Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament: See MSPs in action

The Scottish Parliament is a devolved government of the Parliament at Whitehall, London, and you can head on down to watch the MSPs in action at Holyrood, where the Parliament building stands. In fact, any fan of architecture enjoying their Edinburgh holiday should see the building, which opened in 2004 to much applause and criticism. Built at a cost of £414 million, some say it looks like a classroom as each MSP has an individual desk, while others comment on an excessive use of bamboo. But whatever your view (and you can get one on a free guided tour), the building did win plenty of awards including the 2005 Stirling Prize. Sitting on the site of the old Scottish and Newcastle brewery, the building is close to Edinburgh city centre, on the edge of Holyrood Park, where travellers can also pay a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and science museum Our Dynamic Earth.

Hotels near Scottish Parliament

Located on the edge of the expansive Holyrood Park, staying in hotels near Scottish Parliament is great for stretching your legs on the green, as well as seeing other top attractions like Our Dynamic Earth and Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence when in Edinburgh. Walking into the Old Town along the Royal Mile is also easy from any of the hotels near Scottish Parliament. The three-star Bank Hotel gives you the best of both worlds, being situated close to the park and the Royal Mile, as well as providing small intimate Edinburgh accommodation. If you are sticking to a tight budget, however, then try the Royal Mile Backpackers, an Edinburgh hostel with comfortable beds yet unbelievably cheap rates, allowing you to enjoy your city break in Edinburgh and splash your budget on other things! Just book with TravelStay for the cheapest hotels in Edinburgh.