Edinburgh - Palace of Holyrood House

The Royal Mile ends proudly outside the wrought-iron gates of Holyroodhouse Palace, which stands out against the backdrop of Salisbury Crags. The climb is steep but is rewarded with a magnificent view of the city and Holyroodhouse. The palace has frequently been at center stage as Scottish history has unfolded. James II and James IV were both married here, Mary Stuart wed Lord Darnley, James V and Charles I were crowned and "Bonnie Prince Charlie" held court at the palace for a short time in 1745. After the visits of Queen Victoria in the middle of the 19th C, Holyrood was promoted as the official residence of the British monarch in Edinburgh and for that reason, during the summer months, it is not open to the public.