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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, with baby

Royal Commonwealth Pool (with baby)

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How Baby-Friendly is Royal Commonwealth Pool?

74%Baby-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 74% Baby-Friendly: A baby splash pool, padded infant play zone, free change rooms and buggy park welcome infants, but loud acoustics, chlorine smell and no separate nursing room limit long stays.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 2,530 reviews)

Positives:

  • All-Year Accessibility: Heated indoor pools and soft-play mean you can visit any season, rain or shine.
  • Baby-Friendly Design: Ramped access, buggy park and changing facilities support families.

Challenges:

  • Variable Timetables: Baby sessions and camps run at set times—check online before you go.
  • Peak-Time Crowds: Evening slots and weekends fill up with families older children and holiday camps.
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🏖️ Explore Royal Commonwealth Pool with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Royal Commonwealth Pool. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Royal Commonwealth Pool?

  • A modernist Category A-listed aquatic centre housing three indoor pools: a 50m Olympic-length pool, a teaching pool with an adjustable floor and a diving pool
  • RMJM designed the venue for the 1970 British Commonwealth Games and a 2012 renovation preserved its distinctive concrete-and-glass architecture
  • The facility includes a fully equipped gym, three fitness studios and support amenities within a landmark building overlooking Holyrood Park

What is so special about Royal Commonwealth Pool for with baby?

  1. Gentle soft-play area for non-walkers
  2. Shallow pool sessions with parent-and-baby focus
  3. Inclusive lift for strollers
  4. On-site café with feeding-friendly seating
  5. Free 3-hour parking and changing facilities

Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours

Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time for soft-play, a baby swim session and a café break without over-tiring your baby.

(View Royal Commonwealth Pool on Map)

Baby-Friendly Activities in Royal Commonwealth Pool

Soft-Play for Babies:

Drop-in session in the padded Clambers area designed for non-walkers (0–12 mths).

Tip: Visit in the morning when it’s quieter; no booking needed for baby sessions.

Parent & Baby Splash Session:

Enjoy shallow water in the teaching pool with moveable floor.

Tip: Check the website for ‘Parent & Baby’ slots; baby swims free on your lap.

Inclusive Poolpod Lift:

Use the submersible Poolpod lift for easy buggy or stroller access.

Tip: Book the lift at reception when you check in for your swim.

Café Refresh Seating & Changing:

Space for strollers, feeding-friendly tables and a dedicated baby-changing room.

Tip: Pick up a snack (£1.50+) and use free water fountains to refill bottles.

Free 3-Hour Car Park:

Validate your ticket at reception for three hours of complementary parking.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot near the entrance.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Commonwealth Pool

  1. Book Lift Early: Reserve the Poolpod lift when you arrive to guarantee access.
  2. Combine Activities: Start with soft-play then move to pool before a café break to keep baby fresh.
🏖️ Tour Royal Commonwealth Pool like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Royal Commonwealth Pool. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Royal Commonwealth Pool

Powered by Google
Silke Salavati

Silke Salavati

Dec 2025

The pool is fine and probably one of the better ones for public swimming in Edinburgh. Still find the custom that you have to take your shoes off outside pretty weird (instead of having the changing rooms set up so there is a 'dry' and a 'wet' side). There are cubicles for changing and showers both at the poolside as well as a few individual cubicles. You can punch your car reg plate in on a table...

Shlok Tekale

Shlok Tekale

Dec 2025

This pool is so amazing for young and old swimmers, inexperienced and experienced. I’ve heard that the Aquadash is really really good too, and is amazing to hold birthday parties at. Every time I’m taking my son to the swimming lessons, I’m seeing a birthday party table with someone!s name on it, suggesting that Aquadash is popular. Their swimming lessons are at a reasonable price with good teachi...

Lucas Mallon

Lucas Mallon

Oct 2025

the commonwealth pool is a very fancy nice place with a well stocked cafe and olympic sized with great aquadash, I've only been there once for a gala event but intend to come back soon it's just really nice

Craig Alexander

Craig Alexander

Sep 2025

I've been using Edinburgh Leisure for many months now under Active Healthy Minds. Really impressed with the facilities and regularly use the saunas and steam rooms which are amazing! Also as Edinburgh Leisure has many sites, I regularly rotate sites meaning I get to meet lots of different people and it's nice to have a change of equipment to mix up my training, particularly as I train 5 hours a da...

Vincent Vernon

Vincent Vernon

Sep 2025

We went there midweek in the daytime and had to cancel our swim as the whole pool was lane swimming only. Very disappointing. Telephone before going to ask how the pool is being used, and if the diving boards are open...

When is the best time to visit Royal Commonwealth Pool (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

Weekdays are quieter than weekends and school holidays. Mid-morning visits avoid peak family-fun and camp schedules.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult swim sessions (2×£8.50)GBP 17
Baby soft-play sessionGBP 1.1
Café snacks and drinksGBP 5
Total EstimatedGBP 23.1

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Royal Commonwealth Pool

Address: Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5BB, UK

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About Royal Commonwealth Pool

Opening Hours

Monday:5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday:7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 458 2100

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