Categories > Guides and Tips

team-participating-pottery-workshop

15 Unique Team Building Activities in Edinburgh (That’s More Than Just Trust Falls!)

I once thought I had an Edinburgh team-building activity in the bag. It was all about trust falls—you know, the one where someone falls backward, trusting their partner to catch them?

Well, let’s just say my partner had not-so-great skills, and I found myself intimately acquainted with the floor. This made me learn that the ground and I are not friends and that I wouldn’t want to go to another team-building event like this.

But hey, to show you that while I might not be the official poster child for flawless team-building (yet), I’ve listed down some epic activities in Edinburgh that can make your teamwork go from “oops” to “whoops, we’re awesome!” in no time. So, read on!

Tackle cool challenges at the Crystal Team Challenge

Website: https://www.funktionevents.co.uk/crystal-challenge-team-building-edinburgh 

Address: N/A

Contact details: +44 161 341 0052 

Operating hours: 

  • N/A

Cost: £-££

The Crystal Team is based on that hit 90s show where you do all sorts of wacky tasks to earn crystals. This challenge will have your team running around, solving puzzles, and probably laughing way more than you thought possible at work-related shenanigans.

The challenges are a mix, from physical to mental and everything in between, so it doesn’t matter if you’re built like a linebacker or a leader; there’s something for everyone. 

One minute you’re trying to solve a riddle, and the next, you’re in a laser tag battle trying not to be eliminated.They’ve also got themed rooms that will transport you all to another world entirely.

Pro tip: Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You’ll be moving around a lot, and it’s not the place for your newest pair of dress shoes or a tight suit.

Crack open the fun with your pals at Escape Hunt Edinburgh

Website: https://escapehunt.com/uk/edinburgh/ 

Address: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre

Contact details: +44 131 225 5522

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM

Cost: 

Corporate Packages: (more party packages are available upon booking)

  • Epic Quest (1.5 hours) – £34 per person
  • Treasure Seekers (3 hours) – £52 per person

Escape Hunt Edinburgh is the place to crack open some fun with your pals or team. Picture being locked in a room filled with clues, puzzles, and codes that you need to decipher to make your escape.

You’ve got a time limit too, so the pressure’s on. There’s a bunch of different themed rooms to choose from, which means you can be solving a puzzle in one session and hunting for treasure in the next.

They’re pretty big on the immersive experience, so don’t be surprised if you find yourselves so engrossed that you forget it’s a game. The setups are all top-notch, with attention to detail that makes the scenarios feel that much more real.

Pro tip: Remember to book in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a popular time slot or have a large group. And don’t forget to pick a team leader to keep everyone focused when the puzzles start throwing you curves.

Hit a strike and have a blast at Lane7

Website: https://lane7.co.uk/edinburgh/ 

Address: St. James Square

Contact details: +44 131 373 0003

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Friday – 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM

Cost: (party packages are available upon booking)

If you’re over the usual office outing, then Lane 7 is your next stop. They’ve got bowling, sure, but throw in some karaoke, ping-pong, mini-golf, and even retro arcade games, and you’ve got yourself a smorgasbord of fun.

It’s an adult’s playground where you can compete with your colleagues in a friendly but fierce game of bowling while enjoying some gourmet food and sipping on craft beers.

This place is decked out to ensure you have a good time, with a vibe that’s more nightclub than sports bar. The lanes are top-notch, the music’s always pumping, and there’s an energy in the air that’s contagious.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their late-night offerings. Lane7 transforms into a more adult-centric vibe in the evenings with DJs and live music on some nights.

Party it up with the wild games at Boom Battle Bar

Website: https://boombattlebar.com/uk/edinburgh/ 

Address: Unit 3 & 4, Omni Centre

Contact details: +44 131 332 1212 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
  • Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM

Cost: 

Party Packages: (more party packages are available upon booking)

  • Bullseyes & Bevvies (2 hours of games) – £62.50 per person
  • Cocktails & Competition (2.5 hours of games) – £75 per person

If you want to party it up with your team while rolling through a saga of wild games, Boom Battle Bar is where it’s at. Imagine axe throwing, augmented reality darts, ‘crazier’ golf than you’ve ever seen, and an electric shuffleboard, all in one spot.

