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Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
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Book tickets and tours →Holyrood Palace opening times and last entry
From 1 November to 31 December 2026 the Palace of Holyroodhouse is open Thursday to Monday, 9:30 to 16:30, with last entry at 15:15.
Today
Opening hours for every month are on the Opening hours page.
Checked against the official website on 31 October 2026 · Official source
| Period | Last entry | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| 17 September to 31 October 2026: Thursday to Monday, opens at 9:30 | 16:30 | 18:00 |
| 1 November to 31 December 2026: Thursday to Monday, opens at 9:30 | 15:15 | 16:30 |
| 25 and 26 December | Closed | – |
In autumn and winter the palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and on 25 and 26 December. Opening times after 31 December 2026 are not confirmed yet.
Official source: Royal Collection Trust
How long does the visit take?
Plan on about 90 minutes. The multimedia guide takes about an hour.
Why does the palace sometimes close?
The palace is a working royal residence, so it can close at short notice for State events and ceremonies. Every year the Royal Family holds Holyrood Week, usually from late June to early July. The King attends events about Scottish culture, there is an investiture in the Great Gallery, and about 8,000 guests come to the garden parties. The palace closes to visitors around these events.
The opening hours also change with the season.
Where do I enter, and are there bag checks?
You enter under the arch from the Canongate. Your bag is checked just inside, and you collect the multimedia guide there.
Holyrood Palace: frequently asked questions
What are the opening times of Holyrood Palace?
From 1 November to 31 December 2026 it is open Thursday to Monday from 9:30 to 16:30, with last entry at 15:15. It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and on 25 and 26 December.
How long does a visit to Holyrood Palace take?
Plan on about 90 minutes. The multimedia guide takes about an hour.