Holyrood Abbey and Palace Gardens
Holyrood Abbey gallery
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Holyrood abbey with the palace in the background -
The gardens around Holyrood abbey in the summer. -
Blind arcading detail in Holyrood Abbey -
Side view of the nave at Holyrood Abbey
Walk in royal footsteps around Holyrood Abbey, founded by David I in 1128. The cloister precinct was later turned into a modern Renaissance palace – Holyroodhouse – and became the royal family’s main home in Scotland.
You can wander through the abbey nave and gardens after touring the Palace of Holyroodhouse (run by the Royal Collection Trust). The nave was spared at the Protestant Reformation in 1560 because it served as the parish church of Canongate, the next burgh. The choir and transepts were destroyed in 1570.
Admire the east processional doorway, the only surviving part of David I’s original ‘monastery of the Holy Rood’. Take in the west front, one of the most impressive Gothic façades anywhere in Scotland. Don't miss the the royal vault, the final resting place of both royalty and Augustinian canons.
Ready for an adventure?
Membership
Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters
Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
- Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
- Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
Explorer Pass
Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing
Valid for 14 consecutive days
- Valid for 14 consecutive days
- Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
- 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
- Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online