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Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is three miles (4.8 km) south-east of the city centre, on a low hill to the south of the modern suburb of Craigmillar. The Preston family of Craigmillar, the local feudal barons, began building the castle in the late 14th century and building works continued through the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1660, the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmour, Lord President of the Court of Session, who breathed new life into the ageing castle. The Gilmours left Craigmillar in the 18th century for a more modern residence, nearby Inch House, and the castle fell into ruin. It is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument, and is open to the public.
Craigmillar Castle is best known for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots. Following an illness after the birth of her son, the future James VI, Mary arrived at Craigmillar on 20 November 1566 to convalesce. Before she left on 7 December 1566, a pact known as the "Craigmillar Bond" was made, with or without her knowledge, to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
Good price for a few hours of enjoyment. Castle is mostly intact and pretty easy to get to from the city centre located on the South edge of the park in a very beautiful location. Guidebooks and souvenirs available on entry. There are toilets on site as well.
Alison CookeJan 13, 2018
An atmospheric maze of spiral steps and rugged ramparts. Kids and adults love to explore and let their imaginations run to days of kings and princesses
Andy ChittickJan 20, 2018
Very nice castle to visit, not expensive and pretty quiet on a Sunday. Honestly I've enjoyed more this castle than Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, but that's a personal like, anyway I really think is a must if you're visiting Edinburgh. You can take Lothian bus n.8 from city and hop off in Royal Infirmary Hospital, it takes 10min. walking to get there.
Erik Rodrigo Salazar CortizoDec 19, 2017
Small castle. But in really good condition. And the history it has. Is amazing. In fact, I was there acting for a movie, Outlaw King (you can watch me @homemadecine). In that movie you will see the castle. The castle is near city, we'll 30 minutes approx by bus. But go there only for the castle.. Well if you stay in Edinburgh long time and you don't know what to, go. But there are other castle and places you should visit before. Visit @Edinburgh4share
Jose Ignacio MartinezDec 30, 2017
Brilliant Castle. So many places to go look at, it's bigger that I thought it'd be. Mind your head though, the doors are short.
froodydooFeb 13, 2018
Charming castle, much better and more affordable than Edinburgh castle. Nice staff. Clean. Capricious cat on the grounds might let you pet it.
Heran BagoMar 21, 2018
This was probably my favorite place I went to see while on holiday in Edinburgh. The Yew trees inside the walls are spectacular. It's a great quick trip for fresh air. Being able to wonder around freely and not have to deal with other people makes it totally with it.
Luke RobbinsApr 26, 2018
Great place to visit. Very authentic castle. One recommendation would be to go there in the afternoon around an hour before they close. You will have the castle pretty much to yourself and can wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Kim HallerApr 7, 2018
Beautiful surroundings just clear of the city buzz. Parking available but I wouldn't recommend buggy or wheelchair users as there are a lot of steps. Area surrounding good for a walk and for dogs.
Andrea BavasApr 15, 2018
From the outside the castle looks small & people may not think it's worth a visit but you would be wrong because the castle is full of adventure with all it's nooks & crannys & when you climb up to the top you have the most beautiful views of the Girth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur Seat & much, much more & then you can go down to the dark dungeon to. Enjoy your visit.
Heather HendersonApr 29, 2018
Loved this castle ruin! Took a lovely walk from Edinburgh Castle to Craigmillar, only a few miles through town. The castle is quite beautiful, you will take a lot of photos. I enjoyed that there were very few people there, and that you can explore all of the castle ruins. If you are in Edinburgh, don't pass this spot up!
William MarksJun 10, 2018
We loved Craigmillar Castle! You pay £6 and are then free to explore the three stories or so of ruins. They have an art station so kids can enjoy it as well (yes we took advantage of the crown-making... don't doubt us).
Rebecca Elaine StevensJun 12, 2018
Lovely wee hidden gem in the city. When thinking of castles in Edinburgh always think of the big one but this is even better. Is a good size to be able to explore all the nooks and crannies in one visit and is very interesting and in a beautiful location.
Zezoo StewartJun 7, 2018
Very interesting, lovely views of the surrounding area. Quite a bit of the castle remains so lots of rooms, nooks & crannies to look at and investigate. Kids would enjoy exploring & imaginative play here.
Jacinta CookeMay 29, 2018
I visited here on my travels around Scotland. I had the explorer pass for scotland so this place was included in it. The staff are very friendly at the location. There are toilets at the location. Price is reasonable. It was a nice little castle with much of the castle still intact. It has good views from the top. I went later in the day and there was hardly anyone there.
