in person.

As mentioned, you can only visit the palace with advanced bookings, and the tour sizes are limited. If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh in the near future and want to take a tour of Holyrood Palace, make sure you reserve your spot ASAP.

Things to Know When Visiting Holyrood Palace

Following the world events of 2020, enhanced health and safety features are in place throughout the palace. This includes hand sanitizer stations, social distancing, and extensive cleaning of all services. At this time, masks are not required to be worn in the castle. The safety features are also integrated into the audio guide.

The audio guide of the palace lasts about an hour, but you can take as long as you want to explore the palace (but take into consideration that only a limited number of people are allowed in each area, except for the gardens, and social distancing is currently in effect. If you can, bring your own headphones to use with the audio guide.

Eating and drinking are not permitted within the palace, but there’s a cafe where you can get refreshments. You and your possessions might be searched before entering, and large backpacks and weapons aren’t allowed (obviously). Until now photographs were not allowed in the palace (as it was a government building), but due to the uncertainty of the Queen returning to the palace at this time, photographs are okay!

Further Reading

Finished with your tour and looking for other activities? Here are some other places to eat at, and activities to partake in around Edinburgh.

  • 5 Amazing Cafes and Restaurants in Edinburgh That I Frequent
  • Best Places to Eat in Edinburgh on a Budget
  • How to Find the Best Brazilian Crepes in Edinburgh
  • The Village Hotel in Edinburgh is So Much More Than a Hotel
  • There’s a Cat Cafe in Edinburgh!
  • Enjoying the Happiest Place in Scotland at Edinburgh’s Chihuahua Cafe
  • Begin Your Journey in Scotland with a Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh
  • What the Da Vinci Code Didn’t Show You About Rosslyn Chapel
  • Camera Obscura in Edinburgh Brings Out the Kid in You
  • Experience the Underground Preservation of Mary King’s Close
  • Escape Edinburgh: The Most Fun Activity in Edinburgh’s New Town
  • Finding the Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh
  • Riding the Most Delicious Tour in Edinburgh on the Red Bus Bistro
  • 9 Free Attractions to Visit in Edinburgh
  • 10 Activities for The Perfect Day Trip from Edinburgh

Here’s some extra reading to save hundreds on your next vacation or stage of your journey.

  • 5 Steps to Book Cheap Flights
  • Hostels: To Book or Not to Book
  • Is Workaway Worth it for the Traveler?

Hi, I'm Skye. Writer, photographer, adventurer, foodie, teacher, masseur, friend, dreamer, etc. I think "normal" sucks. Let's aim for extraordinary. SkyeTravels seeks to find the good around the world, focusing on adventures, food and wellness. Be inspired. Be yourself.

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The Palace of HolyroodHouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of King Charles the 3rd when he is in Scotland. It's steeped in history and a must for anyone who wants to discover more about Scotland's past.

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Looking to Visit The Palace of HolyroodHouse in 2024. Check tour & ticket availability now.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse plays an important role as the official residence of King Charles the 3rd when he visits Edinburgh.

As well as its significance in state life, The Palace of Holyrood House offers a vivid insight into the history of Scotland and its sometimes turbulent past.

The State Apartments

Visitors can explore a number of splendid state apartments as well as taking the opportunity to enjoy some magnificent artworks that depict royal lineage and historical moments. In addition to the permanent collection of works, there is a number of special exhibitions throughout the year.

The Palace of Holyrood House is very much a working palace and as such, some staterooms may be closed for state functions. If you have a particular interest in a specific aspect of the palace, do contact the offices to ensure you’ll be able to access the appropriate area when you visit.

Mary Queen of Scots

One of the most famous residents of Holyrood Palace was Mary Queen of Scots and the historical apartments provided the setting for some of the significant events of her reign. Various artefacts such as needlework created by the deposed queen and a miniature portrait rendered by Francois Clouet may be on display for visitors.

There are lots of other things to enjoy at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The gardens are a wonderful place to wander and relax, whilst imagining the history of this majestic city, whilst Holyrood Abbey offers a place for quiet contemplation and reflection.

Visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The palace of Holyrood House can be visited by means of a timed ticket – this means we can manage visitor numbers and ensure everyone’s safety.

To help everything run smoothly and be sure of being able to visit at the time you wish, we recommend you book your tickets online .

Opening times April - October 09:30-18:00 (last admission 16:30)

November - March 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:15)

Please note The Palace of Holyrood House is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as between 25th and 26th December and on Royal visits.

Accessibility

The Palace of Holyrood house is mostly accessible for visitors who use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs. We also offer a number of solutions for visitors who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted or who have autism. Where possible we offer parking for visitors with disabilities.

Visit Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Abbey

Wander through the Abbey nave and gardens where kings and queens have walked. See the East Processional Doorway, the only surviving part of David I’s original monastery

Visit Holyrood Abbey

Visit Mary the Queen of Scots Chambers at the Palace of HolyroodHouse

One of the most well-known figures to have lived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is Mary Queen of Scots, whose chambers are a must-see on any visit.

Visit Mary Queen of Scots Chambers

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Tours & Highlights

Whether you are interested in the Royals, British History, historical fashion or architecture, the Palace has it all. Book your visit today.

The Palace of HolyroodHouse Tours

THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

holyrood palace private tour

The ultimate royal travel guide to Britain, from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle

T he British landscape is awash with royal properties, from stately palaces to historic castles. These include three of the monarch’s official royal residences; Buckingham Palace , Windsor Castle , and Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

But while these historic buildings may have the level of grandeur you might imagine when you picture the Royal family at home, in truth, royals are only ‘resident’ in these buildings on occasion. For some, they are even considered business premises – though they rather put the rest of our offices to shame. 

When it comes to days off from official business, members of the Royal family are more likely to be found in their private homes, such as the King and Queen’s Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, or the Prince and Princess of Wales’s family home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park. 

While the private homes are exactly that – private – there are plenty of places around Britain where you can walk in the footsteps of the Royal family and get a small glimpse into their lives. Here are some of the best. 

Buckingham Palace, London

Let’s start with the most famous of all royal residences: Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth II largely regarded it as her office, spending weekdays there attending to official business before retreating to Windsor at the weekends.

Now, of course, the palace – whose origins can be traced back to the reign of King James I in the early 17 th century, but which has been the London home of British monarchs since 1837 when Queen Victoria moved in – is the King’s official London residence.

Buckingham Palace is the setting for royal and national celebrations and commemorations; who can forget catching a glimpse of Royal family members from the famous balcony? It’s also where the monarch hosts dignitaries and official banquets – on September 18 2022, the King held a reception for world leaders at the palace on the eve of his mother’s funeral.

As it is a working palace, Buckingham Palace is only open to the public at set times. For 10 weeks each summer, its grand state rooms are opened up. During this time, visitors can see the crimson-and-gold Throne Room, the Royal Mews, and the enormous Ballroom, where all those extravagant state banquets are held. In addition, there are exclusive guided tours at select dates throughout the year.

Those without a ticket or travelling at the wrong time of year can still watch the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, which takes place outside the palace several days a week at 10.45am (weather dependent but check the schedule ). 

The ceremony has its roots in the reign of King Henry VI and sees the New Guard of soldiers – wearing the customary bearskin hats – march to Buckingham Palace from St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks accompanied by music. They parade in front of the palace and relieve the ‘Old Guard’ (the soldiers on duty). 

If you are lucky and the King is in residence (the Royal Standard flag will be flying) then there will be an even higher number of sentries than normal taking part in the ceremony.

How to do it

Buckingham Palace (0303 123 7300) is open for 10 weeks each summer (July 14–September 24 2023). The Goring (read our review here ) has double rooms from £710 including breakfast.

Windsor Castle, Windsor

At the start of the Covid pandemic, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip retreated to this castle on the banks of the River Thames to shield with 22 staff members in what became known as ‘HMS Bubble’. After Prince Philip’s death in April 2021, the late Queen remained at Windsor; indeed, she never spent another night at Buckingham Palace.

The castle was originally built for William the Conqueror to defend London from western approaches, but it became a royal palace under King Henry I. Subsequent monarchs extended the palace with its most ambitious makeover undertaken by King Charles II who wanted to emulate the opulence of his cousin Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles.

