The 7 Best Swimming Pools in Edinburgh for Fun & Fitness
My kids are absolute water wizards. Okay, I might be a little biased, but they’re genuinely some of the best swimmers in their school! I’ll happily take credit for getting them into swimming lessons early.
Since their school doesn’t have a pool, we’ve become regulars at some of the best swimming spots in the city. These pools aren’t just fantastic for budding athletes; they’re also perfect for a relaxed day of laps with family and friends.
I’m not exactly a pro swimmer myself, but when it comes to scouting the top swimming pools in Edinburgh for both fun and fitness, I know my way around. Here are my top picks!
Glenogle Swim Centre
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Address: Glenogle Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: £6.75
Children: £3.25
Seniors: £4.75
When I think about swimming pools, Glenogle Swim Centre immediately comes to mind. It’s easily the city’s most iconic swimming pool, owing to its rich history as the main leisure hub back in the Victorian era.
The whole swim centre was beautifully preserved to continue providing Edinburgh locals and tourists a relaxing retreat. There are saunas and steam rooms, as well as a gym if you want to break a sweat after swimming a few laps in the historic 25-yard pool.
Tips:
- What’s great about swimming here is that you don’t need to pay upfront fees to take a dip in the pool and try out its facilities if you sign up as a member.
- Regular memberships give you access to the pool and gym, but if you want a seamless all-inclusive package across Edinburgh’s public leisure venues, you can sign up for the Full Fitness Membership for a fee. You can learn more about it here.
- If you want to learn more about the history of the centre, you can visit the Your Health is for Life – Great Lengths exhibition. It’s free and located on the mezzanine level of the swim centre. Learn more about what to expect from it here.
Dalry Swim Centre
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Address: 25-29 Caledonian Cres
Contact Details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:00 am to 1:45 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: £6.75
Children: £3.25
Seniors: £4.75
Dalry Swim Centre may not boast the biggest splash in town, but it’s got everything you need for a chilled-out day in the water—minus the pressure to outpace the pros.
Housed in beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, the centre features a charming adult swimming pool and a smaller kiddie pool perfect for little swimmers finding their sea legs.
They offer coaching classes to help you conquer the water with confidence, turning those fears of sinking into dreams of floating. It’s a relaxed, no-fuss spot where swimming feels as classic as the building itself.
Tips:
- If you’re bringing a ton of stuff, don’t forget to make use of the free lockers located right by the pool. All you have to do is input a personal lock code. You can ask for assistance from the lifeguards or staff members!
- I highly recommend dropping by early in the morning or late evening. This is when the crowds are fewer and the pools aren’t so packed with active swimmers taking up the lanes.
Royal Commonwealth Pool
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Address: 21 Dalkeith Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 5:30 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: £7.99
Children: £3.99
Seniors: £5.49
If you’re after a massive pool that buzzes with activity, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is the place to be. This iconic venue has hosted everything from major championships to local competitions, making it a hub for swimmers of all levels.
For budding swimmers, there’s a dedicated teaching pool perfect for kids dipping their toes into the sport. And if you’re going solo, the 50-metre lap pool with diving boards is sure to leave you impressed and maybe even a little inspired to perfect your form.
Tips:
- There are lots of activities being hosted at the swim centre if you want to take part in the community’s swimming programmes. There are events for both adults and children across all skill levels. Learn more about all ongoing and upcoming swimming activities here.
- The pool also has a Soft Play session for kids with additional needs and support. The session happens every Tuesday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm and includes close supervision of the staff members and priority access.
- If you’re feeling parched, there is a cafe located near the Soft Play area where you can buy food and drinks.
Drumsheugh Baths Club
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Address: 5 Belford Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 225 2200
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Pricing:
Adults: £100 monthly, £1,100 yearly
Children: £18 monthly, £200 yearly
Family: £205 monthly, £2,260 yearly
Couple: £171 monthly, £1,900 yearly
Drumsheugh Baths Club is a more exclusive option that you may want to consider if you’re looking to go swimming more often than usual. It’s the oldest private swimming club in the city, and the membership benefits are pretty impressive.
They have a fully equipped gym, a steam and sauna section, a studio for other sports activities, and of course, the 70-foot swimming pool that’s consistently temperature controlled. Memberships are a bit pricey, but you get excellent service and privacy here!
Tips:
- If you’re a member of Drumsheugh Baths, you’ve got access to the Arlington Baths Club in Glasgow’s West End. It’s a great perk for exploring another historic swimming spot while making the most of your membership! They’re known for their luxurious Turkish baths, so give it a go when you can.
- The pool here features swimming tools such as floats, inflatables, trapeze tools, and rings. As a member, you have access to these toys. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member about how to use them when you’re there.
- Kids are allowed to swim here, but note that the pool has an adult-only time from Monday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Leith Victoria Swim Centre
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Address: Junction Pl
Contact Details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: £6.75
Children: £3.25
Seniors: £4.75
In my opinion, Leith Victoria Swim Centre has one of the best gyms among most swim centres in the city. My husband frequents it, especially because of their updated cardio machines, pulleys, barbells, and new Boditrax machine (which not many gyms have).
Apart from the gym, the 25-yard swimming pool is an absolute gem. My husband says that this swimming centre isn’t as crowded as other more popular ones, which makes it great if you want to practice laps without worrying about other swimmers.
Tips:
- If you’re feeling super parched after going to the gym or swimming a couple of laps, grab refreshments at Uomo Eat Cafe. They offer a variety of food and drinks to keep you fueled.
- Since all activities in the swim centre must be pre-booked, I recommend downloading the Edinburgh Lifestyle Mobile App. It’s free of charge and helps you stay on track of any upcoming events you may want to sign up for. Download it here.
Gracemount Leisure Centre
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Address: 22 Gracemount Dr
Contact Details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: £6.75
Children: £3.25
Seniors: £4.75
Gracemount Leisure Centre ticks nearly every box for an athlete’s dream swim spot. Alongside its 25-metre pool, it boasts an outdoor pitch, sports hall, fully-equipped gym, steam and sauna rooms, and even a café to refuel after a workout.
While the pool can get busy with keen swimmers, the variety of top-notch facilities makes it easy to mix up your routine and break a sweat. It might not be the largest venue, but it’s packed with everything you need for an active day out!
Tips:
- Do note that if you’re buying refreshments at the cafe, top up your digital wallets and cards. They are a cashless facility and will not accept cash for transactions.
If you want to sign up for a membership or day pass, use cashless options as well.
- Don’t miss out on the centre’s multiple swim lessons if you or your kids want to get better at the sport. They host many aquatic clubs that offer swimming lessons for a fair price, so I highly recommend checking out their list here!
Warrender Swim Centre
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Address: 55 Thirlestane Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 7:00 am to 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Pricing:
Members: Free
Adults: £6.75
Children: £3.25
Seniors: £4.75
Warrender Swim Centre is the go-to spot if you’re after a chill swim session or perfecting your stroke without the chaos of water slides and splash zones. Its charm lies in its simplicity—no frills, just a peaceful pool to call your own.
Fun fact: I had my very first swimming lesson here! The pool’s large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a breezy, outdoorsy vibe—minus the unpredictable Scottish weather.
Tip:
- Do note that swim classes are only held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Kids are usually advised to schedule their lessons on Tuesdays since Fridays are packed with adult swimmers. If you want to learn more about their swim classes and offerings, check out this page.
- The best time to go for a swim here is on a weekday morning. Classes start late at 10:45 am and afternoons will be packed with people, so coming in early when it opens gives you extra lanes and space to swim freely!