Aj KhanJun 19, 2018
Wow, as I love looking at different castles, it is a ruin you could imagine how they lived there. It is better when you have the right kind of weather conditions. Definitely need good shoes,or trainers. You can have a picnic there too. There are toilets and things to do for the children too.
Rachel GrayJul 3, 2018
The castle is mostly intact and you are totally free to explore. It is a nice change from Edinburgh Castle, which is much more restricted and crowded. Has some cool history, too! The view at the top is also nice
Chandler HallJul 10, 2018
Nice place for a walk or a picnic, unsurprisingly not that great for disabled access to the castle (but then it's ~500y/o and there's only so much you can do), effectively no food (tea/coffee machine only and an ice cream freezer). As far as ruins go, it's pretty and reasonably well maintained, views are good and the paths vary from rabbit track to tar macked. I take the dog to walk in the grounds regularly, they're pretty big - tire out the 2 year old Doodle big if you zigzag. Lots of wildlife.
Claire CroweAug 7, 2018
Brought the grandchildren with our Historic Scotland membership. They loved going up and down the many staircases; my knees felt differently! Chloe had been before with her school so was a very good tour guide. Shop was reasonable priced and we got money off being members. All in all a nice few hours had here.
Steve HarrisAug 5, 2018
Lovely almost intact castle just outside Edinburgh city centre, the surrounding park liked lovely for a walk around too. Lots of rooms to explore in & beautiful views from the top of the defenses. Its very much like a castle you would draw as a child with it curtain wall and 4 corner turrets. Nice history links to Mary Queen of Scots too.
Charlene SymingtonJul 18, 2018
Loved exploring this Castle with overseas visitors, I hadn't been since I was a child. It was full of history and was great seeing children playing knights and castles with their toy swords and crowns. Reasonably priced entrance fee too unlike a lot of tourist places
Shirley-Ann McewanAug 15, 2018
Incredibly good trip, give that we were expecting to see just ruins! Good setup for kids (some art activities and games), my 3 year old loved it! The castle did not feel like ruins at all and there was lots to see, including the cellar, ball room and fantastic terrace with great views.
Magda MaslonJul 18, 2018
Good price for a few hours of enjoyment. Castle is mostly intact and pretty easy to get to from the city centre located on the South edge of the park in a very beautiful location. Guidebooks and souvenirs available on entry. There are toilets on site as well.
Alison CookeJan 13, 2018
An atmospheric maze of spiral steps and rugged ramparts. Kids and adults love to explore and let their imaginations run to days of kings and princesses
Andy ChittickJan 20, 2018
Very nice castle to visit, not expensive and pretty quiet on a Sunday. Honestly I've enjoyed more this castle than Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, but that's a personal like, anyway I really think is a must if you're visiting Edinburgh. You can take Lothian bus n.8 from city and hop off in Royal Infirmary Hospital, it takes 10min. walking to get there.
Erik Rodrigo Salazar CortizoDec 19, 2017
Small castle. But in really good condition. And the history it has. Is amazing. In fact, I was there acting for a movie, Outlaw King (you can watch me @homemadecine). In that movie you will see the castle. The castle is near city, we'll 30 minutes approx by bus. But go there only for the castle.. Well if you stay in Edinburgh long time and you don't know what to, go. But there are other castle and places you should visit before. Visit @Edinburgh4share
Jose Ignacio MartinezDec 30, 2017
Brilliant Castle. So many places to go look at, it's bigger that I thought it'd be. Mind your head though, the doors are short.
froodydooFeb 13, 2018
Charming castle, much better and more affordable than Edinburgh castle. Nice staff. Clean. Capricious cat on the grounds might let you pet it.
Heran BagoMar 21, 2018
This was probably my favorite place I went to see while on holiday in Edinburgh. The Yew trees inside the walls are spectacular. It's a great quick trip for fresh air. Being able to wonder around freely and not have to deal with other people makes it totally with it.
Luke RobbinsApr 26, 2018
Great place to visit. Very authentic castle. One recommendation would be to go there in the afternoon around an hour before they close. You will have the castle pretty much to yourself and can wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Kim HallerApr 7, 2018
Beautiful surroundings just clear of the city buzz. Parking available but I wouldn't recommend buggy or wheelchair users as there are a lot of steps. Area surrounding good for a walk and for dogs.
Andrea BavasApr 15, 2018
From the outside the castle looks small & people may not think it's worth a visit but you would be wrong because the castle is full of adventure with all it's nooks & crannys & when you climb up to the top you have the most beautiful views of the Girth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur Seat & much, much more & then you can go down to the dark dungeon to. Enjoy your visit.
