Getting there
Holyrood Park
East of Holyrood Palace and Abbey
Edinburgh
Parking is available around the park.
National Grid reference: NT 2773
View Holyrood Park on a Google map
Holyrood Park Ranger Service
Telephone: 0131 652 8150
Email: rangers@hes.scot
Find out more about our Ranger Service.
Journey planners
Search for National Cycle Network routes on the Sustrans website.
Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland.
Our sites on SatNav
Download Historic Scotland site locations for:
Let us know if you spot one of our sites in the wrong location. You can email website@hes.scot.
Maps and guides
Geology highlights
World-famous Scottish geologist James Hutton used the rock formations at the south end of the park’s Radical Road as evidence for his groundbreaking 1788 work, Theory of the Earth. This area is now known as Hutton’s Section.
Discover all aspects of the volcano, from vents on Arthur’s Seat to lava flows on Whinny Hill.
Wildlife spotting
Holyrood Park has a rich wildlife, including:
- plants like orchids and rock rose
- birds such as fulmars and stonechats
- mammals like squirrels and brown hare
- butterflies such as the northern brown argus
Hunter’s Bog is a good place to spot wildlife.
Maps and guides to download
Holyrood Park Map and Guide [PDF, 406KB]
Holyrood Park – Points of Interest [PDF, 75KB]
Holyrood Park – Self Guided Walks [PDF, 648KB]
Holyrood Park – Climbing Guide [PDF, 448KB]
Holyrood Park – Fishing Guide [PDF, 479KB]
Holyrood Park – Camping Guide [PDF, 316KB]
Holyrood Park and Linlithgow Peel – Bird Feeding Guide [PDF, 367KB]
Parking
Parking is available near Holyrood Palace Broad Pavement, St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch and Duddingston Loch.
You must pay for the parking near Holyrood Palace Broad Pavement. The cost is £1 an hour (minimum charge £1).
Charges apply from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily, except on:
- Saturdays
- Sundays
- Easter Monday
- 25 and 26 December
- 1 January
Historic Scotland Members are not exempt from the charges.
Cyclists
Off-road cycling is not permitted. You may cycle on the marked cycle paths as well as on the roads.
Access at Holyrood Park
Sturdy footwear with a good grip is recommended for exploring Holyrood Park.
Walking just a short distance can take you from tarmac pavement to rugged and uneven ground.
Watch out for slippery surfaces and sheer drops.