As well as seeing the rich interiors of the castle, visitors can pay their respects to the late Queen by visiting her final resting place within the King George VI Memorial Chapel inside St George’s Chapel.

In 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved to nearby Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – who attend school locally. It may well be that they will eventually move into the castle itself.

Windsor Castle (0303 123 7300) is open daily (summer). Castle Hotel Windsor (read our review here ) has double rooms from £132 including breakfast.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The King’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a rather grand building that sits at the opposite end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to the castle. The palace has links with many famous figures from Scottish history – including Bonnie Prince Charlie, who set up court here in 1745 – but the person most visitors want to hear about is Mary, Queen of Scots. Her bedroom can be reached via a winding staircase in the north-west tower of the palace, and is a delight to discover with its low doorway (despite Mary being around 6ft-tall), decorative oak ceiling and painted frieze.

The reigning monarch stays at the palace every year during Holyrood Week (or Royal Week) from late June to early July. During this time they take part in the symbolic Ceremony of the Keys in which the monarch is handed the keys to the city of Edinburgh by the Lord Provost amid much pomp and ceremony.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse (0303 123 7306) is open daily July-Sept; it’s closed Tue-Wed in all other months. Cheval Old Town Chambers (read our review here ) has double rooms from £190 including breakfast.

Highgrove House, Gloucestershire

When they are not on official duties, the King and Queen love nothing better than to return to their countryside home of Highgrove in the Cotswolds. As the house is a private home, you can’t peek behind its neoclassical façade, but tours of the exquisite gardens – which Charles has dedicated himself to creating since buying the property in 1980 – are lovely. 

An experienced guide will take you through the gardens, which are a real passion project of His Majesty. You will then be led to the Ante Room, where bespoke Highgrove products – including food and drink made from produce grown here – can be bought and artworks by the King himself admired. This is all followed by cream tea in the Orchard Room, making it an idyllic way to spend an afternoon.

Highgrove is open on select dates for tours between April and September. Calcot & Spa (read the review here ) has double rooms from £364 including breakfast.

Llwynywermod, Llandovery

The Royal family also has a Welsh home. When he was Prince of Wales, Charles bought the 192-acre estate of Llwynywermod in Carmarthenshire, Wales, in 2006. Comprising a farmhouse building, where he and Camilla would regularly holiday, and three cottages, Charles soon set about renovating the house and its adjoining properties in a greener way, using locally sourced materials. 

On Charles’ ascension to the throne, the property was passed on to William, the new Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, who also have a strong affection for the Welsh countryside, having spent some of the early years of their marriage living in Anglesey.

What’s special about here is that two of the cottages are available for holiday lets – North Range, for instance, is a beautiful whitewashed converted barn that sleeps six guests across three bedrooms and comes with a flagstone floor, open fire, Welsh furniture and lots of character. The smaller West Range sleeps four guests.

North Range and West Range can be booked through the Duchy of Cornwall (01579 346 473) and cost from £1,225 per week.

Balmoral, Aberdeenshire

Elizabeth II spent her final weeks in Balmoral and this palace in the Highlands was reputedly her favourite home. 

She is not the only royal to have felt an affinity for the place. Queen Victoria, who fell in love with the Highlands during her very first visit in 1842, was the first monarch to call it home. She and Albert loved to escape public life here, embarking on expeditions incognito through the Highlands. 

The late Queen spent every summer at Balmoral (August–October) and she would regularly be joined by other members of the Royal family. When the monarch is not in residence, the site is open to visitors. 

Although you can only see a small section of the castle’s interiors – including the ballroom where Ghillies Balls have historically been held – it’s the majestic setting amid acres of greenery with views across to the Cairngorms that makes a visit here worthwhile. 

The Royal family are considered locals in the nearby village of Ballater and are regularly seen attending services at nearby Crathie Kirk. Indeed in April 2023, Charles and Camilla surprised residents by making an unexpected visit to a new fishmongers and restaurant in the village during a pre-Coronation holiday at Balmoral.

