Accessible Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh
Accessibility :
Wheelchair Accessible Building (mostly),
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet,
Wheelchair Accessible Cafe
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For details of other wheelchair accessible attractions, accessible events, and wheelchair-friendly eating and drinking options throughout the UK, see The Access Map 2023
Accessible Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is mostly accessible, with some restrictions in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers – it can only be accessed by a spiral staircase (25 steps).
But most of the building and gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible.
A wheelchair accessible lift will take you up to all other upper floor attractions though.
Access to the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is free of charge.
Accessible Parking at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
There are no accessible parking facilities within the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse itself. However, accessible on-street parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, which is just outside the Palace. These spaces cannot be booked in advance though (they are allocated on a “first come, first served” basis). You can park here for 4 hours, which is enough time to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse – and also to visit the Scottish Parliament building on the other side of the road.
Getting to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh using Public Transport
Train:
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley Train Station (about 15 minutes away though!). My advice if arriving at Edinburgh Waverley would be to take a wheelchair accessible taxi, from the taxi rank at the station, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (or even up the hill to Edinburgh Castle – see the Edinburgh Royal Mile DIY Walking Tour info).
If you do decide to walk (or be pushed) though, which is definitely possible, then I would recommend leaving Edinburgh Waverley Station via the two wheelchair accessible lifts which take you towards Waverley Market (in the opposite direction!), turning right onto Princes Street, then again turning right onto North Bridge, and crossing the bridge. Then turn left (into High Street) and trundle down The Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (alternatively, and if you do want to follow the Edinburgh Royal Mile DIY Walking Tour, turn right into High Street, trundle up to Edinburgh Castle from there – and start the Edinburgh Royal Mile DIY Walking Tour after visiting the castle).
This may seem like a circuitous route. But the two lifts at Edinburgh Waverley, and the roundabout route, minimise the gradient.
Trams & Buses:
These also arrive near Waverley Market on Princes Street, so from the bus or tram, simply follow the directions above too (the bit from Princes Street to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – or to Edinburgh Castle and the subsequent Edinburgh Royal Mile DIY Walking Tour).
Access - Entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The ticket office at the main entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is completely wheelchair accessible (and this is where you’ll first come into contact with the extremely helpful Palace of Holyroodhouse staff).
Concessionary rates are available to wheelchair users, and a companion is admitted free of charge.
A one-hour audioguide is also included. And you can plug your own earphones into the machines instead of the ones that are supplied if you’d prefer (standard earphone socket).
Visiting early in the morning is recommended (as it does get busy here).
Accessible Toilets at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located in the Mews Courtyard by the Café at the Palace (which can be visited without buying a ticket to the main Palace of Holyroodhouse building).
There are no Changing Places facilities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse – but a Changing Places facility is available in the Scottish Parliament building just across the road.
Accessible Cafe/Restaurant at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The Café at the Palace has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and there is a wheelchair accessible toilet in the Mews Courtyard here.
Afternoon Tea at the Palace must be prebooked (to book, call +44 (0)131 652 3685).
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For details of other accessible visitor attractions, accessible events, and accessible eating and drinking options, see The Access Map 2023
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Palace of Holyroodhouse News
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Photo credit: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.