Photos: Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Unknown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 tormentor4555, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo credits
Photos: Bernard Gagnon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Unknown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 tormentor4555, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Palace of Holyroodhouse from the forecourt
Your local guide
Angus Ferguson
View profile
Highlights
- The palace gates and fountain
- A fountain modelled on Linlithgow
- Arthur's Seat behind the palace
- Why the Mile ends here
- Royal history from the forecourt
About this tour
This session stays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse's forecourt, looking at the gates, the fountain, and the hill rising directly behind the building. You see the wrought-iron gates, the fountain modelled on Linlithgow Palace, and Arthur's Seat framing the whole scene. Angus explains why the Royal Mile ends here rather than at the Castle.
After a short sound check, the session spends time at the gates before turning to take in the wider view, with questions welcomed throughout. Angus answers as you go and sends a short note afterwards on the palace's opening times for anyone visiting yourself.
It suits anyone interested in royal history who wants context before or instead of a ticketed visit. It also works well paired with a wider Royal Mile session.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Edinburgh before heading out.
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The palace gates 15 min
The camera holds on the wrought-iron gates and the palace facade beyond, the monarch's official residence in Scotland. Angus points out the fountain in the forecourt, modelled on one at Linlithgow Palace.
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The forecourt and Holyrood Park 15 min
Turning from the gates, the camera takes in Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat rising directly behind the palace. Angus explains why the palace sits at the foot of the Royal Mile rather than at the top.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Edinburgh: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Cullen skink and Leith, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in London time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Edinburgh, showing you The palace gates and The forecourt and Holyrood Park live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Edinburgh live with my phone. I stand at the palace gates.
Times shown in London time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Mon 26 Oct · 10 seats left From 23,00 €
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