Bruntsfield Links, Edinburgh - Black and white picture of houses in bath
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Bruntsfield Links Edinburgh

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Enjoy free pitch-and-putt golf, scenic castle views, and a vibrant park atmosphere at Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed play

CrowdLow
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Bruntsfield Links, Edinburgh - Black and white picture of houses in bath

Bruntsfield Links Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Enjoy free pitch-and-putt golf, scenic castle views, and a vibrant park atmosphere at Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"It's free and you're surrounded by beautiful architecture and park space. Grab a beer at the tavern and have fun."

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TIP

🎯 Free Golf, Bring Your Own Clubs

The pitch and putt is free! Bring your own clubs or rent from The Golf Tavern for a small fee .

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and potentially to nearby areas like Dean Village .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pitch and Putt Golf

Pitch and Putt Golf

Throughout the Links

Enjoy a free, casual round of pitch-and-putt golf with short holes and scenic city views. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

The Golf Tavern

The Golf Tavern

Adjacent to the Links

The unofficial clubhouse for the links, offering club rentals, refreshments, and a cozy atmosphere for golfers.

Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Towards The Meadows

A dedicated play area for kids, making it a great spot for families to relax and let children burn off energy.

Edinburgh Castle Views

Edinburgh Castle Views

Various points on the Links

Enjoy picturesque views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle from several vantage points across the park.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Golf Fun

Bruntsfield Links offers a unique, free pitch-and-putt golf experience. While no tee times are needed, be mindful of casual walkers and dogs crossing the course. The Golf Tavern nearby offers club rentals and refreshments, making it a convenient hub for your game.Reddit

Comfortable Footwear is Key

Exploring Bruntsfield Links and its surroundings, including nearby Dean Village and Stockbridge, requires comfortable shoes. The park itself is expansive, and you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking to fully appreciate the area's charm.TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed play
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny mornings
Why
Pleasant for golf & park strolls
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I highly recommend comfortable walking shoes #edinburghscotland #edinburgh #scotlandtravel #scotlandtrip #solofemaletraveler
@justchasingsunsets
137.4K likes • 1.7M views

🎯 Free Golf, Bring Your Own Clubs

The pitch and putt is free! Bring your own clubs or rent from The Golf Tavern for a small fee.InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and potentially to nearby areas like Dean Village.TikTok

Packing for 10 days in Ireland & Edinburgh in only a carry on suitcase! ✈️🧳 My luggage is the Hanke 20” Suitcase from Amazon! My luggage + all my travel favs are in my Storefront 👌🏼 #carryononly #carryon #eurotrip #carryontrip #traveltiktok #travellife #packing #packingvideo #packingtips #packinghacks
@rileejsmith
135.1K likes • 2.7M views
Late afternoon on Bruntsfield Links. Free loan of golf clubs with every haircut at the local barbers. . #edinburgh #edinburghsouthside #bruntsfield #bruntsfieldlinks #usk #edinburghurbansketchers #autumniscoming #sketchbook
carolineheycock
63 likes • 0 views

🍺 Grab a Drink at The Golf Tavern

Enjoy a beer and snacks at this historic pub, the unofficial clubhouse for the links.Reddit

🐶 Watch for Passersby

It's a public park, so be aware of people and dogs crossing the course while you play.Reddit

I would like to invite you to this outdoor yoga, meditation and a community sharing circle in solidarity with Palestinian people.LINK IN BIO Bruntsfield Links Chessboard, Edinburgh 27/07/2025| 10:00 AM Donations go directly to In Solidarity Edinburgh Guided by Adriana (she/they) – elemental yoga with mindfulness meditation by Tere (she/her), certified teacher from The Awareness Institute. Bri...
cosmicpathyoga_meditation_
39 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Golf, Bring Your Own Clubs

The pitch and putt is free! Bring your own clubs or rent from The Golf Tavern for a small fee.InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and potentially to nearby areas like Dean Village.TikTok

🍺 Grab a Drink at The Golf Tavern

Enjoy a beer and snacks at this historic pub, the unofficial clubhouse for the links.Reddit

🐶 Watch for Passersby

It's a public park, so be aware of people and dogs crossing the course while you play.Reddit

📸 Capture Castle Views

Find great spots for photos of Edinburgh Castle from the links.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love Bruntsfield Links for its free, casual pitch-and-putt golf and its role as a beautiful city park. The convenience of The Golf Tavern for rentals and refreshments, along with pleasant views of Edinburgh Castle, are frequently highlighted positives. Some note that the greens aren't perfect and the course is shared with the public, but overall, it's seen as a fun, accessible, and budget-friendly activity.

