Abbey Strand book club
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15 minute walk from the station.
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Palace is a 20 minute walk from the stop.
Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus number 35 stops near the Palace. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament.
From tragic tales of treachery to stories of Jacobite journeys, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its many chapters of history have provided the inspiration for a vast array of literary works over the centuries. In the Abbey Strand book club, explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction. Please note, texts are not included in the ticket price, and should be purchased to read beforehand.
March - Rizzio, Denise Mina
Explore in fictional form the infamous events surrounding the death of David Rizzio in 1566. Visit the scene of the crime, Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, before delving into Mina's exploration of the days and hours leading up to this dramatic moment.
June - Waverley, Walter Scott
Scott’s first novel is set during the years of the Jacobite uprising of 1745, with significant scenes taking place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In this meeting, visit the chambers used by Charles Edward during his six-week stay at the Palace, and see the rooms described by Scott in his fictional imagining of this time.
September – Quines, Gerda Stevenson
This poetry collection celebrates stories of women of Scotland from across the centuries, many of whom have a connection to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, including Saint Margaret, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne.
December - Hex, Jenni Fagan
Delve into the turbulent world of sixteenth-century Edinburgh and the fear and fascination with witchcraft. Hear the story of Agnes Sampson, who was accused of witchcraft and brought to the Palace of Holyroodhouse for questioning by King James VI and I himself.