It’s as if someone took every fun game they could think of, cranked it to eleven, and put it under one roof. From the moment you step in, you’ll be pumped to try everything, and since it’s all about getting everyone involved, you won’t find shy wallflowers here.

And when you’re all tired, there’s plenty of space to chill with a drink and some food, share laughs, and maybe plot your next move in the games.

Pro tip: Footwear is key—wear something comfortable but closed-toe, especially if you’re planning to unleash your inner Viking at the axe-throwing lanes. Safety first, wild fun second.

Enjoy crafting cocktails at the Department of Magic

Website: http://departmentofmagic.com/ 

Address: 9 Blair St.

Contact details: 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM

Cost: (prices or packages are available upon booking)

Now, for the aspiring wizards among us, or anyone who’s ever fancied mixing up their own magical potions, the Department of Magic is your kind of place. This isn’t just another cocktail-making class.

Here, you and your team get to don robes, wield magic wands, and mix up some truly enchanting concoctions. Beyond cocktail mixing, they also offer escape rooms and afternoon tea as well as non-alcoholic potion experience.

It’s such a unique experience. The ambiance is straight out of a wizarding world, with cosy, dimly lit rooms filled with books, bottles labelled with ingredients you’ve never heard of, and an aura of mystery.

Pro tip: If you’ve been spellbound by your enchanting adventure here, you can aim for their gift vouchers and share them with somebody. It’s the perfect way to spread the word!

Get competitive in a fun way at Fayre Play Edinburgh

Website: https://www.thefayreplay.co.uk/ 

Address: 14 Picardy Pl.

Contact details: 

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday and Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM

Cost: (party packages are available upon booking)

  • Games (with food and 2 drinks) – £38.50 per person
  • Game ticket – £14.95 per person

Fayre Pass offers a unique blend of fun, challenge, and camaraderie! Here, the walls are adorned with an extensive array of board games, ranging from timeless classics to the hottest new Kickstarter creations.

It’s the perfect playground for teams to strategize, collaborate, and engage in some friendly competition. Moreover, Fayre Play keeps everyone energised with a delicious menu that includes fries, hotdog buns, juicy burgers, and mouth-watering pizzas.

To top it off, a selection of creative cocktails and refreshing mocktails ensures that your team stays quenched and spirited, ready to take on the next gaming challenge.

Pro tip: Definitely make reservations because it gets pretty busy. Oh, and folks usually get a kick out of the themed team photos, so make sure you bring a camera or at least clear some space on your phone.

Bust out your dance moves in Ballie Ballerson’s giant ball pit

Website: https://edinburgh.ballieballerson.com/ 

Address: 14 Forrest Rd.

Contact details: N/A

Operating hours: 

  • Thursday and Friday, Sunday – 6 PM to 1 AM
  • Saturday – 1:30 PM to 1 AM

Cost: (party packages are available upon booking)

If you’re after some outright ludicrous fun, then Ballie Ballerson is the name you need to remember. Think of a giant adult ball pit, pumped-up tunes, and drinks flowing all night.

It’s like being a kid again, except now you can sip on funky cocktails while you’re at it. It’s a wild night out, and it’s got this neon glow thing happening that really turns up the party atmosphere.

Now, don’t go thinking it’s all just fluff with no substance. It’s a top-notch way to let off some steam and foster connections, and it’s just downright hilarious.

Pro tip: Remember to check out the dress code; while it’s casual, no sharp objects or messy clothes are allowed for obvious reasons.

