Holyroodhouse royal rooms open in Edinburgh for 100 days only

The private apartments of Queen Elizabeth at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will be available to tour for the first time in 2026, marking what would have been her 100th birthday.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse (Image: Peter Smith)

For 100 days only, visitors will be able to step inside the personal spaces once occupied by the late Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The guided tours will explore how the rooms were used during Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign.

Visitors will see three outfits in the Dressing Room, including a purple coat with an Isle of Skye tartan shawl by Scottish designer Sandra Murray (left); a white tweed coat by Karl Ludwig van Rehse (centre);and a silk evening dress designed by John Anderson (right). (Image: Supplied)

The apartments, which date back to the 17th century, have been used by successive monarchs and members of the Royal Family since the reign of Queen Victoria.

They contain historic objects from the Royal Collection alongside pieces from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s personal collections.

The Royal Breakfast Room, where the Queen and Prince Philip would dine while in residence. (Image: Supplied)

Highlights include the Royal Breakfast Room, where the late Queen and Prince Philip would dine privately.

The room features Flemish tapestries woven around 1650, which were hung there in the 1920s at the request of King George V and Queen Mary.

A selection of accessories are displayed in the Queen’s Dressing Room. (Image: Supplied)

Visitors will also see the Queen’s dressing room, where outfits worn during key Edinburgh occasions will go on display.

These include the outfit worn at the opening of the Scottish Parliament on July 1, 1999, a beaded evening dress worn during the 1997 Commonwealth Heads of Government reception, and the ensemble worn at the 2017 Garden Party.

A pincushion with pin badges from participating countries and territories at the Commonwealth Games held in Scotland in 1986 was frequently on display for the Queen. (Image: Supplied)

The tour concludes in the Sitting Room, where Queen Elizabeth would carry out official duties, hold private audiences and relax between engagements.

Pieces from Prince Philip’s collection of contemporary Scottish art will also feature, alongside furniture made by Edinburgh cabinetmakers Young, Trotter and Hamilton.

A writing table with Queen Elizabeth’s personal stationery and red despatch boxes in the Queen’s Sitting Room. (Image: Supplied)

After the private apartment experience, visitors will be able to continue through the Palace’s State Apartments and the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Emma Stead, curator at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, said: "Queen Elizabeth’s well-known love for Scotland will be given fresh context through this unique and special access to the private apartments, where visitors will enjoy a new perspective into both the formal and more informal use of Edinburgh’s royal palace."

The tours will run from May 21 until September 10, 2026.

Tickets must be purchased in addition to standard Palace admission, with prices starting at £71 in advance or £75 on the day.