A well-preserved medieval castle, associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here in 1566. It has a keep, courtyard and gardens, and is far quieter than Edinburgh Castle.
Craigmillar Castle sits on a low hill on Craigmillar Castle Road in south-east Edinburgh, about 4 kilometres from the city centre, and is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. The tower house dates from the late 14th century, with a courtyard, an inner curtain wall and a later outer wall added in the 15th century. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here in 1566 after the murder of David Rizzio, and the castle is linked to the plot against her husband Lord Darnley. Visitors climb the tower house keep, explore the great hall, the vaulted rooms, the kitchens and the private chambers, and walk around the courtyard. The rooftop walkways give views back towards Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat and the Firth of Forth, although the Northwest Gilmour Tower and parts of the rooftop walkway are restricted for conservation. The grounds include gardens and an orchard area. The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is far quieter than Edinburgh Castle, which makes it a good choice for visitors who want to explore ruins at their own pace. A visit takes one to one and a half hours. Staircases are narrow and uneven, and the stone steps can be slippery, so sturdy shoes are advisable. Weekday visits on dry days are the calmest, and the castle can be exposed to wind. Online tickets are slightly cheaper than gate prices.
| Admission | Adult online £7.50 (~$10), about £8.50 (~$11) at the gate; concession £6 (~$8); child (7-15) £4.50 (~$6). The Northwest Gilmour Tower and parts of the rooftop walkway are restricted for conservation. |
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| Hours | 1 Apr-30 Sep daily 09:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30); 1 Oct-31 Mar daily 10:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30); closed 25-26 Dec, 1-2 Jan |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Dry weekday |
| Getting there | Lothian Buses to Craigmillar Castle Road (about 25 minutes from the city centre; check lothianbuses.com). |
| Address | Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SY |
Location
Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SY
55.9235, -3.1389 View on map
Highlights
- Well-preserved 14th-century tower house
- Links to Mary, Queen of Scots and the Rizzio plot
- Courtyard, great hall and vaulted kitchens
- Rooftop views toward Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat
- Quiet ruins away from the crowds
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online for a small saving over the gate price.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as stairs are narrow and uneven.
- Check which areas are restricted, as parts of the rooftop are closed for conservation.
- Visit on a dry weekday for the quietest experience.
- Allow extra travel time, as the castle is about 25 minutes by bus from the centre.
- Check last entry times, which are 30 minutes before closing.
When to visit
A dry weekday outside school holidays is quietest. Summer afternoons give the best light for the rooftop views.
Accessibility
The castle has steep, narrow stairs and uneven ground, so access is limited for wheelchair users. Some ground-level areas may be reachable; check with Historic Environment Scotland before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Craigmillar Castle take?
About one to one and a half hours to explore the tower, courtyard and grounds.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the staircases and rooms, though narrow steps need supervision.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed for personal use throughout the site.
How does it compare with Edinburgh Castle?
It is much smaller and quieter, with fewer exhibits but more freedom to explore.