Description
The Bruntsfield Links Short Hole Golf Course is a historic, wonderfully traditional 36-hole pitch-and-putt course located right in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. Bordering the sprawling, scenic green expanses of the Meadows, this unique public parkland course offers sweeping views toward the volcanic summit of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags. First laid out in its modern 36-hole short-hole design in 1895, it sits on hallowed turf where golf has been played since at least the 15th century, making it one of the oldest original locations in the world where the sport is still actively played today.
Because the course is completely managed and maintained by the City of Edinburgh Council, general access to the greens is entirely free for everyone. Families can simply pack up their own equipment, turn up at the park, and enjoy a historic round of outdoor sport without spending a single penny. It provides a phenomenally cost-effective, open-air activity for local residents and holidaymakers alike.
If you are looking for an engaging outdoor activity that can successfully entertain young children, energetic pre-teens, and seasoned adult players, this central urban park serves as an ideal day out. It provides a fantastic fresh-air setting for a relaxed weekend match, an active school holiday treat, or a refreshing stop while exploring the historic sights of Scotland's capital city.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Core Activities and Features
- 36 Historic Short Holes: During the primary summer season, the course layout features 36 compact pitch-and-putt holes ranging between 40 and 100 yards in length.
- Bunkerless Grass Terrain: The fairways are entirely free from sand bunkers, providing an authentic, straightforward, and highly accessible challenge for young children and beginners.
- The Winter 9-Hole Loop: From October through late April, the layout is condensed into a dedicated winter 9-hole course to help protect the seasonal turf.
- Ye Olde Golf Tavern: Positioned immediately on the edge of the links, this historic pub has served local golfers since 1456 and provides essential equipment rentals and takeaway packages.
- Adjacent Park Playgrounds: Seamlessly connected to the wider public park, the site features open playgrounds, dedicated barbecue zones, and expansive lawns for a full family day out.
Top 5 Highlights
- Conquering the 36-Hole Challenge: Testing your short game across the hallowed 36-hole layout is the main event. With individual holes measuring between 40 and 100 yards, primary school kids and parents can hone their accuracy on a layout designed back in 1895.
- Snapping the Arthur's Seat Panorama: Thanks to the course's slightly elevated position in the city centre, players can capture magnificent family photographs. The rolling green fairways frame the dramatic, volcanic backdrops of Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags.
- The Seasonal Play Transitions: The course dynamically shifts with the Scottish weather. While the full 36-hole layout rules the warm summer months, the winter setup swaps to a condensed 9-hole course, keeping the outdoor sport accessible all year round.
- Spotting the Historic Barclay Church: As you tee off near the western end of the fairways, the course sits under the shadow of the stunning Barclay Church. Built in the 1860s, its distinctive architecture acts as a magnificent landmark guiding players around the greens.
- The Takeaway Pint & Putt: Parents can drop into The Golf Tavern to elevate their afternoon match with a "Pint & Putt" package. The pub serves cold draught beers, soft drinks, and fresh club sandwiches in eco-friendly takeaway boxes designed specifically to take onto the course.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Bruntsfield Links sits in an exceptionally vibrant neighborhood packed with family entertainment. The parkland seamlessly merges with The Meadows, which hosts massive modern children's adventure playgrounds, large tree-lined walking pathways, and open tennis courts. For premium indoor rewards after a match, families can walk just 5 minutes into the main Bruntsfield shopping strip to explore artisan sweet shops, local toy boutiques, or independent family-friendly cafés. Additionally, the world-famous historic gates of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are located less than a mile north of the greens.
1.21 miles
