Overview
Founded as Holyrood Abbey by David I in the 12th century and expanded into a palace by James IV in the 16th, Holyroodhouse is the British monarch's official residence in Scotland. It's open to the public year-round except for 'Holyrood Week' each summer when King Charles III stays. Visitors can see the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and the spot where her secretary David Rizzio was murdered before her eyes in 1566 (a stain said to be his blood is still visible) — the most dramatic site in Scottish royal history. The atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey behind the palace are also beautiful, and the palace marks the entrance to Holyrood Park, leading up to Arthur's Seat. Admission about GBP 21. At the eastern end of the Royal Mile (Edinburgh Castle at the western end).
Opening Hours
09:30-18:00 (until 16:30 November-March; closed during royal events)
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Travel Tips
Visit at the end of your Royal Mile walk for a natural finish. The palace may close during the king's late-July to early-August visit.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Edinburgh, United Kingdom from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for United Kingdom on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Edinburgh on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Edinburgh with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Edinburgh 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Palace of Holyroodhouse
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National Museum of Scotland
A free national museum covering Scotland's history, nature, and science.
📍 1.3km away
Edinburgh Castle
An imposing fortress perched on volcanic rock and home to Scotland's Crown Jewels.
📍 1.8km away
Things to Do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August)
The world's largest performing arts festival, running 3 weeks every August with 3,000+ shows. About GBP 8-30 per show
Highlands & Loch Ness Day Tour
Guided bus tour from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glencoe. About GBP 65-85
Whisky Tasting Tour
Whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile across the 4 regions (Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay). About GBP 25-40