Inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the Queen’s official Scottish home

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is often overshadowed by the Queen's royal residences in England—and it's about time that changed. 

• The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. 
• The Queen stays at the property once a year, usually for about a week in summer. 
• In other royal news, two young boys have an amusing reaction to meeting the Queen in Scotland.
  
  

From Sandringham House in Norfolk to Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, it can be hard to keep up with the Queen's extensive collection of property. Her Majesty has royal dwellings dotted all over the UK, most of which she spends minimal time in. One of her least frequented homes is the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, also known as her official Scottish residence. The British monarch typically stays in the historic building for just one week a year, before moving on to her second home in Scotland, Balmoral Castle. 

Despite rarely hosting the Royal Family, Holyroodhouse is still a major attraction for tourists and locals alike. We've taken a closer look at its history to find out just what this iconic palace is all about—and if it's worth stopping by on your next trip to one of the friendliest cities in the UK.

Where is the Palace of Holyroodhouse?  

The Palace of Holyroodhouse sits at the tip of the Royal Mile, the Scottish capital's most famous street. Less than a 20 minute walk away, on the other end of the street, you can find Edinburgh Castle, an 11th-century fortress with some breathtaking city views. The entire district is a magnet for royal fans, promising an abundance of glimpses into the British monarchy's historical and cultural impact on Scotland. 

How do you pronounce Holyroodhouse? 

Before moving onto the nitty-gritty of the Queen's Scottish residence, it's important to nail its pronunciation. Holyroodhouse sounds like 'Holly-rood-house' when said aloud, as if you're referring to the prickly Christmas decoration. 

A brief history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse 

Often shortened to 'Holyroodhouse', this iconic property dates all the way back to the 12th century. 

It wasn't always a plush palace though. The very first building to grace the site was actually a small Augustinian abbey, which was created in 1128 by David I, the King of Scotland. As time went on, more monastic buildings were added to accommodate the community's large population. These chambers were used by the king himself, who was known for his strong Christian faith and religious reform. 

Fast-forward nearly 400 years and you'll find the very first Palace of Holyroodhouse. The chambers were converted by James VI, a presumably less religious king, to create a luxurious home for him and his new wife, Margaret Tudor. 

Unfortunately, none of the original extensions have survived today. Over the next 100 years, the palace was hit with a series of challenges, including a destructive fire. It underwent an extensive makeover between 1671 and 1674 after the reigning king, Charles II, enlisted a high-skilled architect to restore its beauty. With the exception of some modern renovations in recent centuries (central heating is always a good idea), the palace has remained largely unchanged since 1679. 

How much is the Palace of Holyroodhouse worth? 

The value of the Palace of Holyroodhouse remains unknown, and as an official royal residence, it's unlikely to go on the market any time soon. And even if it did, it would only be available to the mega-wealthy of society. The Royal Family's real estate net worth is estimated to clock in at $18 billion, with Buckingham Palace worth about $5 billion alone. 

Who lives at Holyroodhouse? 

While it's technically the Queen's official Scottish residence, Holyroodhouse doesn't see much of Her Majesty throughout the year. The busy monarch visits the palace every summer to host various royal engagements, but rarely stays longer than a week. During this trip, which usually occurs between the end of June and the beginning of July, Holyroodhouse is off-limits to the public. 

The Queen's children also stay at the residence from time to time, with Prince Charles checking in for one week every year. The heir holds fond childhood memories of Holyroodhouse, having performed his very first royal duty there in June 1965. At just 16, Prince Charles greeted hundreds of young Scottish and Commonwealth students at a summer garden party at the extravagant house. The public engagement marked the start of his hectic royal career, which is set to get only busier when he assumes the throne after the Queen's death. 

What is it like inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse? 

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is exactly what you'd expect—palatial. 

Its outside grounds include beautifully manicured gardens, a large castle yard, an ornate foundation, and a memorial statue to Edward VII. 

The fairytale vibe continues inside, where you'll find a dining room set for thirty, a throne room bedecked with royal portraits, and a morning drawing-room wall-to-wall in French tapestries. Visitors are also free to explore the King's sleeping chamber, which features a red four-poster bed and an ornate fireplace. 

If that wasn't enough to tickle your royal itch, there's also a spacious gallery and an elaborately decorated staircase. 

Is The Palace of Holyroodhouse open to the public?

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is finally open to the public again and tickets cost £16.50 for adults. The ticket includes a multimedia guide that allows visitors to explore the attraction at their own pace. There's also a dog-friendly courtyard café where you'll find locally sourced soups, salad, and sandwiches. If you really want the royal treatment, book yourself in to try their award-winning afternoon tea. Complete with homemade pastries, scones, and sandwiches, the decadent feast is sure to satisfy your appetite after a long day traipsing around the palace.