Heather HendersonApr 29, 2018
Loved this castle ruin! Took a lovely walk from Edinburgh Castle to Craigmillar, only a few miles through town. The castle is quite beautiful, you will take a lot of photos. I enjoyed that there were very few people there, and that you can explore all of the castle ruins. If you are in Edinburgh, don't pass this spot up!
William MarksJun 10, 2018
We loved Craigmillar Castle! You pay £6 and are then free to explore the three stories or so of ruins. They have an art station so kids can enjoy it as well (yes we took advantage of the crown-making... don't doubt us).
Rebecca Elaine StevensJun 12, 2018
Lovely wee hidden gem in the city. When thinking of castles in Edinburgh always think of the big one but this is even better. Is a good size to be able to explore all the nooks and crannies in one visit and is very interesting and in a beautiful location.
Zezoo StewartJun 7, 2018
Very interesting, lovely views of the surrounding area. Quite a bit of the castle remains so lots of rooms, nooks & crannies to look at and investigate. Kids would enjoy exploring & imaginative play here.
Jacinta CookeMay 29, 2018
I visited here on my travels around Scotland. I had the explorer pass for scotland so this place was included in it. The staff are very friendly at the location. There are toilets at the location. Price is reasonable. It was a nice little castle with much of the castle still intact. It has good views from the top. I went later in the day and there was hardly anyone there.
Aj KhanJun 19, 2018
Wow, as I love looking at different castles, it is a ruin you could imagine how they lived there. It is better when you have the right kind of weather conditions. Definitely need good shoes,or trainers. You can have a picnic there too. There are toilets and things to do for the children too.
Rachel GrayJul 3, 2018
The castle is mostly intact and you are totally free to explore. It is a nice change from Edinburgh Castle, which is much more restricted and crowded. Has some cool history, too! The view at the top is also nice
Chandler HallJul 10, 2018
Nice place for a walk or a picnic, unsurprisingly not that great for disabled access to the castle (but then it's ~500y/o and there's only so much you can do), effectively no food (tea/coffee machine only and an ice cream freezer). As far as ruins go, it's pretty and reasonably well maintained, views are good and the paths vary from rabbit track to tar macked. I take the dog to walk in the grounds regularly, they're pretty big - tire out the 2 year old Doodle big if you zigzag. Lots of wildlife.
Claire CroweAug 7, 2018
Brought the grandchildren with our Historic Scotland membership. They loved going up and down the many staircases; my knees felt differently! Chloe had been before with her school so was a very good tour guide. Shop was reasonable priced and we got money off being members. All in all a nice few hours had here.
Steve HarrisAug 5, 2018
Lovely almost intact castle just outside Edinburgh city centre, the surrounding park liked lovely for a walk around too. Lots of rooms to explore in & beautiful views from the top of the defenses. Its very much like a castle you would draw as a child with it curtain wall and 4 corner turrets. Nice history links to Mary Queen of Scots too.
Charlene SymingtonJul 18, 2018
Loved exploring this Castle with overseas visitors, I hadn't been since I was a child. It was full of history and was great seeing children playing knights and castles with their toy swords and crowns. Reasonably priced entrance fee too unlike a lot of tourist places
Shirley-Ann McewanAug 15, 2018
Incredibly good trip, give that we were expecting to see just ruins! Good setup for kids (some art activities and games), my 3 year old loved it! The castle did not feel like ruins at all and there was lots to see, including the cellar, ball room and fantastic terrace with great views.
Magda MaslonJul 18, 2018
Good price for a few hours of enjoyment. Castle is mostly intact and pretty easy to get to from the city centre located on the South edge of the park in a very beautiful location. Guidebooks and souvenirs available on entry. There are toilets on site as well.
Alison CookeJan 13, 2018
An atmospheric maze of spiral steps and rugged ramparts. Kids and adults love to explore and let their imaginations run to days of kings and princesses
Andy ChittickJan 20, 2018
Very nice castle to visit, not expensive and pretty quiet on a Sunday. Honestly I've enjoyed more this castle than Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, but that's a personal like, anyway I really think is a must if you're visiting Edinburgh. You can take Lothian bus n.8 from city and hop off in Royal Infirmary Hospital, it takes 10min. walking to get there.
Erik Rodrigo Salazar CortizoDec 19, 2017
Small castle. But in really good condition. And the history it has. Is amazing. In fact, I was there acting for a movie, Outlaw King (you can watch me @homemadecine). In that movie you will see the castle. The castle is near city, we'll 30 minutes approx by bus. But go there only for the castle.. Well if you stay in Edinburgh long time and you don't know what to, go. But there are other castle and places you should visit before. Visit @Edinburgh4share
Jose Ignacio MartinezDec 30, 2017
Brilliant Castle. So many places to go look at, it's bigger that I thought it'd be. Mind your head though, the doors are short.
froodydooFeb 13, 2018
Charming castle, much better and more affordable than Edinburgh castle. Nice staff. Clean. Capricious cat on the grounds might let you pet it.
