The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
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Summarised reviews
- Spectacular visuals
Visitors to The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse have praised the world-class art and stunning architecture of the Palace. Many have commented on the excellent service and knowledgeable staff, who provide a wealth of information about the exhibitions and the Palace's history. With a 4.5-star rating and over 2,600 reviews, The King's Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
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The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse gives you exceptional access to rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection at the foot of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. This purpose-built gallery space showcases royal treasures, artwork, and historical artefacts in climate-controlled rooms designed specifically to protect delicate items from the Royal Collection.
Your tickets include the current Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography exhibition, running until 7 September 2025. You'll see over 90 royal portraits spanning 100 years of royal photography, including works by Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz, and Madame Yevonde. Her 1935 portrait of Princess Margaret represents the earliest surviving royal colour photograph. The exhibition displays rare archival materials, annotated proofs, and handwritten correspondence from the Royal Archives, many shown publicly for the first time.
Every ticket includes a complimentary multimedia audio guide in English that provides detailed commentary about the exhibitions and historical context. While you're exploring royal Edinburgh, you might also consider visiting Edinburgh Castle tickets for Scotland's most famous fortress, or discover the darker side of the city's history with Edinburgh Dungeons tickets.
Highlights
- Royal Portraits exhibition featuring over 90 photographs from 100 years of royal photography
- Earliest surviving royal colour photograph by Madame Yevonde from 1935
- Works by celebrated photographers including Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz
- Rare archival materials and handwritten correspondence from the Royal Archives
- Climate-controlled gallery spaces designed specifically for Royal Collection pieces
- Complimentary multimedia audio guide providing expert commentary
Plan Your Visit to The King's Gallery
Allow 1-2 hours for your visit to fully explore the current exhibitions using the audio guide. The gallery operates year-round with rotating exhibitions, so each visit offers something new from the Royal Collection.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons provide the quietest viewing conditions. The gallery tends to be less crowded than the main palace, giving you a more intimate experience with the royal artworks and historical documents.
The King's Gallery offers full wheelchair accessibility with lifts and barrier-free access throughout. Free companion tickets are available for visitors requiring assistance. Photography and filming are prohibited inside all exhibition areas to protect the delicate artworks.
Your King's Gallery tickets provide access only to the gallery exhibitions. If you want to explore the State Apartments and ruins of Holyrood Abbey, you'll need separate tickets for the main palace. For a complete royal experience in Edinburgh, consider combining your gallery visit with Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets to see the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
Why you'll love it
- Book tickets to The King’s Gallery for your special pass to the Royal Collection’s rotating exhibitions in Scotland and see something new and exclusive with every visit
- Explore royal opulence from 24 Apr–6 Dec 2026 at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh
- See Fabergé and Sargent works, tracing 1863–1918
- Discover the glamorous lives of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
- View historic 1902 Coronation robes, gilded thrones, and iconic paintings by Leighton
- Witness the monarchy’s shift from Edwardian luxury to WWI duty, featuring Queen Alexandra’s photography and items from the 1901 extensive Royal Tour
- Enhance your visit with a multimedia guide in English included in the ticket price
- Listen to expert insights and history as you explore the royal art.
What's included
- Entry to The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse Access to The Edwardians: Age of Elegance exhibition (Apr 24 to Dec 6, 2026) Multimedia guide in English
- Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse Transfers Food and drink Workshops, lectures, group talks, and special events
Good to know
- Age suitability
- The King's Gallery is suitable for all ages, but children under 5 years old may not be able to fully appreciate the exhibitions. However, children are welcome to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse with
- Opening times
09:30am - 06:00pm 09:30am - 06:00pm 09:30am - 06:00pm 09:30am - 06:00pm 09:30am - 06:00pm 09:30am - 06:00pm 09:30am - 06:00pm
- Know before you go
Before visiting The King's Gallery, it's recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse. Bring a camera to capture the stunning artwork and architecture. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is partially wheelchair accessible, but some areas may be difficult to navigate. It's also a good idea to check the Royal Collection's website for any specific accessibility information before your visit.
- Visitor guidelines
Please note that photography is allowed for personal use, but tripods and flash are not permitted. Mobile phones should be set to silent mode, and visitors are asked to refrain from talking loudly or using flash photography. For safety reasons, please follow the instructions of staff and security personnel at all times.
Frequently asked
How long does it take?
The King's Gallery ticket is valid for 90 minutes, allowing you to explore the temporary exhibitions and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at your own pace.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, The King's Gallery is a great destination for families with children aged 5 and above. However, please note that some areas of the Palace of Holyroodhouse may not be suitable for young children.
What's included?
The King's Gallery ticket includes access to the temporary exhibitions and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Please note that some special events or exhibitions may require an additional fee.
How do I get there?
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. You can reach it by bus, taxi, or on foot. Please check the Royal Collection's website for more information on getting to the Palace.
Where you'll be
The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile
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