Balmoral (01339 742 534) is open for pre-booked self-guided tours every summer (1 April to 16 Aug 2023). The Fife Arms (read the review here ) has double rooms from £250 including breakfast.

Read more about where the Royal family like to holiday here .

Sandringham, Norfolk

The Royal family traditionally spends Christmas at the sprawling estate of Sandringham. The private country retreat has been a popular haunt since 1862, when the Jacobean house was built for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra while Edward’s mother was still on the throne.

It was also a favourite of King Charles III’s grandfather, King George VI, and great-grandfather, King George V, who both died here. The house and gardens are a joy to explore. Norfolk is also where Anmer Hall, another of William and Catherine’s homes, is located.

Sandringham (01485 544 112) is open Sat-Thu (summer). The Brisley Bell (read the review here ) has double rooms from £133 including breakfast.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

Until 1997 the Royal family would take annual holidays around Scotland’s Western Isles aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia . After the yacht was decommissioned, it was docked in the seaside Edinburgh suburb of Leith in Edinburgh and has since become one of Scotland’s most popular attractions.

A tour of the yacht allows you to peer into the bedroom that Queen Elizabeth II slept in while on board and reveals a glimpse of what life in the Royal family is like when the eyes of the world are not upon them. The late Queen clearly missed her days on board; after the yacht was no longer available to her, she chartered the Hebridean Princess , which offers small-ship cruises, on two separate occasions for special celebrations.

The Royal Yacht Britannia (0131 555 5566) is open daily (summer). Fingal (read the review here ) is a luxurious floating hotel nearby. It has double rooms from £300 including breakfast. The Hebridean Princess (01756 704 704) offers cruises from March to November with prices from £4,420pp for seven nights).

Read more about the travels of Elizabeth II here .

Kensington Palace, London

This west London mansion was the beloved home of Princess Diana and both the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Diana Memorial Playground can be found in its gardens. Apartment 1a is still the London pad of the Prince of Wales and his family. 

For many years, Kensington was known for the magnificent balls that were held across its ornate interconnected rooms and began in the late 17 th century during the era of King William and Mary. The already grandiose interiors were later added to by the Georgians when Kensington became the hub of high society. Elaborate decoration, such as the painted walls around the King’s Staircase which features many characters from George I’s court, were also added. 

As well as standard tours of the palace, regular exhibitions draw on its rich history, telling the stories of past and present royals in new and dynamic ways. Victoria: A Royal Childhood tells the story of one of the palace’s most famous residents. Queen Victoria was born here and the exhibition includes personal items such as her doll house. Other rolling exhibitions let visitors see precious items from the palace’s archive; often including iconic outfits worn by various members of the Royal family.

Kensington Palace (0333 320 6000) is open Wed–Sun (summer).  Baglioni (read the review here ), opposite Kensington Gardens, has double rooms from £494 including breakfast.

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From stately palaces to historic castles, there are plenty of places where you can walk in the footsteps of the Royal family - Getty

holyrood palace private tour

Tourist reminder

Briefly about the most important thing. The largest transport hubs, useful phone numbers and contacts of tourist centers — everything to make your trip to the Murmansk region go perfectly.

Most of the Murmansk Region lies beyond the Arctic Circle. The territory occupies three peninsulas - Kola, Rybachy and Sredny, washed by the Barents and White Seas. It also includes a number of islands: Ainovsky, Seven, Veliky and Kildin.

geo

The region borders Finland and Norway in the west, Karelia in the south, and the Arkhangelsk Region across the White Sea.

The territory of the Murmansk Region belongs to the regions of the Far North. Snow cover lies from mid-October to mid-May (in mountainous areas from late September to mid-June).

climate

The average annual temperature in summer is from +8C to +14C, in winter — from -8C to -13C. In summer, frosts, snowfalls, and heavy rains are possible. The climate of different areas is different. So, in the south it is moderately marine, and in the north it is subarctic, thanks to the warm influence of the Gulf Stream. Strong winds are frequent on the seashore and mountain plateaus.

In winter, the polar night is characteristic (from November 29 to January 15), in summer - the polar day (from May 21 to July 22.)

