Attractions

Gladstone House is situated next to The Royal Commonwealth Pool, an Olympic size swimming pool where guests wishing to keep in trim can go for a swim or a workout in the fitness centre.

Beside the Royal Commonwealth Pool is Holyrood Park through which you can stroll to The Scottish Parliament, the fascinating Dynamic Earth exhibition and the Palace of Holyrood House.

More energetic guests can climb Arthur's Seat, an 825 foot high extinct volcano in the centre of the park and one of Edinburgh's most distinctive landmarks, for a rewarding view of the surrounding city and Firth of Forth.

Across the street from Gladstone House is Pollock Halls. Owned by Edinburgh University, this is an extensive Halls of Residence and Conference Centre.

Other Edinburgh University sites which are within easy walking distance are George Square, the MacEwan Hall, Kings Building and the magnificently domed Law Faculty (or Old Quad).

Within easy walking distance (less than a mile) is the Royal Mile which is the historic backbone of the Old Town of Edinburgh, with the world famous Castle at the top and the Palace of Holyrood House at the bottom.

Walk a little further and you come to the New Town which was one of the first planned cities in Europe. Fashioned by the ideas of the “Enlightenment”, it abounds in refined Georgian architecture set out in regular geometric patterns.

On the edge of the New Town is Princes Street famous for its colourful gardens and an inspiring view of the Castle.

The Old Town and the New Town are linked by The Mound where you will find many attractions at Christmas, Hogmanay and Festival time.  This is a good location to catch the spectacular Firework displays at the end of the Edinburgh Festival and at Hogmanay.

For those wishing to go further a field, the bus number 14 from Gladstone House will take you to the Port of Leith. Historically the industrial port for Edinburgh this area has been extensively rejuvenated and is now home to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

From Gladstone House you can also take the frequent bus number 33 and bus number 30 for a short ride to the Old and New Towns