United Kingdom · Scotland · Edinburgh
Holyrood, Edinburgh — Area Guide & Where to Stay
Holyrood is the eastern quarter of Edinburgh's old city, where the Royal Mile ends at the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Scottish Parliament stands opposite. Behind both, the open ground of Holyrood Park climbs toward the summit of Arthur's Seat. Travellers know the district for its rare pairing of royal residence and legislature beneath a wild green hill.
About Holyrood
Where to stay in Holyrood
The right area depends on your trip — here's what each neighbourhood is best for.
Staying in Holyrood puts you at the quiet, monumental end of the old city rather than in the thick of the pubs and shops higher up the Royal Mile. The district suits sightseeing on foot: the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament, and the trails up Arthur's Seat all begin at the door. Beds here are limited, weighted toward a few hotels along Holyrood Road and Canongate lettings.
Evenings are calm. For a wider choice of rooms and nightlife, walk up into the Old Town or across to the New Town.
About Holyrood
What are the main landmarks in Holyrood?
The Palace of Holyroodhouse anchors the district, the official Scottish residence of the monarch, with the roofless nave of Holyrood Abbey standing at its side. Facing it across the road is the Scottish Parliament, home of Scotland's devolved legislature. Behind both spreads Holyrood Park, a former royal hunting ground turned public common, with Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags rising within it.
Down on Holyrood Road, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the planet beneath a white tented roof. It all sits close together.
What is the history of Holyrood?
Holyrood takes its name from Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I. A lodging grew beside the abbey, and by the sixteenth century it had become the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the principal residence of the Scottish crown. Mary, Queen of Scots held court here. Her secretary David Rizzio was murdered within the palace walls.
The old royal hunting ground behind it was enclosed as a park and, in time, opened to the people of the city.
Where is Holyrood?
Holyrood lies at the foot of the Royal Mile, at the east end of Edinburgh's Old Town. The Canongate feeds in from the west. Holyrood Park and the crags of Arthur's Seat close it off to the south and east, while Holyrood Road carries the northern edge past the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse sits at the centre, with the ruins of Holyrood Abbey beside it.
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Updated July 2026