Neighbourhood guide

Holyrood

Palace, Parliament and the park

Holyrood sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The palace, the abbey ruins, the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth are all within a few minutes of each other, and the park starts behind them.

Holyrood Abbey was founded by David I in 1128 and its ruins sit next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Collection Trust's own page for the palace could not be read, so check its hours and tickets directly.

The Scottish Parliament says it is open throughout the year. Dynamic Earth, a science centre and planetarium, is on Holyrood Road, and a section of that road was closed for works on the date checked.

Holyrood Park is run by Historic Environment Scotland. Its High Road was closed to motor traffic on the check date, but pedestrians and dismounted cyclists could still use it. Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, Dunsapie Loch and St Margaret's Loch are all inside it.

Getting there

Waverley station is about a ten minute walk up and across the Old Town. The Royal Mile ends here, so walking down it is the simplest route.

9 places

Tap to open the interactive map

See Holyrood on the interactive map

Nearby neighbourhoods

Southside Museums, theatres and student streets 10 places · 1.1 km away

Calton Hill Monuments and the view 6 places · 1.1 km away

Old Town Castle, Royal Mile and the closes 32 places · 1.4 km away

Marchmont and the Meadows Open grass south of the Old Town 2 places · 1.6 km away

The best of Holyrood

Best walk Arthur's Seat Free, and the main summit walk in Holyrood Park.

Best for kids Dynamic Earth A planetarium and science centre.

Best ruin Holyrood Abbey Founded by David I in 1128.

Best to see government Scottish Parliament Open throughout the year.

Things to do in Holyrood

Timber and concrete facade panels of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood

Landmark · Free Scottish Parliament The home of Scottish democracy at the foot of the Royal Mile. Its own site says the building is open throughout the year.

Front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse with its towers and forecourt fountain

Landmark Palace of Holyroodhouse The royal palace at the bottom of the Royal Mile, next to Holyrood Abbey ruins and Holyrood Park. The Royal Collection Trust's visitor page refused automated reading, so hours and prices are not listed here.

Ruined nave and large west window of Holyrood Abbey

Landmark Holyrood Abbey The ruined abbey church beside the palace, founded by David I in 1128. Historic Environment Scotland describes it with the palace gardens as a place to walk in royal footsteps.

Salisbury Crags and Edinburgh Castle seen across the grassland of Holyrood Park

Park · Free Holyrood Park A royal park of crags, lochs and hills beside the palace, run by Historic Environment Scotland. It has a scenic walk and an audio guide on the Geotourist app.

The summit of Arthur's Seat rising over green slopes

Viewpoint · Free Arthur's Seat The summit of the hill in Holyrood Park, the highest point in the park and a standard walk for views over the city and the Forth.

The cliff face of Salisbury Crags above the grass

Viewpoint · Free Salisbury Crags The cliff line on the western side of Holyrood Park, walked along its upper edge for views over the Old Town.

The ruins of St Anthony's Chapel among gorse on the hill above St Margaret's Loch

Landmark · Free St Margaret's Loch and St Anthony's Chapel A ruined chapel above St Margaret's Loch in Holyrood Park, reached by a short climb from the loch side.

The white tented roof of Dynamic Earth beneath Salisbury Crags

Museum Dynamic Earth A science centre and planetarium that tells the story of the planet from its beginning. Its page gives the address as Edinburgh EH8 8AS and notes a section of Holyrood Road was closed for works.

Dunsapie Loch with snow and rock beneath Arthur's Seat

Viewpoint · Free Dunsapie Loch A small loch below Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park.

What's on in Holyrood

Local events in the next 30 days, read from the ward, park and organiser pages each one links to.

Arthur’s Secrets Activities
On now, until 30 Mar 2027 · Holyrood Park
Event at Holyrood Park.
Free · Map · Source: Forever Edinburgh
The Edwardians: Age of Elegance Activities
On now, until 6 Dec · The King's Gallery
Event at The King's Gallery.
£5.50 to £11.00 · Map · Source: Forever Edinburgh
Frozen Sing Along Activities
Sat 5 Dec, Sun 20 Dec, Mon 28 Dec, Wed 30 Dec · Dynamic Earth
Family film screening in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth, on selected mornings. Tickets £8.00.
£8.00 · 10am · Map · Source: Dynamic Earth · FROZEN SING ALONG
Home Alone Activities
Sun 6 Dec, Sat 19 Dec, Wed 23 Dec · Dynamic Earth
Family film screening in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth, on selected mornings. Tickets £8.00.
£8.00 · 10am · Map · Source: Dynamic Earth · HOME ALONE
The Muppet Christmas Carol Activities
Sat 12 Dec, Tue 22 Dec · Dynamic Earth
Family film screening in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth, on selected mornings. Tickets £8.00.
£8.00 · 10am · Map · Source: Dynamic Earth · THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Show 1 event nearby, outside Holyrood

Trees in Winter - Holyrood Park Activities
21 Nov 2026 to 16 Feb 2027 · Holyrood Park
Ranger-led walk on identifying trees from bark and buds, on selected dates from 21 November 2026 to 16 February 2027.
Map · Source: Historic Environment Scotland

More local events around Edinburgh

From the blog

The Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill with the Old Town skyline and Edinburgh Castle beyond autumn trees

Things to Do in Edinburgh: What the Guides Agree On for a First Visit Read

Stay in Holyrood

Browse live availability and compare prices around the neighbourhood.

See hotels near Holyrood on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 14 November. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam Edinburgh earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.