Holyrood Park

Overview

Roam through a city park like no other. Holyrood Park’s dramatic hills and crags shape Edinburgh’s unforgettable skyline, and its history and archaeology span thousands of years.

Arthur’s Seat, the park’s highest point, is the remains of a volcano, and stone and flint tools found here reveal human activity as far back as 5000 BC.

What to see and do

Climb Arthur’s Seat (251m) for 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians
Take in the free exhibition about the park’s history, geology and archaeology at Holyrood Lodge Information Centre
Discover Iron Age forts and Bronze Age agricultural terraces
Visit St Anthony’s Chapel, a picturesque medieval ruin
Watch for geese at Duddingston Loch, a haven for waterfowl

Our Ranger Service helps to protect Holyrood Park and also runs guided walks, group tours and other events for visitors. Find out about the Ranger Service.

Fishing permits for Duddingston Loch are available from our Ranger Service, please email them rangers@hes.scot

The remains of St Anthony’s Chapel, with the Firth of Forth in the background, at Holyrood Park.

A view of Duddingston Loch at Holyrood Park.

A view of a snowy Salisbury Crag, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the background.

A view of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crag at Holyrood Park.

A general view of Arthur’s Seat, at Holyrood Park.

Opening times

Please be aware the Radical Road footpath is currently closed.

From Mon 5 Jun, a section of the footpath behind Meadowbank Lodge to Lilyhill Gate will close for the coming weeks due to conservation work.

The High Road and Dunsapie Loch Car Park are open to vehicles from Tues to Thur, 9.30am to 3pm. A one-way system is in place for cyclists.

On Saturday & Sunday all roads are closed to vehicles during the day. Closures will commence from 8.15am to 9am. The roads will reopen as follows each Sat & Sun evening: 2 Sep to 17 Sep, between 7.15pm & 8pm. 23 Sep to 22 Oct, between 5.45pm and 6.30pm, 28 & 29 Oct onwards, between 3pm & 3.45pm.