Grab your smartest friends for trivia night at The Three Sisters

Website: http://www.thethreesistersbar.co.uk/ 

Address: 139 Cowgate

Contact details: +44 131 622 6802

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Friday – 12 PM to 3 AM
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 3 AM

Cost: (party packages are available upon booking)

For the brains in the office, The Three Sisters on trivia night is a no-brainer (I know, punny, eh?). This place serves up a pub quiz that’ll have you racking your brain and laughing simultaneously.

With categories ranging across any and every topic, you’re going to want to bring that friend who knows way too much about 80s pop music or the one who’s a walking almanack. It’s cosy, it’s got a great buzz, and there are prizes.

And the best part is that you can grab some epic pub grub and a pint of your favourite brew while you’re at it. Moreover, other than quizzes, they also host live music, karaoke nights, and live sports.

Pro tip: If you guys had too much fun at The Three Sisters and realised it’s not the best idea for everyone to head home, worry not! 

You can make sure your team has a safe and comfortable place to stay by taking advantage of The Three Sisters’ accommodation offerings.

Have a blast with rides at the Edinburgh Dungeon

Website: https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/en/ 

Address: 31 Market Place

Contact details: +44 131 240 1041

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5:15 PM

Cost: 

  • Standard tickets – Starts at £18
  • Anytime ticket – £29 per person
  • Dungeon + Bus Tour – £39 per person
  • Dungeon Lates (18+) – £27.50 per person

Now, if you’ve got the guts for some guts and gore, the Edinburgh Dungeon is the place to get your screams out. It’s not just some walk-through horror house; you’re in for rides, live actors, and some pretty intense storytelling that’ll have you gripping your mate’s arm.

As a team, you’ll navigate the dark history of Edinburgh together. Ever heard of Burke and Hare or the scary cannibal Sawney Bean?

Well, you’re about to get up close and personal. And for those who are adventurous, there are some interactive bits too, where you’ll have to make choices—just hope it’s not a wrong turn!

Pro tip: Pace yourselves and eat after, not before. Trust me, some of these rides can churn a stomach.
Also, the place can be pretty popular with tourists, so getting tickets ahead of time means you skip a bit of the waiting-line horror.

Learn some spooky stories with Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Media credit: alt.in.streets

Cost: £-££

If you’re into some spine-tingling history, then companies like Mercat Tours, City of the Dead Tours, and Auld Reekie Tours should be on your radar. These guys don’t just tell ghost stories; they take you on a journey through Edinburgh’s dark past, and it’s epic.

You’ll explore the old town, cobbled streets, and underground vaults where history’s murky tales come alive. The guides are excellent storytellers, so even the sceptics in your team might start hearing bumps in the night.

You’d be wandering through places like the Greyfriars Kirkyard or the haunted nooks of the Royal Mile, and even the bravest among you would be clutching onto your pals when the stories got super creepy.

Pro tip: Make sure you wear comfy shoes; there’s a lot of walking, and cobblestones are not high-heel friendly. 

Also, Edinburgh’s weather can be a bit unpredictable, so come prepared with a jacket or umbrella; the ghosts might not mind the rain, but you probably will.

Get messy and artsy with some pottery making in Edinburgh

Media credit: fernwehclaydesigns

Cost: £-££

If you guys are down to get your hands dirty and unleash that hidden artist among you, pottery making has got to be on your list. Doodles, John Burgess Ceramics, and Edinburgh Pottery Studio offer sessions for you to get your creative juice flowing.

These aren’t stuffy, serious art classes; they’re laid back, filled with laughter, and superb for bonding. You’ll start with a chunk of clay and end up with… Well, let’s just say outcomes vary, but that’s half the fun.

It’s perfect for all skill levels, so no one feels left out. Plus, you get to keep whatever you make, which means the team could end up with a whole new set of mismatched, handmade mugs for the break room.

Pro tip: Remember to wear something you don’t mind getting clay on. Most places will have aprons, but clay has a sneaky way of getting everywhere.