"Stop by the golf tavern, grab a wedge, a putter, a beer and play some fun, casual golf! Short holes but a ton of fun."

Brett Bass

"It’s free! Historical short hole course, and fun for what it is. Don’t be serious about your game because you’re basically chipping and putting. The greens aren’t great and there will be people walking through your line of play. Chill out, it’s free and you’re surrounded by beautiful architecture and park space. Grab a beer at the tavern and have fun."

D Ritch

"A great city park with nice views of the Edinburgh Castle. There is ample space for children and it is nearby a lot of amenities. This winter there was snow and it was great for sledding!"

nuric

What People Like

Free pitch-and-putt golf
Beautiful park setting
Views of Edinburgh Castle

What People Dislike

Imperfect greens
Shared with public

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bruntsfield Links is easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, making it a convenient destination from various parts of the city. Walking from the city center is also an option, though it's a bit of a trek.TikTok

Street parking is available in the surrounding residential areas, but it can be competitive, especially during peak times. It's often easier to rely on public transport or walk if you're staying centrally.TikTok

Yes, you can walk to Bruntsfield Links from the city center, but it's a journey of about 30-40 minutes. It's a pleasant walk, especially if you explore areas like Dean Village along the way.TikTok

For a day trip, taking a bus is highly recommended for ease and convenience. This allows you to focus on enjoying the park and its activities without worrying about parking.TikTok

Several Lothian Buses routes serve the Bruntsfield area. Checking a local bus map or using a journey planner app will give you the most up-to-date information on routes and stops closest to the links.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the pitch-and-putt golf course at Bruntsfield Links is completely free to play. You don't need to book tee times; just show up and play.Reddit

Playing golf at Bruntsfield Links is free. There's a small charge if you rent clubs and balls from The Golf Tavern or other local establishments.Reddit

Bruntsfield Links is a public park and is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. The Golf Tavern has its own operating hours for rentals and refreshments.

Yes, you can rent golf clubs and balls from The Golf Tavern, which acts as the unofficial clubhouse. Some local cafes might also offer rentals for customers.Reddit

No, Bruntsfield Links is a public park and there is no entry fee to access the grounds.

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

It's a free, casual pitch-and-putt course with short holes. Don't expect a championship experience; it's more about fun and enjoying the park setting.Reddit

The greens are not typically in pristine condition, as it's a public park. The focus is on accessibility and fun rather than a perfectly manicured course.Reddit

Bring your own clubs and balls if you have them. Otherwise, you can rent them from The Golf Tavern. Comfortable shoes are a must.TikTokReddit

Absolutely! There's a dedicated children's playground towards The Meadows, and the open spaces are great for kids to run around. The casual golf is also fun for all ages.Instagram

The park offers lovely views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding beautiful architecture. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the cityscape.Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The Golf Tavern is right by the links and offers refreshments and snacks. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Bruntsfield and Morningside areas.Reddit

Yes, picnicking is welcome in the park. You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the grass or at one of the many benches.

The Bruntsfield area is known for its excellent cafes and restaurants, offering everything from casual bites to more formal dining. You'll find plenty of choices to suit any taste.

The Golf Tavern is more of a traditional pub experience, great for a casual drink and some pub fare. It's the perfect spot to grab a beer after a round of golf.Reddit

Many locals recommend cafes like The Treehouse Cafe for coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, which might even lend out golf clubs for customers.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the charming architecture surrounding the park, and candid shots of people enjoying the free golf.Instagram

Yes, late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful light, with the golden hour casting a warm glow over the park and city skyline.Instagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide park shots and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be useful for sweeping park vistas.TikTok

The main draw for photography is the view of Edinburgh Castle. The historic Golf Tavern building and the general park landscape are also picturesque.

