Scheduled MonumentsScotlandHolyrood Park

Holyrood Park

Scotland
HES SM13032
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Holyrood Park is a historic landscape in Edinburgh, Midlothian, centred on the extinct volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat. The park encompasses a complex of archaeological features spanning multiple periods, including prehistoric remains and medieval structures associated with the former royal hunting estate and later the grounds of Holyrood Palace and Abbey. Arthur's Seat itself, rising to approximately 251 metres, displays evidence of Iron Age fortification with traces of ramparts and defensive works. The wider park landscape reflects its long use as a royal demesne, transitioning from medieval hunting grounds to the eighteenth-century landscaped grounds that characterise the site today.

Holyrood Park is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13032. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Holyrood Park?

Holyrood Park is a historic landscape in Edinburgh, Midlothian, centred on the extinct volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13032.

Who is responsible for protecting Holyrood Park?

Holyrood Park is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM13032.

What other scheduled monuments are near Holyrood Park?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Elginhaugh,Roman fort,annexe and bathhouse 200m NE of (7.6 km), Lasswade old parish church (7.6 km), Caerketton Hill,fort (7.6 km).

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