Edinburgh is home to:

  • two football teams, Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian (Hearts & Hibs – you can learn to love at least one of them!)
  • an international rugby ground, hosting teams from all over the world – and of course, the Six Nations Championship
  • the biggest indoor climbing arena in Europe
  • 10 public swimming pools, including the Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool
  • the biggest artificial skislope in the UK
  • 15 public gyms and even more private ones
  • 6 indoor and outdoor public tennis courts, some at the Meadows, right in the city centre.
You might even find some more traditional sports, like curling.

As well as having the facilities for sport and exercise, there are clubs in a great many sports, which accept temporary members, for example:

  • Running clubs, which often have informal “meets”
  • Rugby
  • Golf clubs and driving ranges, which can be used on a “play as you go” basis
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball.
If you are used to taking exercise, it’s important to continue for your sense of well-being. And it’s a good way to meet other people. You can easily find information about all of these clubs on the internet. Or ask us!

Outdoor activities:

Scotland is full of mountains and water – what more does an outdoor enthusiast want? Walking, running and cycling or mountain-biking are the most accessible, but for anyone who really wants to get into the outdoors, it’s not difficult. Davide went camping in March, when there was snow on the ground, so it really depends what your interests are!

A good starting point is the Pentland Hills Park, which you can reach by bus from Edinburgh. There’s even a pub there, for a drink or something to eat after your walk.

Further away, Glen Tress in the Borders has mountain bike trails, and Fort William, in the Highlands, is a centre for all kinds of outdoor activities, from kayaking to ice climbing.

Port Edgar Marina, near Edinburgh, has opportunities for water-sports – if you’re brave enough!