Palace of Holyroodhouse

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse remains the official residence of Queen Elizabeth when she visits Scotland , and guided tours here include her public reception rooms in the main part of the pile. History buffs, however, will want to see the palace’s oldest section, where the personal assistant to Mary Queen of Scots was assassinated—a bit of skulduggery orchestrated by Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley. In adjacent rooms are exhibitions linking Mary to Queen Elizabeth I, while the grounds feature beautiful gardens and ruins of the original abbey."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official Scottish residence. And it’s a palace, all right—every room feels more luxurious than the one before. It’s situated within easy walking distance from the center of town and is open year round. Because you get to access so many of the rooms—the King’s bedchamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ Chamber are particularly elaborate—you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. The gardens are beautiful, too, although opening times are limited. And be sure to check out the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey." - Freya Herring

"Start with the basics. What's the story behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse? The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official Scottish residence. And it’s a palace, all right—every room feels more luxurious than the one before. It’s situated within easy walking distance from the center of town and is open year round. Tickets to enter start from £14 for adults. Wow. What’s it like being there? Ridiculous decadence. Pretty interesting! Are there any good tours to help us orient ourselves? Talks take place throughout the day, but the palace also holds private after-hours tours; for £40, you get a glass of Champagne and a guide-led stroll around the State Apartments. Two hours spent pretending you’re a Queen—where do we sign? What's the crowd like? It’s a tourist haunt for sure, but that shouldn’t stop you going. What can we expect to see throughout the palace? Because you get to access so many of the rooms—the King’s bedchamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ Chamber are particularly elaborate—you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. The gardens are beautiful, too, although opening times are limited though). And be sure to check out the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey. So who do you think will get the most out of the Palace of Holyroodhouse? If you’re a passionate anti-monarchist, then you’re probably not going to like the riches on every inch of fabric at this palace. For the rest of you, though, definitely give this place a gander." - Freya Herring