Leisure Activities

Craigmillar Park is well placed for a wide range of leisure activities, with parks, sports facilities, fitness centres, and community venues all within a few minutes.

Parks and outdoor activities

• Craigmillar Castle Park – A large park with woodland walks, open grassland, play areas, and access to the historic Craigmillar Castle. Ideal for walking, jogging, picnics, and wildlife spotting. The City of Edinburgh also recommends the accessible walking route between Old Dalkeith Road and Craigmillar Castle.

• Inch Park – Popular for football, running, dog walking, and open green space.

• Blackford Hill & Hermitage of Braid – Scenic walking trails with panoramic views over Edinburgh, just west of Craigmillar Park. Local residents frequently recommend it for peaceful walks.

Golf, tennis and racket sports

• Craigmillar Park Golf Course – An 18-hole James Braid-designed course with a welcoming clubhouse and visitor tee times. (craigmillarpark.co.uk)

• Craigmillar Park Tennis & Paddle Club – Four floodlit tennis courts, a covered paddle court, coaching, and social play for all ages. (craigmillarparktennis.co.uk)

Craigmillar Park Bowling Club

• Craigmillar Park Bowling Club is situated almost in the centre of the Conservation Area and is nestled between Granby and Gilmour Roads.
• It is extremely popular and enjoys an excellent membership and camaraderie. It enjoys a wonderful view of Arthur Seat across the rooftops of Gilmour Road. For Membership Enquiries please contact Secretary.

• Membership Secretary – Christine Simpson – cpbc.org.uk

Swimming and fitness

• Royal Commonwealth Pool – Olympic-standard swimming pools, diving facilities, fitness gym, fitness classes, sauna, and family swimming.

• Gracemount Leisure Centre – Swimming pool, gym, sports hall, fitness classes, badminton, and children’s activities.

• The Gym Group Edinburgh Cameron Toll – 24-hour gym close to Craigmillar Park.

• Project Strength & Fitness – Independent strength and conditioning gym.

• Edinburgh Fitness Solutions – Local gym offering personal training and fitness classes.

Community activities

• Inch House Community Centre – Hosts exercise classes, community groups, arts activities, and local events.

• East Neighbourhood Centre – Community events, clubs, workshops, and family activities.

• Craigmillar Library – Regular activities include Lego Club, arts and crafts, story times, teen clubs, film afternoons, and book clubs.

Family-friendly activities

• Explore Craigmillar Castle and its grounds.

• Children’s play areas within Craigmillar Castle Park.

• Wildlife walks through the woodland and grassland around the castle.

• Seasonal community events organised by local community centres and the library.

Popular leisure options nearby

• Walking and hiking (Blackford Hill, Hermitage of Braid, Craigmillar Castle Park)

• Golf

• Tennis and padel

• Swimming

• Gym workouts and fitness classes

• Running and cycling

• Football and outdoor sports

• Library clubs and creative activities

• Community events and workshops

These activities are all within approximately a 5–15 minute drive, with many within walking distance of Craigmillar Park.