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.
Activity Timetables at the Royal Commonwealth
Each activity available at Edinburgh Leisure has its own timetable. Please see the relevant activity page for an individual breakdown of times and availability of sessions across all our venues.
Click below to see the available pool sessions, fitness classes, gym sessions and sports at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Opening Hours
Main Pool hours are indicated below. For details on our teaching and diving pool please check your chosen activity page.
Staff Training takes place every Wednesday from 09:00 – 10:00, with the pool 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 to allow the team to set up for our ASN session which runs from 16:30 – 18:00.
| Day | Main Pool | Gym | Soft Play | Cafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 18.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Tuesday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 16.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Wednesday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 10.00 – 18.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Thursday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 18.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Friday | 05.30 – 21.30 | 05.30 – 22.00 | 09.00 – 18.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Saturday | 05.30 – 19.00 | 05.30 – 20.00 | 09.00 – 18.00 | 08.30 – 17.45 |
| Sunday | 07.30 – 15.25 | 07.30 – 20.00 | 09.00 – 18.00 | 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 2025.
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, diving and gymnastics. 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
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 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 parking facilities and is accessible by public transport via Lothian Buses routes 2, 14, and 30.
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.