Learning activities at Holyrood Park

With lots to explore and plenty of green space this is an excellent place for outdoor and play based learning and inspiring creativity in learners of all ages.

The volcanic landscape offers a great resource to learn about the geology of the area, as well as history from as far back as the Neolithic, with strong links to the Iron Age, Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria. The Park is also ideal for learning about nature through observation and hands-on activities.

We offer:

• Guided walk (with a ranger or self-led)

• Practical conservation session

• Ranger-led outdoor educational activities

We run free, outdoor educational sessions for groups from early years level to university level. We can tailor the session content to your group’s learning aims, which could include geology, history, nature or sensory activities.

We also run free sessions for community groups, which could include the activities above, as well as indoor crafts, outdoor environmental art, or illustrated talks.

We recommend a minimum of two hours for your visit, between 9.30am and 3pm, any day of the week.

Contact the Holyrood Park Ranger Service at rangers@hes.scot or on 0131 652 8150.

Please get in touch at least two weeks in advance to discuss the needs of your group or to arrange learning activities.

Accessibility

Holyrood Park is a large, busy site with uneven terrain, steep slopes and steep cliffside drops. If you have questions relating to access needs, please contact the rangers at rangers@hes.scot

We have indoor toilets for ranger-led groups, including a disabled toilet.

Parking is available in our Broad Pavement car park. Parking can be free for ranger-led groups by arrangement if advance notice is given.

More information on visiting Holyrood Park

Lunch space

Our indoor space can be booked for lunch as part of your visit. Our maximum group size for a learning visit is 30 people.

Risk assessment

Learning group leaders are responsible for creating their own risk assessment. Please contact the rangers at rangers@hes.scot for guidance.

More information

Find out more about planning a visit to a Historic Scotland property

Scottish schools can apply for help towards the travel costs of visiting heritage sites of national importance via the schools travel subsidy scheme. Find out more about the scheme and if you are eligible below. 

Find out more about the schools travel subsidy