Visit The King's official residence in Scotland
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The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of His Majesty the King in Scotland. Located at the foot of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, it is still used today for state ceremonies, official engagements and other royal occasions.
It has a long history spanning many centuries. The site began as Holyrood Abbey, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1128. The palace was later developed beside the abbey and became a royal residence during the reign of James IV in the early 16th century.
The palace has been expanded and remodelled several times over the centuries by successive monarchs. One of its best-known residents was Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here for much of her reign during the 16th century.
The palace has witnessed several dramatic moments in Scottish history, including the murder of David Rizzio, Mary, Queen of Scots' private secretary, in 1566. Bonnie Prince Charlie also held lavish receptions here during the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
The gardens sit against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat (the volcanic peak, which some say gets its name from King Arthur of Camelot). You can wander through the newly established Physic Garden on Abbey Strand, which has a wide variety of medicinal and culinary plants that were inspired by the site's ancient garden legacy.
After your visit, you can stop at the Palace Café for light meals, homemade cakes, refreshments or traditional afternoon tea.