Hurray for Holyrood: Edinburgh's palace, home to royal weddings, intrigue and afternoon tea!

In the courtyard of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland

Holyrood Palace is a centuries old castle in Edinburgh that housed a Tudor wedding, witnessed a murder in the bedroom of Mary Queen of Scots, provided sanctuary for a future king of France, and after years of cyclical improvements and decline, was affectionately restored by Queen Victoria to much of its current state that visitors can see today. And, if that's not enough to entice one to tour, there's also a beautiful gift shop off the Queen's Gallery and a cafe for afternoon tea.  Hooray for Holyrood!

Chris on the scenic grounds of Holryood, a preferred location of the Royals

During our visit to Scotland last month, we visited Holyrood Palace, which, along with Edinburgh Castle, anchors The Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh. While the castle at one end also has royal ties, Scottish monarchs began to prefer Holyrood for its lush, accessible grounds and grand style. King James IV of Scotland sealed the deal of making Holyrood an official royal residence when he improved the palace for his English bride, Margaret Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII.

The ruins of the Abbey and home of the Royal Wedding of 1503

That wedding, which was supposed to lock Scotland and England in perpetual peace, took place in Holyrood Abbey.  Over the years, both the abbey and the peace treaty suffered and, although today, both nations are united, much of the church is left in ruins.

Holyrood connection in Philippa Gregory's, "Three Sisters, Three Queens"

Some of the history of  Holyrood and the Royal Wedding of 1503 is included in "Three Sisters, Three Queens" by Philippa Gregory (one of the books I enjoyed on this vacation and to be featured in an upcoming "Tuesday Tea and Tomes"). It tells the intertwining stories of Margaret and Mary Tudor and their sister-in-law, Katherine of Aragon. 

Afternoon tea reservations at the Cafe at the Palace off the courtyard Holyrood

Having immersed ourselves into the Royals and their history, we were ready for a bit of the regal treatment for ourselves with afternoon tea at the Cafe at the Palace.  

Ready for some royal treatment for ourselves at the Cafe at the Palace

To the side of the Holyrood Palace courtyard, the charming cafe is open to visitors for a variety of repasts. It's modern and unassuming in its decor - perfect for travelers who may have left their pumps and pearls at the hotel - but the service and tea treats are exquisite!

Afternoon tea menu with Scottish flare

Whiskey soaked raisin and cherry scones

The afternoon tea fare includes scones, savories and pastries served up with a Scottish twist on the traditional three-tiered stand. Tea sandwiches included Aberdeen Angus roast beef with horseradish and Scottish smoked salmon roulade on oatcakes. We sampled a whisky soaked raisin and cherry scone accompanied by Scottish berry preserves and cream. And to top it all off, a variety of sweets, including a slice of Victoria sponge cake. This all paired delightfully with their fine selection of tea palace loose tea. Our favorite was the Palace Earl Grey.

Modern and unassuming decor, great for travelers

Delicious tea fare on three-tiered tray

Our final stop was at the Queen's Gallery, a modern events facility restored in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee. It also houses a gift store where we bought commemorative souvenirs of the Royal Wedding of 2018.

The Queen's Gallery was built the year of Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee. The Queen stays at Holyrood every year.

The Queen still visits Holyrood every July, as it is the royal residence of Edinburgh. An enchanting and captivating castle, filled with history and royal tales, not to mention the gift shop and afternoon tea, we found this to be an amazing site to visit. Most certainly, hooray for Holyrood!