We visited both the Palace and the Gallery in 2013, returning in 201 when ,we revisted the Gallery, but as members of The Royal family were in residence at The Palace we missed out on another visit to the Palace, so I shall start this review by advising you check the opening times on their website before a visit!.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery are at the east end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's historic old town. Nearby are other major attractions such as the Scottish Parliament (which is opposite) Dynamic Earth, Arthurs Seat and the public park – Holyrood Park.
The Palace and Gallery can be reached by walking down the Royal Mile where you will pass shops, cafés, restaurants and museums. Alternatively a short local bus or taxi journey from the Waverley Station area will take you to the venue. The Holyrood area can get congested and parking can be limited, (although there are some disabled parking bays on Horse Wynd) so we used the local bus service.
The Queens Gallery and The Palace of Holyroodhouse have separate entrances. There are various ticket types you can buy, such as a combination tocket to visit The Queens Gallery, The Palace, The Abbey and the Garden history tour, or just the Gallery. There are concessions for seniors. Carers for disabled people are admitted free. For the less mobile wheelchair hire is available but it should be booked in advance.
The Queens Gallery houses temporary, changing exhibitions, when we last visited, there was an exhibition on the Tudor period. The Gallery is full accessible to disabled people/the less mobile.
A visit to the Palace of Holyrood is quite an experience, you are able to see many of the state rooms. With the exception of the Mary, Queen of Scots Chambers which involves climbing a spiral staircase the Palace is accessible to all. For those who do not want to climb the staircase you can experience a virtual tour from the E Gallery.
There is a café in the Mews Courtyard, where you can enjoy a meal or perhaps choose to take Afternoon Tea at the Palace, with a Champagne Tea being an option!.
There is a well stocked beautiful gift shop. An Abbey to tour (the grounds of the Abbey have gravel chippings so walking underfoot could be difficult for the less mobile) and a garden history tour available.
