Holyrood Palace Parking

Information about Parking in Holyrood Palace

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Holyrood Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland, and has also been home to Mary, Queen of Scots and, briefly, Bonnie Prince Charlie. The current monarch and royal family still spend time at Holyrood Palace, so it is only open to the public when they are not in residence.

The palace dates to the 16th and 17th centuries, with the north-west tower being built first. Areas open to the public include the apartments in the 16th-century north-west tower. These apartments have a rather macabre history, including being the site of a murder in 1556.

The 17th-century part of Holyrood Palace includes the lavishly decorated King’s apartments and The Great Gallery. The Great Gallery includes 110 portraits of Scottish monarchs completed by Jacob de Wet II between 1684 and 1686, and is also the largest room in the palace.

When visiting Holyrood Palace it’s hard not to admire the grounds in which it is set. The gardens are around 10 acres and include a 16th-century building known as Queen Mary’s Bath House and a fountain. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey are also found close to the palace.

The grounds back onto the larger Holyrood Park where you will find the highest point in Edinburgh - Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano provides great views of Edinburgh which are worth the climb to the top. You’ll also find the picturesque St Margaret’s Loch in Holyrood Park, as well as the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel.

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Holyrood Palace Parking Statistics

4.6 out of 5 stars

Average parking rating for Holyrood Palace

1669 reviews

By YourParkingSpace drivers for Holyrood Palace spaces

170 parking spaces

Available for drivers visiting Holyrood Palace

Parking at Holyrood Palace

As Holyrood Palace is a royal residence there is no public parking on the premises. Parking near Holyrood Palace can be found in Holyrood Park Broad Pavement car park off Queen’s Drive. This car park is only a few minutes’ walk to Holyrood Palace. There are 90 spaces available here, and it is open 7 days a week with charges applying at £1 an hour (minimum charge £1) between 8:30am - 5:30pm except:

  • Saturdays
  • Sundays
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • 25 and 26 December
  • 1 January

There is another car park within a 15-minute walk of Holyrood Palace - Holyrood Park St Margaret’s Loch off Duke’s Walk. There are 40 parking spaces available here, and it is open 7 days a week. There is a £1 an hour (minimum charge £1) between 8:30am - 5:30pm except:

  • Saturdays
  • Sundays
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • 25 and 26 December
  • 1 January

You can also browse the parking options available at YourParkingSpace. Our service is available 24 hours a day. Download our free app and get parking in your pocket!

Parking in Central Edinburgh

As Holyrood Palace is quite central, you might find it easier to park in Edinburgh city itself. There are several pay and display parks available:

Edinburgh Holyrood Road car park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week with pay and display charges below:

  • 1 hour £3.50
  • 1 to 2 hours £8.00
  • 2 to 3 hours £12.00
  • 3 to 4 hours £15.00
  • 4 to 24 hours £20.00
  • Evening rate 1700-2359 £7.50

There is also a 24 hour car park on St Mary’s Street at the Edinburgh Central Travelodge. There are 60 spaces available with charges below:

  • Up to 1 hour: £2.00
  • Up to 3 hours: £4.00 
  • Up to 5 hours: £8.00
  • Up 24 hours: £25.00

YourParkingSpace offers long-term and short-term off street parking in Edinburgh City Centre. Download our free app for iOS and Android and browse through our options, including driveways and lock-up garages.

Nearby Attractions

Holyrood Palace is a central attraction, so there are plenty of other things to do nearby. 

Holyrood Park includes famous places such as Arthur’s Seat, Hunter’s Bog, Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins and Muschat’s Cairn. Between Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park you can easily fill a weekend. 

Edinburgh Castle is another very central attraction. This 11th-century castle is home to the priceless Crown jewels, made for James V and worn by Queen Mary. The National War Museum and The Stone of Destiny are other well-known places and artifacts in the area.

Planning a night out in Edinburgh? Find convenient parking with YourParkingSpace within walking distance of the area’s main attractions.

Public Transport

By Train: 

The closest station to Holyrood Palace is Edinburgh Waverley station. This services several lines including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail and Transpennine Express.

By Bus: 

There is a bus stop outside the Scottish Parliament where bus 35 stops, and from there you can walk up to Holyrood Palace.

By Car: 

If you are driving to Holyrood Palace, the closest car parks are located on Queen’s Drive and Duke’s Walk.

Disabled Parking at Holyrood Palace

As there is no public parking at Holyrood Palace there is very limited disabled parking nearby. Blue Badge parking is available at marked bays in the Scottish Parliament car park off Horse Wynd.

Disabled spaces are also available at the Edinburgh Central Travelodge car park. 

To search for the disabled car park that is closest to Holyrood Palace, see the Blue Badge Parking website. 

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle charging stations are available at several locations in Edinburgh. The closest ones to Holyrood Palace are:

  • Scottish Parliament Building
  • Our Dynamic Earth

A network of all electric vehicle charging points can be found on the government's Go Ultra low website.

Need a boost? Book in advance with YourParkingSpace and remove the stress of finding that elusive charging station.

Space Owners

Do you own an empty parking space near Holyrood Palace? Turn your vacant driveway, parking space, or lock-up garage into income with YourParkingSpace. List your space for free in only 2 minutes.

FAQs

Are there shops available at Holyrood Palace?

Yes, The Queens Gallery Shop and refreshments are also available at the Cafe in the Mews Courtyard. 

Are guided tours of Holyrood Palace available?

Yes, there are in-person tours available. There are also multi-media guides available in a variety of languages.

When is Holyrood Palace open?

Between 1st November and 31st of March, the Palace is open between 9:30am - 4:30pm with last admissions at 3:15pm. Between 1st April and 31st October, the Palace is open between 9:30am - 6:00pm with last admissions at 4:30pm. 

The palace is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as Christmas and Boxing Days. Holyrood Palace may also close at short notice if someone is resident in the Palace.

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