03 March 2023
Drumsheugh Baths Club is one of the oldest and finest swimming clubs in the U.K, housed in splendid Victorian premises just before the Dean Bridge in Belford Road. It has been welcoming members since 1882 and is Edinburgh’s oldest private swimming club.
There are many benefits of joining Edinburgh’s oldest private swimming club. It’s perfectly placed to drop into before work, after work or just about anytime you feel the need to. The atmosphere is one of calm with no music, with just the sound of swimming.
The venue is not only one of Scotland’s most beautiful swimming pools. They also have a range of services services to meet all members needs and requirements. This includes unlimited access to fitness classes with experienced personal trainers offering bespoke gym sessions.
The 70ft Victorian pool has remained unaltered with its rings and trapezes still in use. Staff help can member’s improve your skills on the rings. If this sounds too strenuous then members can relax in their sauna and steam room.
The Drumsheugh Baths Company commissioned the architect Sir John James Burnett (1857-1938) to design a building on a steeply sloping north facing site in Belford Road, formerly old Queensferry Road.
This building was destroyed by fire in 1892. Burnet’s company, Burnet Son and manager, William Campbell, were responsible for reconstructing the baths on the original site at an estimated cost of £6,000.
Shortly after the Club went into liquidation and the present company, Drumsheugh Baths Club Limited was formed in 1902 to acquire the building and its fittings and fixtures from the liquidator Frances A. Bringloe C.A for £4,500.
Today many members have swum at Drumsheugh baths for most of their lives and membership spans three generations. Not surprisingly, there is a waiting list to join but you can contact the pool to be added to the list. It would be worth the wait.
For more history about Drumsheugh baths, see the history section of Drumsheugh Baths Club website.