The Murmansk region lives in the UTC+3 time zone. The time coincides with Moscow time.

Flight time

The flight time from Moscow to Murmansk is 2 - 2.5 hours. The flight from St. Petersburg will also take about two hours.

National and cultural features of the region

The traditions of folk culture of the indigenous inhabitants of the region, the Sami and Pomors, the first Russian settlers on the Kola Peninsula, have been preserved and continue to develop in the Murmansk region.

culture

Types of tourism

The Murmansk region is of interest for various types of tourism. Fans of ecological travel and photo hunting will be able to get acquainted with the wildlife of the Arctic, see and photograph reindeer, foxes and martens, ermines and moose, white partridges and polar owls, and perhaps even the owner of the taiga - a brown bear. Diving enthusiasts will find a unique underwater world of two seas. Numerous rapid rivers are ideal for kayaking and kayaking. Fans of extreme travel can go by icebreaker and dog sledding to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land. Stone seekers are waiting for deposits of amethysts, apatites and other minerals. Those for whom rest is impossible without good fishing will be able to get the coveted trophy - sea bass, catfish, trout or even salmon. And, of course, the amazing northern lights will not leave anyone indifferent.

There are a lot of interesting things in the Murmansk region for fans of skiing, who are waiting for three resorts - one is located near Kirovsk, on the slopes of Khibiny, the second, Monchegorsky, to the west of the mountains, and the third, Kandalaksha, to the south. The length of the ski slopes is from 1.5 to 2 km, the height is from 400 to 600 m. The northern slopes of the Aikuaivenchorr massif are equipped for freestyle skiing, there is also a ski stadium and an ice rink.

The largest cities of the region

The administrative center of the region - Murmansk is a modern city with a developed infrastructure and identity. Murmansk is the world's largest city located beyond the Arctic Circle, one of the largest ports in Russia.

Here you can see the world's first nuclear icebreaker “Lenin”, impressive monuments of history and the navy, as well as taste the delicacies of local cuisine.

map

But we advise you to look at other cities and villages of the region: Monchegorsk is a beautiful modern city; Kirovsk is the center of the mining industry; Kandalaksha is one of the oldest settlements on Murmansk.

One of the most popular places for tourism is the village of Teriberka. The only place in the European part of Russia that can be reached by road to see the open Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.

There are historical monuments and museums in Kola, Kirovsk, Pechenga. The geological museum in Apatity is particularly popular.

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Murmansk International Airport accepts flights from Anapa, Antalya, Arkhangelsk, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar, Moscow (Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo), St. Petersburg, Simferopol, Sochi, Helsinki and Cherepovets.

The airport is located 24 kilometers southwest of the center of Murmansk. The journey time is about 45 minutes.

Khibiny Regional Airport accepts flights from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Cherepovets. The airport is located on the territory of the administrative district of the city of Apatity. The city of Kirovsk is located just 32 km from the Airport.

Tourist information centers of the Murmansk region

You can get reference materials and detailed information about the tourist sites of the region, infrastructure, weather conditions and companies of the city in the Tourist Information Centers of the region (TIC).

TIC provides information to both Russian and foreign tourists. At the disposal of tourists, the TIC provides printed information in the form of maps, booklets, brochures.

Tourist Information Center of the Murmansk region

Address: Murmansk region, Murmansk, Lenin str., 82 (Azimut Hotel, first floor)

Telephone: +7 991 669 54 60

Email: [email protected]

Visiting specially protected natural areas of regional significance

Natural parks and state nature reserves of regional significance can be visited by tourists only in coordination with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Murmansk region.

List of objects: Varzugsky Nature Reserve, Kolvitsky Nature Reserve, Kutsa Nature Reserve, Ponoysky Fishery Reserve, Ponoysky Zoological Reserve, Simbozersky Nature Reserve, Seidyavvr Nature Reserve, Lapland Forest Reserve, Kaita Nature Reserve, Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas Nature Park, Korablek Nature Park.

Tourism is allowed on the territory of the natural park "Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas" subject to approval. On the territory of the reserve "Seidyavvr" - notifications. Rafting on rivers is allowed on the territory of the reserves "Kutsa" and the fisheries "Ponoysky" by agreement. Other forms of unorganized tourism and recreation are prohibited.

