A Royal Guide to Edinburgh
Palace of Holyrood House
Start your day off with a visit to the official residence of His Majesty The King.
Time allocated: Two Hours
The Palace has a lot to see, not just from the inside but also the Abbey and gardens outside too. I also highly recommend a look around the King's Gallery and gift shop if you have the time.
If you want the best value ticket, it is best to pre-book online. I also highly recommend the audio guide they offer for more insight.
Situated at the foot of the famous Royal Mile and across from the Scottish parliament building is the palace of Holyrood.
Home to some of Scotland's most iconic and well known figures, including Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria and Bonnie Prince Charlie who stayed at the palace for six weeks.
You can tour through the official state apartments, see the impressive stone staircase built for Charles 2nd, who actually never made it to the Palace. Walk through the royal dining room, used since the reign of Queen Victoria (look out for the beautiful portrait of Queen Elizabeth 2nd) on the wall).
Next to the palace is Holyrood Abbey, now in ruins it was once one of the grandest medieval abbeys in all of Scotland. First founded in 1128 after King David 1st whilst out hunting the visioned a stag with a cross "rood" between it's antlers he then dedicated this to building the abbey and palace on this spot.
If you are visiting Edinburgh during the spring months you might be lucky enough to spot the delicate snowdrops and spring crocuses in the gardens.
Mary Queen of Scots
You can see her beautifully preserved bedchamber, remember to gaze up at the ceiling to spot the carved oak ceiling and painted friezes. As you'd expect from a Royal residence, you can also look out for the extensive jewellery collection that belonged to Mary. Look out for the red jewelled pendant with a serpent coiled around a tree within their collection.
Just off of this room is the Supper room, where on the night of March 9th 1566 Mary was having dinner with her Italian private secretary, David Rizzio. Mary's jealous husband, Lord Darnley and a group of high ranking Scottish Lords stormed the room and stabbed Rizzio 56 times. Rizzio was cowering behind Mary's dress but was forcefully dragged out and suffered a dramatic ending. You can visit the precise spot where Rizzio was fatally stabbed, it's said the original blood stain can still be seen on the stone floor.
If you wander the gardens, be sure to look out for Queen Mary's bathhouse. The building dates back to 1565, there are a few theories for the intended purpose of the building. Some say it may have been used as a summer house pavilion within the grounds of the palace. Another theory was that it was used as a dovecot. The most popular theory is that the building was used as a bathhouse, where the royalty would bathe themselves in sweet white wine. Apparently it was good for their skin… what do you think?
Another link to Mary, is outside in the courtyard entrance you'll see a stone fountain, although no longer in use it is a 19th century replica to one of the sixteenth century fountains at Linlithgow Palace where the Queen of Scots was born in 1542.
Cafe at the Palace
After you have explored the palace and gardens, head to the historic Mews Courtyard (At the entrance) to relax with a cup of tea and some cake.
Depending on the time of day you can treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea, which during the summer months must be pre-booked. The afternoon tea is priced at £30 per person, and I will link the booking slot here:
Additional Information
The Palace is not open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July, August and September. If you are visiting around peak season, especially July and August - pre book your tickets.
Also to note the palace is closed from 16th-25th May and 27th June to July 5th. This is because of Holyrood Week when The King and Queen visit the Palace. In Scotland it's known as "Royal Week" and during that time there will be investitures, where Scottish residents are recognused for their contribution to society.
The King's Gallery's current exhibition is about the Georgian era style and society. Please note, that the entrance fee to the King's Gallery is extra and costs £10 per person.
White Horse Close, Royal Mile
Time allocated: 5 minutes
Sticking to the right side of the Royal Mile and directly across from the Parliament you'll spot an archway with the words "White Horse Close".
I should mention the word "close" is the Scots word for alley, there are over 70 of them on the Royal Mile.
The houses here are private, so be mindful of that. However, the reason I recommend coming here, because historically this is where Queen Mary kept her horses. In particular her favourite white horse. It is more likely, however, that the name derives from the "White Horse Inn" which occupied the northern end of the courtyard from the 17th century.
If you look straight ahead you will see the date inscribed on white building. The date bears the date of 1632, but it is believed to have been carved during restoration of the building in the 1930’s. The more accurate date of this close is 1532.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Time Allocated: Two Hours
Down at the Leith docks, just two miles from the city centre of Edinburgh is the Royal Yacht Britannia which was a royal residence for over 40 years.
The Yacht is berthed right next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre and entrance is on the ground floor.
The Royal Yacht sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family and it's had some very famous guest onboard such as Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.
The ship is set over five decks, with access to many different sections. Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II's favourite rooms, including the sun room where she would enjoy breakfast. Walk through the elegant state rooms, which were designed personally by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and you'll see why this Yacht was so special to the Royal Family.
Once you've explored below, step aboard the Royal Deck where the family would have enjoyed playing games and entertaining. It's where you'll find the Tearoom, where you can enjoy some very British Victoria sponge cake and tea.
Additional Information
Tickets can be purchased online, and last entrance is at 3pm. The ticket includes the free audio guide, and if you are a member of the armed forces you can get a generous discount at the ticket desk.
Full adult tickets are £19.50.
