Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsCastles
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
This site is open for you to enjoy but there are currently some access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure. The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland. Even today, the castle retains the character of a medieval stronghold. Building began in the early 15th century, and over the next 250 years the castle became a comfortable residence surrounded by fine gardens and pastureland. The castles history is not only closely involved with the city of Edinburgh, but plays an important part in the story of Mary Queen of Scots who fled to Craigmillar Castle following the murder of Rizzio. It was in the castle where the plot was hatched to murder Marys husband, Lord Darnley. Built round an L-plan tower house of the early 15th Century, Craigmillar was much expanded in the 15th and 16th Centuries.
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See what travellers are saying
- Alan PEdinburgh, United Kingdom43 contributionsFascinating and educational visitWe have just joined Historic Scotland and this is a place which is free to members. Historically interesting place, and the visit was enhanced by a calligrapher/historian who was making bookmarks. There was also an Easter Egg trail and other activities for the kids. Definitely worth a visit, we really enjoyed ourselves.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten April 8, 2023
- Frances S32 contributionsSplendid old ruinBreathtaking castle ruin- much more interesting than Edinburgh castle. You can imagine what it was like 600 yrs ago and they have wonderful games for kids mixed right into the ruins. There were tons of places to explore and almost get lost in and it also has very interesting garden lawn cut in the shape of unicorn heads. The people working there were very helpful and friendly and knowledgeable. It felt like going back in time set in a field in the middle of the country yet a stones throw from Edinburgh. Turrets and views and dungeons ….not to be missed!Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 28, 2023
- JD00724 contributionsGreat way to spend an hour.Very interesting history. Loved the yew trees growing inside the castle. Amazing views too. Also an Outlander filming location. Not crowded. Medieval staircases have ropes to assist climbing them. Staff were very friendly.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten June 1, 2023
- JerrySt. Albans, United Kingdom9 contributionsHidden Gem 40 mins from Edinburgh City Centre! Wow! 🏰🛡️😀🤯Step back in time in this castle ruin, with so much to explore and soak in! Well worth a couple hours and something to return to whenever you're in the area. The staff are friendly/helpful/welcoming, and the castle itself is an adventure waiting to be had! Don't just go to Edinburgh Castle and/or Holyrood Palace and then head out of Edinburgh, this place is so worth it!!Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten July 8, 2023
- elysec2018New Orleans, Louisiana41 contributionsLovely castleA fascinating castle - loved getting to walk around at the top. The views were great from the top. It's another castle that hasn't been "modernized" much, and I loved that. Of course, the Outlander connection was amazing as well.Visited July 2023Written July 12, 2023
- Jouha1 contributionGood for relaxing weekendI visited this Castle on Easter. It was sunny and really relaxing to have a walk with your family or dogs. It is more like a park. Kind staff were giving away easter eggs and beautiful calligraphy for everyone. However it is more like relaxing historical site for locals at weekends, not very suitable for solo tourists.Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten July 26, 2023
- The Owl ReviewsEdinburgh, United Kingdom104 contributionsFun Halloween event 🎃We came here the 4 of us dressed up for a fun Halloween event. Although it's mostly geared towards children, it's incredibly fun if you get into it. Everyone had smiles on their faces and looked like they had a brilliant time. Loads of kids activities. We're adults but got into the fun by dressing up and having a great time. Would recommend.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten October 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
969 reviews
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640
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270
Average
49
Poor
7
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3
The Owl Reviews
Edinburgh, UK104 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
We came here the 4 of us dressed up for a fun Halloween event. Although it's mostly geared towards children, it's incredibly fun if you get into it. Everyone had smiles on their faces and looked like they had a brilliant time. Loads of kids activities. We're adults but got into the fun by dressing up and having a great time. Would recommend.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edinburgher
Edinburgh, UK175 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Best castle in Edinburgh even though there is one big famous one and quite a few others hidden out of the way around town. This is your proper castle experience, just a short cycle or bus from central Edinburgh... Fantastic view of Arthur's seat, near duddingston.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer82172
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Solo
An underappreciated mediaeval castle. A fantastically interesting place to visit with amazing views from the top. Friendly, helpful and informative staff just rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable morning!
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny h
4 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
This place was amazing! The staff were amazing! Loved every minute of it! This is one that you HAVE to visit.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IanRoch
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK100 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Stumbled upon this site today, great place to spend an hour learning the history of it. Stunning views from atop the battlements
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
areeb
Glasgow, UK3 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Friends
Don’t get me wrong beautiful spot to walk the pups be careful tho there’s drunk 14 year olds blasting dj bad boy including James gribben
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
matthew p
Edinburgh, UK77 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
This place is just a ruin which you can walk about Inside but there's not really much to see or do to be honest, there is a little car park on site and there is a little shop which you can get snacks etc but other then that it so pretty boring to be honest.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review of your recent visit to the castle. We are disappointed to hear that your visit did not live up to expectations.
Although the castle is indeed a ruin, it has many nooks and crannies for visitors to explore, and we believe there are lots of things to see and do at the castle. From climbing one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, enjoying the views of Edinburgh and looking for the remains of the unique P-shaped fishpond in the grounds, there really is something for everyone.