Registration of visits to other regional reserves by private individuals is voluntary.

To visit the reserve, you need to issue a pass. You can register using the links: Varzugsky Nature Reserve , Kolvitsky Nature Reserve , Kutsa Nature Reserve , pages.memo.four-section.ten , Zoological reserve "Ponoysky" , Simbozersky Nature Reserve , Reserve "Seidyavvr" , Lapland Forest Nature Reserve , Kaita Nature Reserve , Nature Park "Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas" , Korablek Nature Park , Teriberka Nature Park

Visiting Closed administrative-territorial entities (BUT)

In total, there are 5 Defense Ministries in the region (Severomorsk, Vidyaevo, Zaozersk, Ostrovnoy and Alexandrovsk).

The grounds for issuing a pass are close family ties, official (professional) necessity and special events (birthday, funeral, wedding). You can also visit some cities with a guided tour. In this case, the admission is issued with the assistance of a tour operator, which you can choose from the list.

Detailed information about the rules for visiting each of the objects, you can find on the pages of <url>

BUT the Island , BUT Alexandrovsk , BUT the city of Zaozersk , BUT Severomorsk , BUT Vidyaevo

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Do you live in the Murmansk region? Join us!

Do you know an interesting route or cool objects that are not yet on the project map? Share interesting facts and objects, as well as leave comments with hints and tips – let's develop the project together!

IMAGES

  1. Private tour to Holyrood Palace and Gardens

    holyrood palace private tour

  2. Private tour to Holyrood Palace and Gardens

    holyrood palace private tour

  3. A Virtual Tour Of Holyrood Palace In Edinburgh, Scotland

    holyrood palace private tour

  4. Private tour to Holyrood Palace and Gardens

    holyrood palace private tour

  5. Private tour to Holyrood Palace and Gardens

    holyrood palace private tour

  6. Holyrood Palace : Scotland Travel Guide : Nordic Visitor

    holyrood palace private tour

COMMENTS

  1. Tours & Highlights

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse has some magnificent artwork ceilings to admire. The carved plasterwork in the ceiling of the King's bed-chamber in the East Wing is particularly impressive. The Great Gallery is one of the must-sees at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The walls groan with paintings of over 100 Scottish rulers and it has played a ...

  2. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July, August and September when we are open 7 days a week. Opening time. Last admission. Closing time. 1 November - 29 March. 09:30. 15:15. 16:30. 30 March - 31 October.

  3. 2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour

    The 2-hour private walking tour of Holyrood Palace allows visitors to explore the rich history and stunning architecture of the palace. The tour includes a visit to the State Apartments and Holyrood Abbey ruins, where visitors can discover the stories behind these important landmarks. The tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those ...

  4. Private view / tour: Private Guided Evening Tour of the Palace

    Private Guided Evening Tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for groups 2023. £40.00 per person / minimum booking value £1,000. If you are a disabled visitor we offer a free access companion ticket. To book please telephone +44 (0)303 123 7324 or e-mail [email protected]. This special tour of His Majesty The King's official residence in ...

  5. Private tour to Holyrood Palace and Gardens

    Holyrood Palace and Gardens Officially known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Holyrood is the King's official residence in Scotland. 'Royal Week' normally falls about the first week of July, during which the monarch attends parades, holds audiences and hosts a royal garden party for about 8000 people from all.

  6. Practical Information for visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The tour provides information about the Palace of Holyroodhouse as well as directions and location information to assist visitors throughout their visit. Tour for D/deaf and hard of hearing visitors. The general tour is available in British Sign Language as a video tour. Subtitles are included.

  7. Private tour of Hollyrood Palace

    Private tour of Hollyrood Palace. New activity. Activity provider:Exploring Group. View all 7 images. Add to wishlist. Private tour ... 9 Holyrood Palace. 10 Greyfriars Church. 11 Edinburgh Vaults. 12 Scott Monument. 13 Scottish Parliament Building. 14 Blackness Castle. 15 National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

  8. The BEST Holyrood Palace Private tours 2023

    Our most recommended Holyrood Palace Private tours. 1. From Glasgow: Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers. Experience the best of Edinburgh with our Private Full Day Tour from Glasgow. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the history, culture, and beauty of Scotland's capital city. Start your day with a scenic drive from ...