Drone usage in public parks in Edinburgh is generally restricted. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bruntsfield Links is a fantastic spot for families. The free pitch-and-putt golf is a low-pressure activity that kids can enjoy, and the nearby children's playground offers a dedicated space for them to play and burn energy.Instagram The open green spaces are perfect for picnics and letting kids run around freely.

Consider renting clubs from The Golf Tavern for a fun family activity. It's a casual experience, so don't worry about perfect swings. The park's beauty and the occasional views of Edinburgh Castle add to the overall enjoyment for all ages.

💰 Budget Travelers

This is a budget traveler's dream! The pitch-and-putt golf is completely free, making it an unbeatable activity for saving money while still having fun.Reddit You can even find affordable club rentals from The Golf Tavern or potentially borrow them from local cafes.Reddit

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park, further reducing costs. Bruntsfield Links is a beautiful public space, offering great scenery and relaxation without any admission fees. It's a perfect example of how to experience Edinburgh affordably.

🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts (Casual)

While not a championship course, Bruntsfield Links offers a unique and enjoyable casual golf experience. The free pitch-and-putt format is perfect for a relaxed round, and the novelty of playing in an urban park with castle views is a definite draw.Reddit

Embrace the laid-back atmosphere. Rent clubs from The Golf Tavern and enjoy the short holes. It's a great way to practice your chipping and putting in a picturesque setting, and a fun break from more traditional sightseeing.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Pitch and Putt Experience

Bruntsfield Links is famous for its free pitch-and-putt golf course, a unique offering in the heart of Edinburgh. Unlike traditional golf, this course features short holes, making it accessible and fun for all skill levels. It's not about serious competition; it's about enjoying a casual game amidst a beautiful urban park setting.Reddit

Key aspects of this experience include the fact that it's entirely free to play, and you don't need to book tee times. This spontaneity is a big draw for many visitors. However, it's important to remember that it's a public space, so be prepared for occasional interruptions from passersby or dogs crossing your path.Reddit

For those without their own equipment, The Golf Tavern, located adjacent to the links, serves as the unofficial clubhouse. They offer affordable rentals for clubs and balls, along with scorecards and refreshments. Some local cafes might also lend out clubs, especially if you're a customer.Reddit This makes it easy for anyone to pick up a club and join in the fun.

Beyond the Golf: Exploring the Park and Surroundings

While the free golf is a major attraction, Bruntsfield Links is also a delightful city park in its own right. It offers ample green space for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely strolls. The park provides lovely views of Edinburgh Castle, a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall experience.Instagram

Families will appreciate the children's playground located towards The Meadows, offering a safe and fun area for kids to play. The park's open spaces are also perfect for sledding during snowy winter days, as noted by some visitors. It's a versatile space that caters to various activities and age groups.Instagram

Furthermore, Bruntsfield Links is situated in a vibrant neighborhood. A short walk can lead you to charming areas like Dean Village and Stockbridge, known for their picturesque streets, independent shops, and cozy cafes.TikTok This makes Bruntsfield Links a great starting point or a relaxing interlude for exploring more of Edinburgh's character.

Practicalities: What to Know Before You Go

When planning your visit to Bruntsfield Links, comfortable footwear is paramount. Whether you're playing golf, exploring the park, or venturing into nearby neighborhoods, you'll be doing a fair bit of walking.TikTok The park itself is quite expansive, and the surrounding areas are best explored on foot.

For the golf, while it's free, consider the rental options. The Golf Tavern is the primary spot, but exploring other local cafes might yield free club loans for customers.Reddit This flexibility ensures you can enjoy the game even if you haven't packed your own clubs.

Finally, remember that Bruntsfield Links is a public space. While this contributes to its charm and accessibility, it also means sharing the area with other park-goers, dog walkers, and casual strollers. Embrace the relaxed, community atmosphere, and be mindful of others as you play or relax.Reddit

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