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Magical Menagerie Activity Day

Learn about the history of the Palace Gardens, where 500 years ago a medieval menagerie was home to a range of animals including lions, tigers and bears.

Magical Menagerie Activity Day

About Magical Menagerie Activity Day

Five hundred years ago, part of the Palace Gardens was a medieval menagerie – sort of like a private royal zoo. It was home to a range of animals - including lions, tigers and bears.

Animal masks

Join us in the Family Room to learn about the animals that have lived in the Palace Gardens – in the medieval menagerie hundreds of years ago, and amongst the shrubs and trees today. Take the chance to make a paper mask of your favourite animal to wear as you explore the Palace.

Garden Games

As well as the exotic animals living in the menagerie, the Gardens were also home to a tennis court, bowls, hawking, archery and other outdoor games. Come try your hand at some historic games!

Unicorn Family Trail

Celebrate the most magical animal of all – Scotland’s national animal, the mighty unicorn! Collect your copy of this special activity trail and see if you can spot the unicorns in the Palace and grounds.

Sponsored Links

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Hilton Glasgow
Kevin Quantum
Great Run Company
Edinburgh Cocktail Week
ACME Comic Con
Escape The Past

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Abbey Strand Book Club

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Explore spaces and objects which have shaped history and inspired fiction at the Abbey Strand book club!

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Royal Rhyme Time

Selected dates between 11th March 2024 - 2nd December 2024

Join us in the historic Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions for toddlers.

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Abbey Strand Art Club

Selected dates between 4th May 2024 - 30th November 2024

Do you enjoy getting creative and learning about the past? If so then the Abbey Strand art club could be just for you. Suitable for 7-12 years olds.

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Student Sessions: Style & Society

20th September 2024

Join us at The King's Gallery on 20th September for an exciting opportunity for students in arts, heritage and culture to explore to the exhibition, Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians!

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A Society Soiree: Georgian Style

20th September 2024

Join Surveyor of the King's Pictures, and curator of the exhibition, Anna Reynolds on 20th September for an exclusive view of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians!

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Fireside Stories: Local Lore

25th October 2024

Join professional storyteller Fiona Herbert inside Abbey Strand on 25th October to hear tales of Edinburgh’s past, from folk tales to tales of terror!

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Christmas Relaxed Access Evening

6th December 2024

This event at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 6th December is open to all, including those with autism and other neurodiverse needs, together with their siblings, families, and carers.

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Carols by the Christmas Tree

8th December 2024 - 9th December 2024

Enjoy seeing the beautifully decorated State Apartments of The Palace of Holyroodhouse, as you make your way to the Great Gallery to hear a wonderful concert of Christmas music on 8th December!

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Festive Wreaths at Holyroodhouse

12th December 2024

Join florist and Royal Warrant-holder Lottie Longman at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 12th December to create your own festive wreath to take home!

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Descriptive tour: A Royal Christmas

14th December 2024

Join us for a special descriptive Christmas Tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse designed for visually impaired visitors.

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Exclusive Family Tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

14th December 2024

This Christmas, join us for a magical morning at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on our exclusive, guided Christmas family tour!

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Royal Christmas Traditions: BSL Interpreted Tour

14th December 2024

Join us in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse for this guided festive tour, exploring Royal Christmas traditions!

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Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Hilton Glasgow
Kids Pass
Rabbies
Edinburgh Dungeons
ATG
National Trust

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