  9. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

    Palace of Holyroodhouse Tours and Tickets. 6,674 reviews. Set amid splendid gardens at the foot of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British royals, who first decamped here from nearby Edinburgh Castle back in the 15th century. The complex grew from a 12th-century abbey, whose ruins ...

  10. Best Palace of Holyroodhouse Tours & Tickets

    Find and book tours and tickets to Palace of Holyroodhouse. Experience Palace of Holyroodhouse by buying tickets with Viator. Free cancellation, payment options and millions of reviews. Close Add to wishlist • List Full. Create New Max wishlists reached. ... Private Sightseeing Tours ...

  11. Virtual tours: the Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The King's official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse plays host to Scottish people from all walks of life during Investitures, Garden Parties and other events. Open to the public year round, visitors can explore the history and significance of this magnificence of this imposing building just as you can now via our virtual tours.

  12. 2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour

    You'll have a unique tour provided by a local showing off all the Hollyrood Palace has to offer. From the stunning Great Staircase the the Throne room and the

  13. Information for groups visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Groups can reserve and book tickets on our website or by calling the Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)303 123 7321. Please note that a £2.00 transaction fee is applied to all telephone bookings. Pre-booked group tickets must be paid for by credit card or company cheque with two signatures 30 days before the day of the visit.

  14. Royal Residences: The Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128 at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has a close association with the History of Scotland. Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably the ...

  15. A Virtual Tour of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland

    An Overview of Holyrood Palace. The original building at this site was the Augustinian Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128. The name derives from either Old English "holy rood" or Scots "haly ruid", both of which meant "holy cross". The abbey was purportedly started with a fragment of the cross which Jesus was crucified on.

  16. The Palace of HolyroodHouse

    The palace of Holyrood House can be visited by means of a timed ticket - this means we can manage visitor numbers and ensure everyone's safety. To help everything run smoothly and be sure of being able to visit at the time you wish, we recommend you book your tickets online. Opening times. April - October 09:30-18:00 (last admission 16:30)

  17. The ultimate royal travel guide to Britain, from Buckingham Palace to

    The British landscape is awash with royal properties, from stately palaces to historic castles. These include three of the monarch's official royal residences; Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle ...

  18. Private view / tour: Private Guided Morning Tour of the Palace

    Private Guided Morning Tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for groups. This event is in the past. To view similar upcoming events click here. £35.00 per person / minimum booking value £875. If you are a disabled visitor we offer a free access companion ticket. To book please telephone +44 (0)303 123 7324 or e-mail [email protected]

  19. Tourist guide of the Murmansk region

    The territory of the Murmansk Region belongs to the regions of the Far North. Snow cover lies from mid-October to mid-May (in mountainous areas from late September to mid-June). The average annual temperature in summer is from +8C to +14C, in winter — from -8C to -13C. In summer, frosts, snowfalls, and heavy rains are possible.

  20. Ostrovnoy Map

    Ostrovnoy. Ostrovnoy, previously known as Murmansk-140, is a closed town in Murmansk Oblast, Russia. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 2,171; down from 5,032 recorded in the 2002 Census. Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. Ukraine is facing shortages in its brave fight to survive.

  21. Porto Amboim to Ostrovnoy via bus, and plane

    There are 8 ways to get from Porto Amboim to Ostrovnoy by bus or plane. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  22. Highlights of the Palace of Holyroodhouse

    During Holyrood Week, when Queen Elizabeth II stayed at the Palace each year, she hosted lunch in the Throne Room for the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland. The Privy Chamber, created for Charles II in the late 1600s, was used for private audiences with the First Minister of Scotland and visiting dignitaries.

  23. Litchfield National Park to Ostrovnoy via bus, and plane

    Phone 1300 473946 Website greyhound.com.au Bus from Adelaide River to Palmerston Ave. Duration 1h 10m Frequency Twice daily Estimated price