Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle stands on a rocky hill on the south-eastern edge of Edinburgh, Scotland, about three miles from the city centre, at Craigmillar Castle Road. The oldest part is the L-plan tower house, built in the late 14th or early 15th century by the Preston family, who held the estate for roughly two centuries. In the 15th century a curtain wall with corner towers was added around a courtyard, and in the 16th century a range of domestic buildings and a chapel were built inside it. In 1566, after the murder of David Rizzio, Mary, Queen of Scots, retired to Craigmillar to recover, and it was there that nobles are said to have discussed the removal of her husband, Lord Darnley, in the so-called Craigmillar Bond. The estate was sold to Sir John Gilmour in 1660, and the castle was abandoned in the 18th century and became a picturesque ruin. Visitors can climb the tower house to the roof for views over Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat and the Forth. The great hall, the vaulted kitchen, the private chambers and a pit prison can be explored, while the outer courtyard contains a chapel and a doocot. The walls are largely complete, and the stonework reveals details of medieval defensive design such as gunloops and a machicolated parapet. The castle is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, which carries out ongoing conservation, and a garden and orchard have been restored in the grounds. Interpretation is by signage and an optional guidebook, with a self-guided route. Because it sits away from the busy Old Town, it is much quieter than Edinburgh Castle and works well as a half-day outing.