Bruntsfield Links

What it is

Bruntsfield Links is a large open parkland area in Edinburgh, situated south of the city centre. It forms part of the larger Meadows and Links chain of green spaces. The area has historical significance as one of the earliest known locations where golf was played, with records of the game dating back centuries. Today it remains public open space, characterised by its grassy expanse and scattered trees. The Links is surrounded by residential areas and lies adjacent to Bruntsfield, a well-established Edinburgh neighbourhood. Its open character distinguishes it from more formally designed parks in the city.

Checked 2026-08-26

What's inside

The Links consists primarily of open grassland with mature trees distributed across the area. A notable feature is the presence of short grass areas that maintain connections to its historical golf associations. The space contains informal paths crossing the grassland. There are no significant built structures within the Links itself. The surrounding area includes residential streets and some local shops along Bruntsfield Place nearby. The adjacent Bruntsfield Links Park, a separate smaller formal space, contains additional features, though this distinct area should not be confused with the open Links proper. The terrain is relatively flat, typical of the broader Meadows area.

Checked 2026-08-26

How long to spend

A casual crossing of Bruntsfield Links on foot takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes, though visitors typically spend longer. The unstructured nature of the space means duration depends entirely on individual purpose. Those walking through as part of a longer route connecting to the Meadows or city centre may pass quickly. Others using it for informal recreation, dog walking, or simply enjoying the open aspect may remain for thirty minutes or more. There are no designated trails requiring completion. The area suits brief visits or extended stays equally, with no formal entry or exit procedures to consider.

Checked 2026-08-26

Season and crowds

Bruntsfield Links is public open space accessible at all times as a right of way and common land. There are no gates or formal closing mechanisms. Operator-confirmed hours are Not recorded pending review. The space is used throughout daylight hours by local residents, with reduced activity after dark typical of any urban parkland. Seasonal variations in Edinburgh's climate affect conditions significantly, with wet ground common in winter months and longer evenings in summer extending usable hours. Visitors should exercise standard caution regarding weather and light conditions appropriate to the season and time of day when planning visits.

Checked 2026-08-26

Tickets

Access to Bruntsfield Links is free of charge as public open space. There are no admission fees, ticket requirements, or booking systems. Operator-confirmed prices are Not recorded pending review. No commercial concessions operate within the Links itself requiring payment. Visitors should note that surrounding businesses, including any cafes or shops on adjacent streets, operate independently with their own pricing structures. The public nature of the space means no financial transaction is necessary for entry, passage through, or use of the area for informal recreation. This has been the case historically given its status as common land.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting there

Bruntsfield Links is located south of Edinburgh's Old Town, accessible on foot from the city centre via the Meadows, a contiguous green space. Multiple Lothian Buses routes serve stops on surrounding roads including Bruntsfield Place and Whitehouse Loan. The nearest significant railway station is Edinburgh Waverley, approximately twenty minutes walk north. There is no dedicated car park for the Links; on-street parking applies on surrounding roads where restrictions vary. Cycling is feasible via paths through the Meadows. The area is well-integrated into Edinburgh's pedestrian and cycling network, making it straightforward to incorporate into walking routes across the city.

Checked 2026-08-26

What to watch out for

The open nature of Bruntsfield Links means exposure to weather without shelter. Ground conditions can be wet and uneven, particularly after rainfall. The area is unfenced from surrounding roads, requiring awareness of traffic at boundaries. Standard urban park precautions apply regarding personal belongings and awareness of surroundings, especially during hours of darkness when lighting is limited. Golf-related activities occasionally occur on parts of the Links, requiring visitors to be alert to this possibility. Dog walking is common; appropriate awareness of animals under varying levels of control is advisable. No permanent staff presence operates on site.

Checked 2026-08-26

Photography

The expansive grassland and mature trees offer opportunities for landscape photography, particularly with seasonal variations in foliage. Views across open space toward surrounding Edinburgh architecture provide contextual shots of city and green space interaction. The flat terrain limits elevated perspectives without drone use, which would require appropriate permissions given proximity to residential properties. Early morning and late afternoon light produces longest shadows across the grassland. The informal nature of the space means no restrictions on photography for personal use, though sensitivity to other visitors' privacy in this public but residential-adjacent space is appropriate. No commercial photography permits are required.

Checked 2026-08-26

Where it is

• 1 hour

  9 min walk

  The Meadows

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 1 hour

  12 min walk

  Royal Lyceum Theatre

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Art and culture venue
• 1 hour

  12 min walk

  Church Hill Theatre

  • High
  • Art and culture venue

External links

• View on Wikidata