The Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the foot of the Royal Mile, is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch and a place steeped in dramatic history. A ticketed tour takes visitors through the state apartments, the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the romantic ruins of the abbey, set against the backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. With its royal connections, fine interiors and beautiful gardens, it offers a fascinating counterpart to the castle at the opposite end of the Old Town’s famous thoroughfare.