University of Edinburgh campus offers pupils the perfect base to explore

Located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat – the city’s iconic ancient volcano – the university’s Pollock Estate is open to schools looking for a summer residential.

The accommodation is within easy walking distance of the Old Town and the main educational attractions, plus it has ample coach parking, 24-hour security and a reception, giving school groups an ideal base to explore all that Scotland’s capital has to offer.

From early June to the beginning of September, the student campus transforms itself into the largest hotel in Scotland and opens its doors to school groups. With 2,000+ beds available, it can cater for all budgets and accommodation needs. Spread across eight buildings, Summer Stays offers twin and single bedrooms, with over 950 fitted with ensuites, and the remaining rooms with shared bathrooms. Accessible buildings and rooms are available, which can be adapted to suit students with disabilities.

The estate offers a variety of meeting spaces, available to be hired for socialising, teaching, physio rooms, or to serve as an office. There is also an on-site shop which offers snacks, sandwiches, and soft drinks.

Breakfast is served at the 650-seater JMCC Restaurant and is included in all stays. Self-service lunch and dinner are available to book, so your group can be accommodated on a dinner, bed and breakfast option or full-board basis. With experience in maintaining athletes’ dietary requirements, the chefs are prepared to cater for all special requests. On days when you are exploring or have an early morning, all meals can be packed and ready to go.

A perfect place to stay…

Pollock Estate is an ideal location for those looking for natural areas to explore, as well as proximity to state-of-the art sport facilities. The estate has its own, brand new ‘Oxygen’ fitness studios with Technogym equipment and is close to the University’s Sports & Exercise complex, with its impressive gyms, pool, squash courts, climbing walls and more. It will only take you 25 minutes to walk to The University’s Peffermill Playing Fields with some of the finest sports pitches in Scotland.

There is plenty of outdoor space at the estate – brilliant for training sessions or just a bit of downtime in the fresh air. Adding to that, Holyrood Park is right on your doorstep: it’s the largest green space in Edinburgh (650 acres!), with an extinct volcano and lochs, as well as medieval ruins and historical attractions dating back to the Bronze Age for your group to explore.

In the city itself, your students can visit the world-famous castle with its collection of museums, learn about the history of our planet and cosmos at Dynamic Earth, or visit Edinburgh Zoo - home to UK’s only giant pandas. There are plenty of options when you stay with the University of Edinburgh.