‘One of my favourite castles to visit, a unique building in an easily accessed location, is worth a visit. Lots of walking trails around the castle as well. Easily combined with a visit to Duddingston Loch, Holyrood Park and Edinburgh City for a full day out!’
– Craigmillar Castle Tripadvisor Review
Exploring the castle
At the heart of the castle is the original tower house, which dates from the 14th century. Standing 17 metres tall, you can climb to the top for great views over Edinburgh city. Inside, there’s a network for fascinating rooms. Explore the prison, bakehouse, kitchens, drawing room, great hall, bed chambers (including the famous Queen Mary’s Room) and the old stone spiral staircase up to the top. The tower house is surrounded by a courtyard, and various other buildings that have been added on over the centuries. At the castle’s entrance stand a pair of ancient yew trees, a symbol of everlasting life, which may have been planted in honour of Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century. And within the grounds, the remains of an old pond in the shape of the letter P, after the Preston family who built it. Check ticket prices and opening times here.