Feb 8, 2025

Leith Victoria Swim Centre Edinburgh

An architectural gem

"The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!"

Found in the very heart of residential Leith, Edinburgh, at the far end of Junction Place, is the Victoria Swim Centre. This apricot-coloured Victorian sandstone building is in the Renaissance style. Boasting two handsome entrance arches, the frontage sports the famous Persevere coat of arms with its ship sailing on a brisk sea.

Inside, the pool is surrounded by an ornate, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade, painted white, which holds up a balcony with equally decorated and fancy railings. On this mezzanine floor, which runs right around the pool, is a viewing area and access to other spaces. The overall, cantilevered glass ceiling lends a light and airy atmosphere to the traditional turquoise pool floor. Changing cubicles are between the columns with showers nearby, and a matching wrought-iron staircase leads upstairs.

This used to be my local, so I have often swum and exercised here. However, the day my bathroom ceiling collapsed was when I discovered there were actual individual baths. They were established following the enactment of the 1846 Act to Encourage the Establishment of Public Baths and Wash-houses to improve general public health with access for all classes of citizens. With huge taps and gushing hot water, I thought I had found heaven around the corner.

Sadly, the bathrooms have been removed, but the pool, the dance studio and high-spec gym for fitness and yoga classes, and activities for all ages, plus the Upmo Eat café, are all fully accessible and well worth a visit.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Junction Place

Adult swim:

£

5.70

+44

1314582100

Explore Edinburgh like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

S. Luca

Ice cream and sweet treats

"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Catriona

Laxton

Feb 12, 2025

Green. Leith

Plant shop with social mission

"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Sarah

Mackenzie

Feb 11, 2025

Muschat's Cairn

Gory history under rocks

I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Fiona

Diack

Feb 9, 2025

Pickles

Cosy wine bar

"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Fiona

Diack

Feb 7, 2025

Union Brew Lab

A unique coffee experience

"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Fiona

Diack

Feb 7, 2025

Manna House Bakery

Incredible bakery/eatery

"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Mark

Gorman

Feb 4, 2025

Craiglockhart Hill

The overlooked hill

Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Fiona

Diack

Feb 1, 2025

Corstorphine Hill

Not just the zoo

The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Fiona

Diack

Jan 31, 2025

The Stand

Legendary Edinburgh comedy club

"The Stand" in Edinburgh is a legendary comedy club that plays host to some of the best talents out there. I like to sit in the front row, but I'm brave!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

By

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jan 31, 2025

The Hanging Bat

Craft beer heaven

"The Hanging Bat" is craft beer lover's idea of heaven in Edinburgh. If it's quiet enough, I like to take a seat at the bar and chat with the staff...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jan 31, 2025

The Jazz Bar

Eclectic late -night music spot

"The Jazz Bar" Edinburgh: a lively subterranean music club that really comes alive after midnight. I really like the crowd on weekends & their caipirinha!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jan 31, 2025

The Roseburn Bar

A real Edinburgh pub

"The Roseburn Bar" is a 19th-century pub that's played host to generations of local people. It's a proper Edinburgh pub and I love it on Friday evenings!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jan 31, 2025

Heading to Edinburgh?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Edinburgh?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Edinburgh

Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh