Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh
Explore one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles, offering a hands-on historical experience and stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles, offering a hands-on historical experience and stunning panoramic views.
"A beautiful place to visit, fairly quiet and off the common trail hotspots in Edinburgh."
🎯 Approach from the Meadows
Locals suggest approaching via the meadows behind the castle for the most scenic views . :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Uneven stairs and surfaces are common. Essential for exploring the ruins safely . :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tower House
Central Keep
Explore the heart of the castle, a well-preserved medieval tower house offering a glimpse into historic life.
Panoramic City Views
Castle Walls & Towers
Ascend to the top for breathtaking views across Edinburgh, the bay, and beyond. A local favorite approach offers the best scenery .
The Outer Courtyard
Enclosed Area
Wander through the extensive courtyard, once a bustling space, now a serene area with impressive defensive features.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Embrace the Views
Accessibility & Exploration Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Approach from the Meadows
Locals suggest approaching via the meadows behind the castle for the most scenic views. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Uneven stairs and surfaces are common. Essential for exploring the ruins safely. :athletic_shoe:
Visiting Edinburgh for the day. What's an absolute must?
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Recommended, especially during peak times like the Fringe Festival. :admission_tickets:
🌳 Explore the Grounds
The parkland around the castle is open access and offers great views. :evergreen_tree:
Craigmillar Castle Park
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Approach from the Meadows
Locals suggest approaching via the meadows behind the castle for the most scenic views. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Uneven stairs and surfaces are common. Essential for exploring the ruins safely. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Recommended, especially during peak times like the Fringe Festival. :admission_tickets:
🌳 Explore the Grounds
The parkland around the castle is open access and offers great views. :evergreen_tree:
🧐 Be Mindful of Safety
Some areas may be closed. Supervise children closely on staircases. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Craigmillar Castle's well-preserved ruins and the immersive, hands-on historical experience. The stunning panoramic views from the top are a major highlight, and many appreciate its quieter, less crowded atmosphere compared to other Edinburgh attractions. Some note that accessibility can be challenging due to the nature of the ruins.
"I visited the castle on a sunny morning, and it was an absolutely beautiful experience.
I got a tip from a local dog walker to approach the castle through the meadows behind it, as it offers the best scenery, and that was so true.
The castle itself offered some truly great views from its towers and wall walks. I spent a good couple of hours exploring the halls, chambers, vaults, and spiral staircases of the castle, despite it not being a huge one. But it’s quite well preserved in its ruined state, and in fact that’s the charm of it; it is fairly intact.
There was an older gentleman playing the bagpipes in the main hall and a highly knowledgeable enthusiast in full knight's gear preparing for some upcoming medieval re-enactment in the cellar below.
Some parts are closed to visitors due to safety issues, but there’s still plenty of accessible areas for one to wander and absorb the history."
Timo Heinonen
"A beautiful place to visit, fairly quiet and off the common trail hotspots in Edinburgh. I had an easy journey there via bus and a 10-15 minute walk. The castle ruins are fully explorable and climbable, and the views from the top are stunning. On a clear day, you can see right across the bay and the city. There's lovely old trees growing across the entrance and fascinating fine details in the stonework. Be mindful of the fact that this place is not guided by tours, and being old ruins the space is not super accessible to those who struggle with walking. I'd also be careful with younger children, particularly around the staircases. For everyone else, 100% worth a visit!"
Fel
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had a wonderful time visiting Craigmillar Castle! It was amazing to be able to touch the historic stone walls and explore every corner, right up to the top. The views were stunning, and the hands-on experience made the history feel so real. A must-visit for anyone who loves castles and history!"
Jenny Bowsher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Craigmillar Castle is accessible by bus from the city center, with a short walk to the entrance. Several bus routes serve the area, making it a convenient option for those without a car. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
While not a full day trip, Craigmillar Castle is a fantastic half-day excursion from Edinburgh city center. It's a great way to experience a historic castle without the crowds of Edinburgh Castle.
Yes, there is a car park available at Craigmillar Castle, making it accessible for visitors arriving by car. This is a good option if you plan to visit other sites outside the city center.
Absolutely! Craigmillar Castle is well-served by public transport. Numerous buses run from Edinburgh city center, and it's a popular choice for those relying on public transport.
For the most scenic approach and best photo opportunities, locals recommend approaching the castle through the meadows behind it. This offers stunning vistas and a less common perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the castle itself. However, the surrounding grounds and parkland are open access and can be enjoyed without a ticket.
Tickets can typically be purchased on arrival, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during busy periods or festivals, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Historic Environment Scotland website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Yes, Craigmillar Castle is a great option for a shorter visit. You can explore its main features and enjoy the views in a couple of hours, making it ideal for a half-day outing.
Craigmillar Castle is not typically guided by tours. It's a ruin that encourages self-exploration, allowing you to discover its history at your own pace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the well-preserved tower house, climb its walls for panoramic views, wander through the courtyard, and discover its various chambers and vaults. The castle offers a hands-on historical experience.
Due to its nature as a historic ruin, Craigmillar Castle has short doorways, narrow walkways, and uneven stairs, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. There is no lift access.
Yes, there are restrooms available on-site, located just inside the main gate of the castle.
Absolutely! The castle's ruins, the surrounding landscape, and the panoramic views make it a fantastic spot for photography.
Craigmillar Castle is historically significant for its association with Mary Queen of Scots, who stayed there following the birth of her son. It's one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the panoramic views from the top of the towers and walls, the imposing tower house, and the courtyard. Approaching from the meadows behind the castle also offers unique perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Historic Environment Scotland or local authorities before flying a drone over or near the castle to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful light for photography. Weekday mornings are also excellent for avoiding crowds and capturing serene shots.
Look for the intricate stonework, the defensive features of the courtyard walls, the narrow spiral staircases, and the charming old trees growing around the entrance.
Craigmillar Castle is ideal for landscape, architectural, and historical photography. Its atmospheric ruins and scenic setting provide a rich backdrop for various photographic styles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏰 History Buffs & Castle Enthusiasts
You can spend hours exploring the tower house, courtyard, and various chambers, piecing together its rich history. The castle's architectural evolution from a simple tower house to a more complex structure is fascinating to observe.🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Connection: Mary Queen of Scots
Visitors can explore the chambers where these historical events may have unfolded. The castle's well-preserved state allows for an immersive experience, bringing to life the stories of royalty and political intrigue that echo within its walls. The atmosphere of the castle, especially when explored on a quiet day, can feel quite profound, connecting you to Scotland's dramatic past.
Understanding this royal connection enhances the visit, transforming it from a simple exploration of ruins to a journey through a pivotal moment in Scottish history. It's a reminder that these stones have witnessed significant events that shaped the nation.
Exploring the Castle's Architecture and Layout
Later additions expanded the castle into a more complex structure. An outer courtyard wall was added, enclosing further spaces, including a chapel. The castle's layout reflects a gradual development, with each owner adding to its comfort and facilities. This layered architecture provides a fascinating insight into medieval building techniques and the changing needs of its inhabitants.
Visitors can explore the various rooms, chambers, vaults, and spiral staircases, gaining a tangible sense of the castle's past. The ruined state of the castle is part of its charm, allowing for a hands-on exploration where you can touch the historic stone walls and imagine life within them.
Beyond the Walls: The Surrounding Landscape
Locals often recommend approaching the castle through these meadows, as it offers the most picturesque scenery and a memorable introduction to the site.
These grounds also offer a chance to escape the immediate vicinity of the castle and appreciate its setting within the broader Edinburgh landscape. It’s a reminder that castles were not just isolated structures but were integrated into their environment, often with extensive lands and gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit