Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh | Loch Lomond Waterfront
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Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visit Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse or Holyrood Palace is a wonderful place to visit on an Edinburgh day trip, during your stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront. You can visit Edinburgh by train or drive there in an hour and a half. This palace is still used today for royal functions, and it is the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh. However, when not in use by the royals, much of the palace and abbey is open to the public for tours throughout the year.

Royal Palace History

Holyroodhouse sits at one end of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile (with Edinburgh Castle at the other). Surrounded by beautiful parkland, this is an official royal residence.

Holyrood was founded in 1128 as a monastery and the abbey still survives in ruins. James IV ordered the construction of the palace beside it in 1501. Over time, the structure has changed and developed into the grand building we see today.

Many significant events have taken place at Holyrood throughout history, such as weddings and coronations. Mary, Queen of Scots lived in the palace and got married there twice. Also, her private secretary David Rizzio was murdered in her private apartments in 1566. Bonnie Prince Charlie briefly set up court there in 1745, after seizing Edinburgh during the Jacobite Risings. And it was a frequent resting place for Queen Victoria, on her way to Balmoral in the late 19th century.

Things to see at Holyroodhouse

On a tour of Holyrood Palace, you can explore the state apartments, throne room and the great gallery. See Holyrood Abbey and the Palace Gardens. There is a gift shop and café within the grounds. You can also visit the Queen’s Gallery, an art gallery housing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. However, there is an additional ticket price to visit the gallery.

Find out more about opening times and ticket prices here.

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  • The most perfect day

    'The Most Perfect Day and The Most Perfect Venue! Where to start, I always knew I wanted to get married at Loch Lomond, just had to find the right venue and I was blown away with what The Waterfront had to offer. We got married in the conservatory due to typical Scottish Summer in July it decided to rain on our wedding day. I had my heart set on getting married outside on the loch so I thought I would be disappointed, however I am actually glad it rained in the morning, because it meant we got married in the...

  • A special place in our hearts

    'Everyone has said it was the best wedding they have been too! We will definitely be back and the Waterfront will always have a very special place in our hearts.'

  • Our own private beach

    'Just walking along the West Highland way path past some of the crowded beaches made us realise the value of having your own private waterfront onto the loch.  I can still picture walking down to the lochside on our first evening and watching an osprey dive for a fish!'

  • Stunning location

    'Stunning location with superb views of Loch Lomond from the private beach shore we had our drinks reception down here and even had a little paddle in the loch to cool down. Excellent venue facilities. There are a few different areas inside to relax in. Main room, bar and conservatory where we had our evening buffet and fancy dress area. The Wedding package was excellent value for money and you can build your own to suit your individual requirements. We had lots of say in what we wanted and were allowed to change stuff to suit our style. 5* lodges...

  • The Lodges are amazing

    'I would like to say that we all had an amazing time staying your lodges at the weekend.  The Lodges are amazing.  Beautifully presented and everything you need within.  Stunning location.  Muy birthday/retirement celebrations were made all the more special at this wonderful location with my friends around me.'

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