Parliament House

Parliament House which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Parliament House which includes a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Parliament House which includes an administrative building, a monument and a memorial


Edinburgh’s original parliament building is often missed by most tourists, but it’s well worth a visit for the art and architecture.

As you travel through the streets of The Royal Mile and its narrow alleyways take a slight detour and step into Parliament Square, next to St. Giles’ Cathedral. On one side of the square is Parliament House, home of the Scottish Parliament from 1639 to 1707. Following the union of England and Scotland in 1707, Parliament was dissolved and the politicians moved to London. Today, this grand building houses the Supreme Courts of Scotland. Amble around Parliament Hall to see the lawyers when they’re not in court. You will usually see them pacing up and down the ancient hall in their wigs and gowns. This cavernous room used to be the chamber where politicians discussed affairs of state.Look up at the hammer-beam ceiling made of Danish oak. It’s one of the few surviving internal structures of this early 17th-century building.Watch for some of the hall’s other standout features such as the Great South Window. This is a stained-glass depiction of the inauguration of the College of Justice and the Court of Session by King James V in 1532.Examine the statues dotted around the hall. They include the marble statue of Duncan Forbes, a politician and judge, captured in mid-gesture. You can also see a number of portraits of 18th- and 19th-century lawyers.The courtrooms are open to the public, but primarily they hear civil cases. Criminal trials take place in the High Court.Parliament House is located on Parliament Square in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Parking is limited but buses service the area. As Parliament House is a working court building, visitors’ bags are subject to a search. The building is open year-round.

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Things to do near Parliament House

Near Parliament House, visitors can enjoy a delightful array of activities including theatre performances, vibrant festivals, and captivating art displays. An entertaining walk through the historic streets offers the chance to explore Edinburgh on foot, allowing you to soak up the city's rich culture and stunning architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere that surrounds this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Only 161m from Parliament House, Tron Kirk offers a vibrant public market atmosphere, while The Hub and Scottish Gems, both 322m away, provide a delightful shopping experience with a mix of city and family vibes. Ideal for picking up unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, 3.2km from Parliament House, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy captivating performances at Queen's Hall, located 1.1km away, perfect for music lovers. For a family-friendly aquatic experience, visit the Royal Commonwealth Pool, just 1.4km from Parliament House.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 966m from Parliament House, where you can enjoy exhilarating slopes. For a different adventure, head to Bedlam Paintball, 1.1km away, for an action-packed day of paintball excitement amidst lively surroundings.

Nightlife

In Edinburgh, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers a thrilling arcade experience just 322m from Parliament House. Nearby, Greyfriar's Bobby and Canongate Tolbooth, both drinking pubs, provide a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment and romance, perfect for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Parliament House

The area surrounding Parliament House in Edinburgh offers a wealth of attractions, including charming streets, intriguing museums, and historic colleges and universities. These points of interest provide a rich cultural experience for visitors, making it an ideal destination for families and those seeking to immerse themselves in the city's heritage.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views of the city. This historic fortress is rich in romance and culture, showcasing Scotland's fascinating history, with its iconic Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
  • University of Edinburgh: As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, the University of Edinburgh boasts stunning architecture and a vibrant academic atmosphere. Immerse yourself in its cultural vibes, exploring historic buildings and beautiful gardens.
  • Grassmarket: A lively tourist precinct, Grassmarket is buzzing with outdoor cafés, shops, and pubs. This vibrant area is perfect for families to enjoy a leisurely stroll, soak in the atmosphere, and sample local delicacies.

Best time to go to Parliament House

The best time to visit Parliament House is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Parliament House

To save money on your visit to Parliament House, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Tuesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and arrange prices from lowest to highest. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months of June to August when prices soar.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Parliament House are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Parliament House is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Parliament House is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Parliament House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter in ascending order, from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Parliament House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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