There are 29 Edinburgh swimming pools and leisure centres to pick from. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure!
Can you swim in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is most famous for its castle, festivals, tourism and tartanry, but many well travelled folk might be surprised to know that it’s also a superb destination for wild swimming.
Where can you swim in Edinburgh?
- Portobello Beach. Just a few short miles from Edinburgh city centre lies Portobello Beach, a charming seaside suburb comprised of two miles of golden sandy beach.
- South Queensferry. There’s nothing like a quick sub-zero dip to clear a hangover.
- Threipmuir Reservoir, Pentland Hills.
- Glencourse Reservoir, Pentland Hills.
Do people swim at the beach in Scotland?
Loch Morlich is the only freshwater beach in Scotland and offers postcard-perfect views of the sparse Cairngorm Mountains. Bathing and watersports like kayaking are popular pastimes at the scenic spot, not to mention sunbathing in its pristine golden sands.
What is the water around Edinburgh?
The Water of Leith
The Water of Leith (Scottish Gaelic: Uisge Lìte) is the main river flowing near central Edinburgh, Scotland, and flows into the port of Leith where it flows into the sea via the Firth of Forth.
How close is Edinburgh to the beach?
The spectacular beach at Gullane Bents is wide and sandy. Only a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh, or you can also reach Gullane by bus. It’s a great spot for walking and relaxing. This Gullane Bay walk, across the bay and through woodland paths and sand dunes is a lovely way to see the area.
How far is Edinburgh from the beach?
The closest beach as the crow flies to Edinburgh is Portobello (West) which is in Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh and is 3.25 miles from Edinburgh.
How warm is the sea in Edinburgh?
The water in this location never warms up to comfortable values. Average annual water temperature on the coast in Edinburgh is 51°F, by the seasons: in winter 46°F, in spring 46°F, in summer 56°F, in autumn 55°F. Minimum water temperature (42°F) in Edinburgh it happens in February, maximum (60°F) in July.
Are there jellyfish in Edinburgh?
Jellyfish are an important part of our marine biodiversity and bloom here every summer, so seasoned wild swimmers will know not to worry about them so long as one is sensible.
Are there dolphins in Edinburgh?
Are there dolphins in Edinburgh? Yes, they can sometimes be seen in the water off Portobello Beach, north Edinburgh. Sightings further out in the Firth of Forth are common.
Is it ever warm enough to swim in Scotland?
Not in winter. Parts of the west coast of Scotland are warmed by the gulf stream so the water is sometimes quite warm. There are beaches in Aberdeen and Edinburgh but these are on the east coast so the water might be colder.
Where is the clearest water in Scotland?
On the West coast of Scotland, north of Fort William and a few miles from Morar, you’ll find Camusdarach. Famous for its stunning silver sands and crystal clear turquoise water – and also the film Local Hero – the beach has shallow water to paddle in and views out to the Isle of Skye.
Where is it safe to swim in Scotland?
Inversnaid, Loch Lomond
The little sandy beaches at Inversnaid offer the perfect launch pad for a dip in one of Scotland’s most famous bodies of water, with Milarrochy Bay on the east side also a popular site for wild swimmers.
Is Edinburgh water nice?
Tap water in Edinburgh is soft and quite good to drink. It will allow you to brew delicious tea and cook your breakfast porridge a treat as well. Scottish water is very safe to drink and there is even plenty of free water taps for you to fill up, check the link.
What is Edinburgh famous for?
There are many things Edinburgh is famous for like its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. Not to mention its world-famous whisky walks and festivals. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland?
Is water hard in Edinburgh?
The findings, compiled by the team here at Harvey Water Softeners, link to new figures showcasing the hard water levels for towns and cities across the UK, with Edinburgh being deemed the best place for a good soak after a long day at work due to its extremely soft water.
How many days in Edinburgh is enough?
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.
What is the best month to go to Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is June through August when the average high temperatures rise to a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is also the city’s busiest time for tourism, especially in August when festivals fill up the calendar.
Is Edinburgh a seaside town?
Edinburgh is renowned for its stunning architecture and historic attractions, but the city is also a coastal city, and there are a variety of beaches and harbours dotted along Edinburgh and East Lothian that are perfect for relaxing on during a warm summer’s day.
Is 3 days in Edinburgh enough?
Are 3 days in Edinburgh enough? 3 days in Edinburgh are more than enough to tour the most popular attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. You’ll even have enough time to climb Climb Arthur’s Seat or take a whisky or ghost tour.
Is 2 days in Edinburgh enough?
We think two days is a great amount of time to spend in Edinburgh – perhaps as a weekend break in Scotland. It’s also a great addition to a longer trip exploring the UK and Scotland, such as that outlined in our 2 week UK itinerary.