We had planned to visit the Palace of Holyrood House, when we visited Edinburgh back in 2022. I can’t recall the reason, but unfortunately it had been closed whilst we were there, so we could only peer through the closed gates. For this trip, we were more prepared, having pre checked and pre booked our tickets to ensure we had confirmed entry and also to secure an online discount 👍.
As it was a gloriously sunny day, we chose to start our tour, with a wander around the gardens. Taking centre stage of the vast driveway is an ornamental fountain, which Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had installed in 1859. There was no water flowing on the day of our visit, but the harsh stone is softened by beautiful, hedged flower bed, which encircles it.
To one side of the Palace is an Abbey, built in the early 1100’s by King David 1. Over the centuries, it has been attacked, partially rebuilt, renovated for the coronation of Charles 1 and refitted as a Royal Chapel in the mid 1600’s. After being ransacked in 1688 during an uprising. it fell into ruin. However, despite this it is still an impressive sight.
The gardens surround the Palace and are well manicured. Being July the flower beds were filled with colour and gloriously fragrant. Statues peek out from amongst the foliage and the entire buildings and grounds are guarded by the mighty Arthurs Seat.
Standing at the bottom of the Royal Mile, Holyrood has been enjoyed by Monarchs through the centuries and is still home to the Royal Family when they visit Edinburgh. As it is a Royal residence, we were not permitted to take photos inside ( I sometimes feel this is to encourage you to purchase a souvenir guide book! And I succumbed 😂).
With our, included, audio guide at the ready we entered the vast entrance hall. The journey takes you back in time discovering the good, the bad and the ugly events in Scottish history. The architecture is amazing and as you walk through the corridors and rooms, past occupants gaze down on you from every wall.
Being a continuing Royal residence, it is beautifully maintained and as you enter the dining room it is invitingly set for dinner. The late Queen and late Queen Mother smiling down as you pass on by. The wood panelled throne room, hosts portraits of the Stuart Kings and their Queens, and at one end two crimson thrones made for George V and Queen Mary in the early 1900’s.
The Privy Chamber is used when the Monarch, or his representative, meets dignitaries and has wonderful views across the gardens. Our audio guide encouraged us to look up to the ornately carved ceilings, at the centre of which, many have exquisite paintings. The Kings bedchamber houses the State Bed, bedecked with refurbished red damask curtains. The bed, however, hasn’t been used for at least a couple of centuries.
We continued to hear the stories as we passed through the rooms and corridors, towards the Great Gallery. Here we met all the Kings who reigned over Scotland, until the Union in 1707. Mary Queen of Scots, being the sole woman in the gallery.
Stepping back out into the gardens, with Carlton Hill looking down on us, I could imagine Kings and Queens of old promenading in the grounds, enjoying the views, the scents and the sunshine.
It was a fascinating, self guided tour, with tales of intrigue, battles and sovereigns being related in our ears. As we waited for our fellow travellers to join us, we enjoyed the Palaces beautiful facade, and entrance courtyard for the final time.
The perfect start to our Edinburgh Adventure.