Holyrood Park, Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
Unique historic landscape in the heart of the city
Introduction
Holyrood Park is associated with the royal palace of Holyrood House, and was formerly a 12th-century royal hunting estate, although it is now publicly accessible. Arthur's Seat, the highest point in Edinburgh, is one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago at the centre of the park, with the cliffs of Salisbury Crags to the west. There are three lochs; St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch, and Duddingston Loch. The ruined St Anthony's Chapel stands above St Margaret's Loch. Queen's Drive is the main route through the Park, and is partly closed on Sundays to motor vehicles. St Margaret's Well and St Anthony's Well are both natural springs within the park.
Within Holyrood Park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. The park is a scheduled ancient monument and a site of special scientific interest due to its archaeology, geology and wildlife.
The Park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled views of the city from its many vantage points.
History to the present day
Evidence of Iron Age hill forts can be seen on the back of Salisbury crags, near the top of Arthurs Seat, Dunsapie Crag and Samsons Ribs.
Discover St Anthony’s Well on the path up to the chapel and St Margaret’s Well opposite the Broadpavement car park.
The ruined Augustinian Abbey of Holyrood was established in 1128, at the order of King David I of Scotland, within his royal deer-hunting park. The Abbey was in use until the 16th century. It was briefly used as a Chapel Royal by James VII, but was finally ruined in the mid-18th century.
The Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse began as a lodging within the Abbey, but eventually grew into a substantial palace. James IV had the first buildings constructed around 1500, although the bulk of the present building dates from the late 17th century, when it was reconstructed by Sir William Bruce. It remains as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
St Anthony's Chapel was probably built around the early half of the 15th Century. It was originally rectangular in shape, around 43 by 18 feet, with 3-foot thick walls, and was built with local stone. Now the chapel is a ruin, only the north wall remains.
Other facilities
Holyrood Park Exhibition: An exhibition of the park is available at Holyrood Lodge Information Centre located next to the New Scottish Parliament.
The exhibition explores the history, management, archaelogy and geology of Holyrood Park. Leaflets and maps of the park are available from the centre. Open daily: 9.30 am to 3.00pm.