Heran BagoMar 21, 2018
This was probably my favorite place I went to see while on holiday in Edinburgh. The Yew trees inside the walls are spectacular. It's a great quick trip for fresh air. Being able to wonder around freely and not have to deal with other people makes it totally with it.
Luke RobbinsApr 26, 2018
Great place to visit. Very authentic castle. One recommendation would be to go there in the afternoon around an hour before they close. You will have the castle pretty much to yourself and can wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Kim HallerApr 7, 2018
Beautiful surroundings just clear of the city buzz. Parking available but I wouldn't recommend buggy or wheelchair users as there are a lot of steps. Area surrounding good for a walk and for dogs.
Andrea BavasApr 15, 2018
From the outside the castle looks small & people may not think it's worth a visit but you would be wrong because the castle is full of adventure with all it's nooks & crannys & when you climb up to the top you have the most beautiful views of the Girth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur Seat & much, much more & then you can go down to the dark dungeon to. Enjoy your visit.
Heather HendersonApr 29, 2018
Loved this castle ruin! Took a lovely walk from Edinburgh Castle to Craigmillar, only a few miles through town. The castle is quite beautiful, you will take a lot of photos. I enjoyed that there were very few people there, and that you can explore all of the castle ruins. If you are in Edinburgh, don't pass this spot up!
William MarksJun 10, 2018
We loved Craigmillar Castle! You pay £6 and are then free to explore the three stories or so of ruins. They have an art station so kids can enjoy it as well (yes we took advantage of the crown-making... don't doubt us).
Rebecca Elaine StevensJun 12, 2018
Lovely wee hidden gem in the city. When thinking of castles in Edinburgh always think of the big one but this is even better. Is a good size to be able to explore all the nooks and crannies in one visit and is very interesting and in a beautiful location.
Zezoo StewartJun 7, 2018
Very interesting, lovely views of the surrounding area. Quite a bit of the castle remains so lots of rooms, nooks & crannies to look at and investigate. Kids would enjoy exploring & imaginative play here.
Jacinta CookeMay 29, 2018
I visited here on my travels around Scotland. I had the explorer pass for scotland so this place was included in it. The staff are very friendly at the location. There are toilets at the location. Price is reasonable. It was a nice little castle with much of the castle still intact. It has good views from the top. I went later in the day and there was hardly anyone there.
Aj KhanJun 19, 2018
Wow, as I love looking at different castles, it is a ruin you could imagine how they lived there. It is better when you have the right kind of weather conditions. Definitely need good shoes,or trainers. You can have a picnic there too. There are toilets and things to do for the children too.
Rachel GrayJul 3, 2018
The castle is mostly intact and you are totally free to explore. It is a nice change from Edinburgh Castle, which is much more restricted and crowded. Has some cool history, too! The view at the top is also nice
Chandler HallJul 10, 2018
Nice place for a walk or a picnic, unsurprisingly not that great for disabled access to the castle (but then it's ~500y/o and there's only so much you can do), effectively no food (tea/coffee machine only and an ice cream freezer). As far as ruins go, it's pretty and reasonably well maintained, views are good and the paths vary from rabbit track to tar macked. I take the dog to walk in the grounds regularly, they're pretty big - tire out the 2 year old Doodle big if you zigzag. Lots of wildlife.
Claire CroweAug 7, 2018
Brought the grandchildren with our Historic Scotland membership. They loved going up and down the many staircases; my knees felt differently! Chloe had been before with her school so was a very good tour guide. Shop was reasonable priced and we got money off being members. All in all a nice few hours had here.
Steve HarrisAug 5, 2018
Lovely almost intact castle just outside Edinburgh city centre, the surrounding park liked lovely for a walk around too. Lots of rooms to explore in & beautiful views from the top of the defenses. Its very much like a castle you would draw as a child with it curtain wall and 4 corner turrets. Nice history links to Mary Queen of Scots too.
Charlene SymingtonJul 18, 2018
Loved exploring this Castle with overseas visitors, I hadn't been since I was a child. It was full of history and was great seeing children playing knights and castles with their toy swords and crowns. Reasonably priced entrance fee too unlike a lot of tourist places
Shirley-Ann McewanAug 15, 2018
Incredibly good trip, give that we were expecting to see just ruins! Good setup for kids (some art activities and games), my 3 year old loved it! The castle did not feel like ruins at all and there was lots to see, including the cellar, ball room and fantastic terrace with great views.
Magda MaslonJul 18, 2018
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.