Fingal Floating Hotel
Ten minutes from the Royal Yacht is Fingal, Scotland's first luxury floating hotel that is permanently berthed on the waters of Leith at the Alexandria Dock.
Associated with the Royal Yacht the Fingal offers luxurious cabins, afternoon tea and elegantly crafted cocktails in the bar.
Formerly a lighthouse tender, Fingal has been transformed into an exquisite 22 cabin boutique hotel. You can stay overnight in one of the cabins and take a peep through the portholes and indulge in a room in the Skerryvore Suite which has a private deck to enjoy views over the water.
The food onboard the ship is of the highest standard, the lighthouse restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. They offer dinner and afternoon tea. Enjoy the Fingal's very own Scottish smoked salmon, or indulge in a Pannacotta dessert made with Leith's local Rum.
Edinburgh Castle
Time Allocated: 2 hours
No trip to the city of Edinburgh can be complete without a trip to the Castle. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle was a royal residence until 1633, the last monarch to live at length in the Castle was James VI, who was the only monarch born inside Edinburgh Castle.
The most popular sight is the Honours of Scotland, where the Crown Jewels are held on display in the crown room. The Crown was made for James V who wore the crown at the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540.
If you are interested in the military history, the take a look at Mons Meg, the large six tonne gun was give to the King James II in 1457 for the siege of Roxburgh Castle. Your ticket will also allow you to enter the National War Museum, and the half moon battery where you'll see the Napoleonic era cannons lined up.
If you time your visit just before 1pm, you can watch the One O' Clock gun fire from the Mills Mount Battery (next to the Red Coat Cafe). Crowds will gather round, so get there early to watch. Initially it was used to tell the sailors out at sea what time it was.
Some of the other highlights include a visit to The Great Hall, during the 1650's Oliver Cromwell's army took over the hall and turned it into a barracks. The walls are decorated with displays of weapons and armour as a nod to it's military past.
The oldest section of the castle is St Margaret's Chapel, it was where Scottish royalty knelt to worship. Named after King David I's mother, it was first constructed in the 12th century and inside you'll see the preserved stained glass windows - look out for the stained glass of William Wallace.
Additional Information
I strongly suggest you pre-book tickets online, I have seen many times the castle has been sold out. It's better to buy your tickets directly from the Castle website, you can also add on a guided tour of the Castle, which will be outdoors. So dress for the Scottish weather!
The One O' Clock fire does not happen on Sundays, Good Friday or Christmas day.
There are a few gift shops, a whisky shop and places to eat. Including the tea rooms, and Redcoat Cafe.
Royal Tartans
If you are walking the length of the Royal Mile it will be hard to avoid the tartan ware shops. There are a few companies I recommend if you want genuine tartan and cashmere that is produced here in Scotland.
If you would like to purchase high end, I always recommend Johnston's of Elgin, who have a store here in Edinburgh over in the New Town.
If you aren't able to visit this area, then next to the Castle there is the Tartan Weaving Mill which has a huge range of materials to choose from.
Princess Diana Memorial Tartan
One company, Loch Carron of Scotland has produced a tartan in memory of Diana Princess of Wales, the tartan is inspired by the Royal Stewart plaid presented in soft tones of blues and pinks. You can purchase the tartan in a few of the shops on the Royal Mile including in The Scottish Experience shop on the Canongate and on Castlehill at the Tartan Weaving Mill.
Stewart Royal Tartan
Clan Stewart or the Royal House of Stewart is available to purchase if you want a wee momentum to take home.
The Stewart Tartan is a bright red colour and is most associated with biscuit tins of Scottish shortbread or the classic punk fashion. The tartan was adopted by Queen Victoria for the Royal Family and King George V made attempts to restrict its use for the Royal Family but this proved impossible due to its already widespread popularity. Later in history this remained the official tartan of Queen Elizabeth II and was only to be worn with the express permission of the Queen herself. However, in reality, due to its popularity, it has become a universal tartan, which can be worn by anyone who doesn't have their own clan tartan.
Again, you will find this popular pattern in many shops around Edinburgh.
What Tartan does The King Wear?
His Royal Highness, King Charles wears a number of different tartans especially when visiting Scotland.
If you want to research these in detail, then the tartan name types are: Prince Charles Edward Stewart, Stewart Hunting, Balmoral Tartan, Duke of Rothesay.
However, when Queen Elizabeth II died, the then Prince of Wales wore the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan to the vigil held in St. Giles Cathedral.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Every August on the Castle Esplanade there is a wonderful performance of military pageantry, music, dance and of course many, many bagpipes.
I may be biased, as I have worked for them in the past however the show is magnificent and I think if you are visiting Edinburgh during August you should definitely go and watch! Every year the show has a different theme, this year (2024) will be its 74th year. In the past the Tattoo has showcased the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, His Majesty's Royal Marine, the Swiss Drum Corp and many more. The finale of the show is the fireworks display above the Castle.
The show runs from August 2nd-24th and there is usually some very special VIP guests who will attend.
Additional Information
Mary Queen of Scots self guided audio tour with Voicemap
Day trip from Edinburgh to Balmoral Castle tour (10 hours).
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