St Leonard's Hall

St Leonard's Hall is a 19th-century building designed in Scottish baronial style near Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. It features pepper-pot turrets and a corbelled tower, and now houses administrative offices for University of Edinburgh Accommodation Services alongside conference facilities.

The building was constructed between 1869 and 1870 by architect John Lessels for Thomas Nelson Junior of the publishing family. It later served as a Red Cross hospital during World War I and as a school before becoming institutional offices.

The interior features elaborate ceiling paintings by Thomas Bonnar, a Scottish artist whose work shaped many Edinburgh buildings. These artistic details reflect the refined tastes of the family who originally commissioned the house.

The building is visible from Holyrood Park and accessible from several nearby walking routes. Since it now functions as an institutional office building, interior visits are typically not available for casual visitors, so viewing it from outside is the best option.

During World War I, the building served as a Red Cross hospital under the name St Trinnean's. It later became the namesake for the St Trinian's film series, which featured a fictional school with famously rebellious girls.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Architects: John Lessels

Address: 18 Holyrood Park Road

Website: http://edinburghfirst.co.uk/venues/st-leonards-hall

GPS coordinates: 55.94004,-3.17123

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:25