Sport & Fitness Facilities

There are a number of gym/sports facilities in the University. For staff not able to access these facilities, discounts to other gyms are available

University of Edinburgh Sport Active Wellbeing Facilities

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of sport and active health facilities to support staff physical and mental wellbeing. We are proud of our world class facilities run by the University of Edinburgh Sport.

The Pleasance Sport Complex and Gym

Located in the heart of the city, the Pleasance Sports Complex is the University’s main indoor sport and fitness facility. Open to staff, students and the wider community, it offers over 20 dedicated sport and exercise spaces.

Facilities include a 102-station cardiovascular gym, extensive free and fixed weights areas, indoor cycling and rowing studios, multiple sports halls, and specialist spaces for squash, dance, boxing, grappling, archery and shooting. The Pleasance is also home to an indoor climbing and bouldering facility.

Alongside excellent facilities, the Pleasance offers a wide programme of exercise classes, workshops, and opportunities for both team and individual sport.

Awards

  • Regional Gym of the Year 2024 – National Fitness Awards
  • Educational Facility of the Year 2025 – National Fitness Awards

Find out more about the Pleasance - Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym | Edinburgh Sport | Sport and Exercise

View the class timetable - Weekly class timetable | | Sport and Exercise

Climbing Wall - Pleasance

The Pleasance Climbing Wall features two distinct climbing spaces:

  • The Tower - a roped climbing facility
  • The Rock - a dedicated bouldering room

Sessions cater for all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced climbers.

Learn more about climbing at the Pleasance - Bouldering and roped climbing | Edinburgh Sport | Sport and Exercise

The Easter Bush Gym

The Easter Bush Gym is a welcoming, friendly satellite facility based at the Easter Bush Campus in the Charnock Bradley Building. This 42-station gym offers a relaxed environment with a strong community feel.

The gym hosts small group exercise classes, as well as outdoor classes and boot camps, making it ideal for staff based at the campus or nearby.

Discover Easter Bush Gym - Easter Bush Gym | Edinburgh Sport | Sport and Exercise

Staff Gym Memberships

Our flexible and affordable gym memberships are available to University of Edinburgh staff and provide access to high-quality facilities across our sites.

Why join?

  • Excellent facilities at competitive prices
  • Exercise classes and member swim sessions included in membership
  • Friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to support your training
  • A wide range of spaces to suit all training styles, including cardio, strength and functional areas

View staff membership options - Gym memberships | Edinburgh Sport | Sport and Exercise

Peffermill Playing Fields

Located just two and a half miles from the city centre, Peffermill Playing Fields is one of Scotland’s premier outdoor sports facilities and home to the Scottish Hockey Centre of Excellence.

The 27-acre site includes:

  • Two floodlit water-based hockey pitches (FIH certified)
  • 3G pitches for rugby, football and lacrosse
  • Five- and seven-a-side pitches
  • Netball courts, grass pitches, cricket square and a 90-metre synthetic training track
  • Pavilion changing facilities, meeting spaces and on-site parking

Peffermill welcomes everyone, from casual users to international athletes, and is used by University teams, local clubs, schools, corporate organisations and national governing bodies.

Explore facilities at Peffermill - Peffermill | Edinburgh Sport | Sport and Exercise

CrossFit 1583

CrossFit 1583 is the University’s state-of-the-art CrossFit facility, located at Peffermill Playing Fields. The gym offers inclusive, coach-led sessions suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

With a strong focus on community and support, CrossFit 1583 provides a motivating environment where members can train safely, build confidence and improve overall fitness.

View staff membership options - CrossFit 1583 | Edinburgh Sport | Sport and Exercise

Firbush Outdoor Centre

The University’s residential outdoor activity centre, Firbush offers an extensive programme of watersport and mountain activities throughout the year. 

Firbush also offers spaces year round for reading parties, team building, management training courses and conferences, there really is something for everybody.

About Firbush

Staff discounts to other gyms

University staff are eligible for discounts to a number of gyms in and around Edinburgh.

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