Above right: Palace of Holyroodhouse gardenLeft: The Darnley Jewel, c.1570Group visitPalace of HolyroodhouseOpening timesApril to October Open daily 09:30-18:00 (last admission 17:00) November to March Open daily 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:30)Admission price Individual Group Adult £10.75 £9.65Over 60/ Student £9.80 £8.90Under 17 £6.50 £5.85COMBINED-TICKET PRICE Individual GroupAdult £15.10 £14.35Over 60/ Student £13.75 £13.05Under 17 £8.55 £8.10The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots and was the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short and turbulent reign. Mary witnessed the murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley, in her private apartments at Holyrood. These intimate rooms in the Palace's west corner tower were home to Mary following her return from France in 1561. Lord Darnley was buried in the adjacent 12th-century Abbey, now a beautiful ruin.The State Apartments at Holyrood are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of tapestries. Today they are used by The Queen for official ceremonies and entertaining. It was here that Her Majesty received Pope Benedict XVI on his official visit to the UK in September 2010. The Palace was also the setting for the wedding reception of The Queen's grand-daughter Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in July 2011.Your group can enjoy a range of light refreshments or lunch in the Café at the Palace. Please ask for further details when making your booking.Free tours of the romantic ruin of Holyrood Abbey run daily from May to August. Groups are welcome to join a tour on a turn-up-and-go basis. To mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, a new combined group ticket offers admission at a discounted price to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery in 2012.Photographer: John FreemanPhotographer: Shannon ToftsOpposite: The Queen's Garden Party, Palace of Holyroodhouse, 2009Top left: Palace of HolyroodhouseTop right: Tour of Holyrood AbbeyPhotographer: Sandy YoungDirect booking line 020 7766 7321 www.royalcollection.org.uk19

guided private tourThe State Apartments, Palace of HolyroodhouseThis very special tour, which allows visitors behind the ropes in several rooms, begins with an introduction to Holyrood's important role today as Her Majesty The Queen's official residence in Scotland. It also provides an insight into the work of the Royal Household, the organisation that supports The Queen in her duties. Your guide will reveal the Palace's rich history, while explaining the fascinating behind-the-scenes work of the Royal Household that ensures the smooth running of official events, such as Garden Parties, Investitures, audiences and receptions. The West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family as a private sitting room and not normally open to the public, is included in the tour. It is among the most beautiful rooms in the Palace and boasts one of the finest 17th-century plasterwork ceilings. Your tour continues through the magnificent State Rooms and Historic Apartments. Morning tours finish in the Café at the Palace, and evening tours end with a glass of champagne.To create a very special evening event, a range of hospitality at the Café at the Palace may be enjoyed after your private tour. To request a hospitality brochure, please telephone 020 7766 7333.Morning availabilityThroughout the year 08:30-10:30Evening availabilityApril to October 18:30-20:30November to March 18:00-20:00Tour priceMorning tour £25. Evening tour £30. Minimum number 25/booking value £625/£750, maximum number 60 Morning tour price includes a copy of the official guidebook and tea, coffee and pastries. Evening tour price includes a copy of the official guidebook and a glass of champagne. Above: The West Drawing RoomLeft: Pair of upholstered throne chairs made for King George V and Queen Mary in 1911Photographer: Shannon Tofts20www.royalcollection.org.ukDirect booking line 020 7766 7321