Also, check in advance if they need you to come pick up your creations after they’ve been fired in the kiln; it usually takes a few weeks.

Team up and set sail on a fun Edinburgh Boat Tour

Media credit: thegirlwiththeredhat

Cost: £-££

Now, if you’re looking for an adventure that gets you all out on the water, then an Edinburgh boat tour is where it’s at. You’ve got your options here: Maid of the Forth, Edinburgh Boat Charters, and Forth Boat Tours.

They dish out different vibes, from chilled-out cruises to adrenaline-pumping speedboat rides.

These tours aren’t just sitting back and relaxing either; they’re interactive, giving you and your team plenty to talk about, from the stunning architecture you’ll see along the shore to the wildlife that pops up to say hello.

Pro tip: Dress for the weather, and then some. It can get chilly out on the water, even on a sunny day, so layers are your friend.

Show off your targeting skills at the Edinburgh Combat Challenge

Website: http://www.edinburghcombatchallenge.com/ 

Address: Lugton Bogs, Gilmerton Rd.

Contact details: +44 773 223 1220

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Cost: (more party packages are available upon booking)

  • 1 hour session  – £15 per person
  • 1.5 hour session – £20 per person
  • 2 hour session – £25 per person

Okay, for those who love a bit of friendly competition and aren’t afraid of a bit of mock combat, the Edinburgh Combat Challenge will have your team ducking, diving, and aiming for victory.

Think laser tag meets obstacle course, where you’re not just trying to tag the other team but also navigate through a series of challenges. It’s great to get the adrenaline rush and see who in the office has a strategic mind—or who’s just really good at hiding.

What’s great about this is that it demands teamwork. You have to work together, cover each other, and come up with a game plan if you want to win.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to wear comfortable, athletic gear you can move around in, and maybe even bring a change of clothes. Getting a tad sweaty is part of the fun, but maybe not something you want to wear back to the office or home.

Website: https://goape.co.uk/locations/grizedale 

Address: Via King’s Gate

Contact details: +44 160 389 5500

Operating hours: 

Cost: (more party packages are available upon booking)

  • Treetop Challenge – Starts at £39
  • Zip Trekking Adventure – Starts at £59
  • Treetop Adventure – Starts at £23

If you’ve got a team that’s all about outdoor adventure, then you can’t go wrong with Go Ape in Dalkeith. It’s not every day you get to swing through treetops and face off against obstacle courses high up in the air.

This place is all about pushing those boundaries, in the safest way, of course, and includes zip lines, rope ladders, and those tricky Tarzan swings. It’s about trust as you navigate through the course, offering encouragement, and maybe a helpful tip or two.

Plus, it’s just really fun. And for those who’re maybe a bit hesitant about heights, the instructors are fantastic, offering the encouragement and support needed to take that leap—literally.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check the weather and dress appropriately; sturdy footwear is a must. Also, they’ve got lockers, but it’s best to leave valuables at home or in a secure spot.

Swing and scramble through Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park

Website: https://ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/edinburgh/ 

Address: 12 Seafield Pl.

Contact details: +44 131 554 4572

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM

Cost: (adult party packages are available upon booking)

The Ninja Warrior is all about testing your limits through a series of obstacles inspired by the show. From swinging bars to quintuple steps and, of course, the infamous Warped Wall, it’s a full-body workout that’s disguised as an incredibly fun day out.

And it’s not just for the super-athletic; it’s designed for all fitness levels. Everyone gets a kick out of seeing how far they can go, and there’s a lot of cheering for each other on.

It’s the perfect place for team building because, at its core, it’s about personal challenge and group encouragement. You’ll find yourselves swapping strategies, celebrating victories, and maybe even having a laugh at the faceplants (in the safest way).

Pro tip: Make sure to stretch beforehand as it’s more of a workout than you might expect. And wear comfortable, gym-style clothes; you’re going to be scrambling, swinging, and maybe even falling a bit.

Related topics