Page 24 - Groups Guide

HIGHLIGHTS
GROUP VISIT
BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE
Bonnie Prince Charlie brought the Palace to life in 1745, when he set up court for six weeks as he attempted to claim the British throne for his father. You can see the Great Gallery where the Prince held extravagant balls and receptions, and the sumptuous bed in which he may have slept, which is still in Lord Darnley’s Bedchamber.
CAFÉ AT THE PALACE
In the historic Mews Courtyard, the award-winning Café at the Palace offers homemade dishes using fresh, locally- sourced produce. Afternoon tea is served daily, along with a selection of
soups, hot main courses and a range of delicious salads, sandwiches, speciality breads and cakes. Groups can pre-book afternoon tea by contacting Café at the Palace directly on +44 (0)131 652 3685.
THE PALACE GARDENS AND ABBEY
Between April and October you can explore the Palace’s gardens,
set against the spectacular landscape of Arthur’s Seat, and the setting for The Queen’s annual Garden Party, held in July for around 8,000 guests.
Throughout the year, you can also join a guided tour of Holyrood Abbey’s romantic ruins, next to the Palace, and learn about the building’s extraordinary history.
THE PALACE AT CHRISTMAS
Reflecting the changing tastes of successive monarchs, the State Apartments are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries.
They are furnished with numerous works of art, many of which have long associations with Holyroodhouse and Scotland.
Today the State Apartments are used by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family for official ceremonies and entertaining.
During Royal Week, when The Queen is in residence, Her Majesty carries out a wide range of public engagements at the Palace, in Edinburgh and around Scotland.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse celebrates the festive season with sparkling lights, spangled wreaths, Christmas trees and decorations inspired by the famous plasterwork ceilings of the State Apartments.
Above left: John Pettie, portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie, before 1892
Far left: Afternoon tea, Cafe at the Palace
Left: The Christmas tree in the Throne Room
Right: Throne Room
Far right: Her Majesty The Queen with the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
It is also possible to enjoy the Palace at this magical time of year with a Private Guided Tour.
Opening times
April to October
Open daily 09:30–18:00 (last admission 16:30)
November to March Open daily 09:30–16:30 (last admission 15:15)
Also included in a visit from 17 July – 4 October 2020
George Washington Wilson: Queen Victoria’s Photographer in Scotland
Famous for his iconic portrait
of Queen Victoria on ‘Fyvie’ with her servant John Brown, George Washington Wilson was perhaps the most popular of all royal photographers in the 19th century. This display will explore for the first time Wilson’s key royal portraits made for Queen Victoria’s personal photograph collection alongside many examples of his majestic Scottish landscapes.
Price
Adult
Over 60/ Student (with ID)
Under 17/Disabled
Individual Group £16.50 £14.80
£14.90 £13.40 £9.50 £8.50
Price includes a self-guided multimedia tour in ten languages or a family multimedia tour in English.
Group size
Minimum 15
Duration
1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes
Watch an introductory
video at www.rct.uk/ holyroodhousefilm
24 Direct booking line +44 (0)303 123 7321 www.rct.uk
Photographer: Peter Smith