Thanks again for taking the time to leave feedback.
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jouha
1 contribution
Apr. 2023 • Solo
I visited this Castle on Easter. It was sunny and really relaxing to have a walk with your family or dogs. It is more like a park. Kind staff were giving away easter eggs and beautiful calligraphy for everyone. However it is more like relaxing historical site for locals at weekends, not very suitable for solo tourists.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elysec2018
New Orleans, LA41 contributions
Jul. 2023
A fascinating castle - loved getting to walk around at the top. The views were great from the top. It's another castle that hasn't been "modernized" much, and I loved that. Of course, the Outlander connection was amazing as well.
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry
St. Albans, UK9 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Solo
Step back in time in this castle ruin, with so much to explore and soak in! Well worth a couple hours and something to return to whenever you're in the area.
The staff are friendly/helpful/welcoming, and the castle itself is an adventure waiting to be had!
Don't just go to Edinburgh Castle and/or Holyrood Palace and then head out of Edinburgh, this place is so worth it!!
The staff are friendly/helpful/welcoming, and the castle itself is an adventure waiting to be had!
Don't just go to Edinburgh Castle and/or Holyrood Palace and then head out of Edinburgh, this place is so worth it!!
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway813311
1 contribution
Hi, Can you walk down to Craigmillar Castle from the large Park grounds near Palace of Holyroodhouse? I am healthy and fit but couldn't do 9 or 12 miles. Thanks
kimmatheeuwsen
Veldhoven, The Netherlands41 contributions
No that is to far. we went there by e-bike (Baja Bikes). its a very nice and easy ride from old town to craigmillar castle
Luisitorrrrr
Spain94 contributions
Hi. I want to visit the castle in August and since it will be the first thing I visit in Edinburgh, I would like to know if in the castle they sell the Family Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. Thank you.
Clare S
Edinburgh, UK139 contributions
The pass can be bought at any Historic Scotland site where you pay to enter :) There is a small shop at the entrance to Craigmillar Castle where you will be able to buy it.
You can also order the pass online through the Historic Scotland website - click on "Visit a Place" on the main menu. Then you will see the option for the Explorer Pass and you can order the passes there.
I hope this helps :)

Ellen D
Chicago, IL
Any advice on which bus to take from the city center?
Clare S
Edinburgh, UK139 contributions
Any bus that goes to the Royal Infirmary: 7, 8, 33 and 49 are the ones I can remember off the top of my head. Get off at the Little France Crescent bus stop (just after you turn in to the hospital from the main road). From there, walk about 100m straight on, following the direction the bus is going in and you'll see a gateway and a path on your left. The path will take you up towards the castle.
soozi2015
Edinburgh, UK5 contributions
Can j take dogs
Clare S
Edinburgh, UK139 contributions
According to the Historic Scotland website:
Visitors' dogs are allowed at Craigmillar Castle, but are not permitted in roofed areas.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended. A no fouling rule applies at all our sites.
Approximately how much time should we plan to spend here?
NesKhan
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
1-2 hours.
BeachMickey
Miami Beach11 contributions
Husband and I are planning on taking an uber from Edinburgh to Craigmillar Castle and were wondering if it would be difficult to catch another uber on the return? Thanks for your help.
myfunnybones
Edinburgh, UK644 contributions
Not a problem as this place is near a residential area.
Travelgirl
91 contributions
We like to walk? is there a good route to get to Castle after visiting Arthur's seat?
Craig B
Paisley, UK64 contributions
Hi, yes you can walk down the back of Arthur's seat and through the ancient village of Duddingston which has one of the oldest pubs in the U.K. 'The sheeps Heid Inn' well worth a visit. Then up hill to the castle, there are lots of great walks around the castle to enjoy.
vintage40s
SouthernUS269 contributions
Is there a tour so we'll know what we are experiencing? I hope the cat visits us, too!
ByHistoricScotland
Edinburgh1 contribution
Thanks for your message. There isn't a guided tour available but there are interpretation panels around the castle. We do have a Craigmillar Castle guide book that you can purchase online at shop.historic-scotland.gov.uk or when you arrive at the castle. Have a great visit! Kind Regards
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Claim your listingCRAIGMILLAR CASTLE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Craigmillar Castle
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Craigmillar Castle:
- Award-winning cycle tour to Edinburgh's coast (From C$101.51)
- On the Trail of Mary Queen of Scots Private Tour in a Minivan from Edinburgh (From C$481.30)
- Mary Queen of Scots Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Local (From C$857.57)
- E-bike tour of Palace, Parliament and Edinburgh's hidden castle (From C$119.02)
- Scottish Border Tour (From C$962.58)
- Hotels near Craigmillar Castle:
- (0.26 km) Alpha Guest House
- (0.53 km) Aaron Lodge
- (0.30 km) OYO Arden Guest House
- (0.28 km) No 17 The Residence
- (1.08 km) 18 Craigmillar Park
- Restaurants near Craigmillar Castle:
- (0.05 km) Bridgend Farmhouse
- (0.38 km) Aaron Lodge Conservatory Restaurant
- (0.41 km) The Friery
- (1.24 km) Wee Greek Kitchen
- (1.23 km) Rhubarb - The Restaurant at Prestonfield