Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, a beautiful building at the end of the Royal Mile, is a building of significant architectural merit. Since the 16th century, it has served as the formal palace of British monarchs in Edinburgh, and it has also been the home of Scottish kings and queens. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is furnished and decorated with paintings and artifacts from several eras, each of which tells a unique tale. It's a wonderful experience to go through the grandiosity of these rooms.

The current palace was designed by Scottish architect Sir William Bruce, but its origins may be traced back to an Augustinian abbey built there in 1128. Between 1671 to 1678, he oversaw its reconstruction after having drawn up the drawings. Mary, Queen of Scots's 16th-century quarters, is now open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence. 

How to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse? 

• Visit the State Apartments and marvel at the exquisite plasterwork ceilings and unparalleled French and Flemish tapestries collection. 
• Experience the grandeur of the King's Bedchamber, the one room where only the most distinguished visitors were ever given an audience. 
• Witness the royal family's private dining room. On exhibit is the silver banqueting set given to King George V and Queen Mary for their Silver Jubilee in 1935. The service was crafted in Edinburgh and was inspired by early 17th-century Scottish examples. It was commissioned for use at Holyroodhouse. 
• Another impressive sight is the Throne Room, which is open only for State ceremonies and celebrations. The three thrones, commissioned by King George V in 1911, serve as the room's focal point. 
• Visit The Abbey and behold its splendor. The Gothic windows and vaulted ceiling were added in the 13th century, and the Romanesque arcading and roofless nave survived from earlier in the building's history. 
• Keep an eye out for the Royal Vault, where King James V is buried. 
• King's Park (formerly known as Holyrood Park) and Arthur's Seat provide a dramatic background for the exquisite 4-hectare Palace grounds. The gardens in the summer are a riot of color, alive with the sounds of chirping birds. The Wentworth Elm, a tree species that was thought to be extinct until recently, and a sundial made for Charles I of Scotland's coronation in 1633 are among the garden's highlights. The Jubilee Border was planted with silver plants to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen throws a garden party at Buckingham Palace every summer.