What makes it 79% Solo-Friendly: The Olympic-length lanes, diving sessions and pay-as-you-go gym let a lone visitor train hard and leave whenever; lockers, café and bus links make independent use straightforward.
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a swim, dive session, gym or class and a café break without rushing
Public Dive Session:
Try springboard and platform diving in the 25 m diving pool.
Tip: Book a slot in advance and wear a one-piece suit for easier movement.
Casual Lane Swim:
Swim laps in the Olympic-length 50 m pool during open swim sessions.
Tip: Aim for weekday mornings when lanes are quieter and reserve online.
Studio Fitness Class:
Join a solo-friendly class like yoga, spin or aqua aerobics.
Tip: Check timetables online and arrive 10 minutes early to secure your spot.
Gym Workout:
Use the cardio machines and free weights in the fitness zone.
Tip: Buy a day-pass online to skip the front-desk line.
Architectural Tour:
Walk around the Category A-listed modernist building’s foyer and exterior.
Tip: Download a guide or look up key design features before you go for context.

Silke Salavati
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
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
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
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
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...
The indoor pool runs year-round. Summer school holidays fill sessions fast; book early. Winter weekday mornings are quieter and off-peak rates apply.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Casual lane swim session | GBP 8.5 |
| Public dive session | GBP 8.5 |
| Coffee at Café Refresh | GBP 2.5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 19.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5BB, UK
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Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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