Royal Commonwealth Pool
50 metre Swimming Pool
Teaching Pool
Diving Pool
Gym
Fitness Studios
Soft Play
Cafe
Now over 50 years old, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is among Scotland’s most iconic leisure centres, and plays an integral role in keeping Edinburgh active on a daily basis, whether its in our 50-metre pool, working out in the gym or taking part in a fitness class.
Delivering a host of swimming and diving events, the Commonwealth Pool was built in 1970 to host the Commonwealth Games then again in 1986 and 2014, it is the only venue to host three Commonwealth Games events. Additionally, the FINA World Series and European Championships were held here in 2013 and 2018 respectively, showcasing the best aquatics from around the world.
Free 6-Month Casual Swimming Pass
Thanks to Summer of Sport funding, children from 5 to 15 can enjoy 6 months of free casual swimming if their parent or guardian receives Universal Credit.
This subsidised coaching offer is available for 6 months from date of issue, helping more children stay active, build confidence and develop new skills throughout the school year. A limited number of passes are available so don’t wait!
Proof of eligibility is required. Terms and conditions apply.
Facilities investment update
Due to an exciting fitness expansion at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, from 17 August, work will begin to improve and expand our gym and studio spaces. By the end of the year we will have a larger gym, a dedicated wellness studio for Mind & Body classes, and a new dedicated Cycle Studio. Work on this project will begin in August 2026.
Got more questions or queries about this? Click here to view more information and see all our FAQs.
Family Swim – Please Pre-Book before Attending
Please note that family fun swim sessions are available by pre-booking only; due to the possibility of late bookings, there may appear to be session spaces on the timetable when these have been booked. Do not assume there will be space. Check the booking system – by clicking Book Now – for the most up to date space availability
Ensure you have pre-booked your spot before visiting the venue.
Opening Hours
Main Pool hours are indicated below. For details on our teaching and diving pool please check your chosen activity page.
Please be aware of the following regular closures
* The Main Pool closes every week at the following times to allow us to set up for different activities
Friday 1200 – 1300 and 1500 – 1600
Saturday 0800 – 0900
Sunday 1315 – 1430
**Staff Training takes place every Wednesday from 09:00 – 10:00, with all pools and café closed
The gym is open but unattended by staff and Soft Play does not open until 10:00.
***Clambers closes early on Tuesdays at 15:30 for general access
This allows the team to set up for our ASN session which runs from 16:00 – 17:00.)
| Day | Main Pool | Gym | Soft Play | Cafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 17.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Tuesday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 17.00*** | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Wednesday | 05.30 – 21.30** | 05.30 – 22.00 | 10.00 – 17.00 | 08.30 – 17.45** |
| Thursday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 17.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Friday | 05.30 – 21.30* | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 17.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Saturday | 05.30 – 19.00* | 05.30 – 20.00 | 09.00 – 17.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Sunday | 07.30 – 15.25* | 07.30 – 20.00 | 09.00 – 17.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
Prices
Please note Edinburgh Leisure operates in a cashless environment. We accept card and contactless payments only; no cash. Prices correct as of 1st April 2026.
Facilities
We’re proud to have a top-spec gym, the city’s only 50-metre pool and a whole host of other spaces that allow you to stay active. We also run a successful coaching programme for swimming and diving. Read more about this here.
For kids The Royal Commonwealth Pool is home to one of our three soft play venues across Edinburgh. The pool also hosts our thrilling inflatable assault course AquaDash and AquaDash Party, bookable during weekends and school holidays.
Don’t forget to drop into our on-site Café Refresh for hot and cold food, drinks, snacks and treats.
The Royal Commonwealth Pool is also home to a ‘Poolpod’. The submersible lift creates an inclusive swimming environment for people with long-term health conditions, disabilities and rehabilitation needs.
See our Accessibility page for details of the accessible facilities available at this venue.
Facilities at this venue are available for hire on a casual or extended let basis. Click here for more information on how to hire a space or book a pitch.
Dance Studio
Group Cycling Studio
Group Fitness Studio
Gym
Meeting Room
Soft Play
Swimming Pool
Coaching at Royal Commonwealth Pool
Edinburgh Leisure offers an extensive programme of swimming and diving lessons for children and adults alike. With over 20 years experience of teaching the city of Edinburgh to swim, Edinburgh Leisure is a trusted and expert provider of swimming lessons for all ages and all abilities.
Find out more about what coaching opportunities there are at the Commonwealth Pool and book a space on one of our courses today.
You can contact the venue coaching team by email at coaching.rcp@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Cafe Refresh at the Royal Commonwealth Pool
Swim, Sip, Study and Socialise! Enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, tasty healthy food, study spaces and fitness – all under one roof at the newly refurbished Cafe Refresh at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. Affordable coffee, relaxing coworking spaces and world-class fitness facilities.
Events at the Royal Commonwealth Pool
The Royal Commonwealth Pool hosts several competitions and events throughout the year which can cause disruption to our regular swim, diving or fitness timetable. You can find a list of upcoming events and their impact at this link.
The Commonwealth Pool is an iconic Edinburgh venue, with the city’s only 50m pool, top of the range diving pool and a wide range of other facilities, all available to book for hire.
Whether you are looking for a pool for your club to train in, a hall for a practice session, a meeting room or organising a special event, we have the versatile space to accommodate your requirements.
Clambers Soft Play at the Royal Commonwealth Pool
Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool is one of three soft play arenas at Edinburgh Leisure.
A new frame was installed in 2022 for babies, toddlers, and juniors, with an aquatic theme. There are slides, an upper-storey football pitch, and many more exciting features to explore. Don’t forget to drop into our on-site Café Refresh for hot and cold food, drinks, snacks and treats.
You can simply drop in for your soft play sessions at Clambers no bookings. We have 60 and 90 minute sessions available.
Enjoy Unlimited Soft Play at our three fantastic venues with our Young Explorer Soft Play Membership.
Getting Here
Royal Commonwealth Pool,Dalkeith Road,Edinburgh,EH16 5BB
Royal Commonwealth Pool is situated in the south of the city, near Holyrood Park. The venue has car and bike parking facilities and is accessible by public transport via Lothian Buses routes 2, 14, 30, 33 and X33.
The upper car park is for the exclusive use of Blue Badge holders, and parents with young children. All other customers, staff, and service providers should use the larger lower car park which is accessed via the shared entrance with Edinburgh University from Holyrood Park Road.
Plan your Journey