Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
Craigmillar Castle
If you’re looking for castles in Edinburgh to explore, then don’t miss a visit to Craigmillar Castle and grounds. Located three miles outside of the city centre, this ruined late medieval castle was once home to the Preston family of Craigmillar. This is roughly a 20-minute drive from the city centre. There are also regular buses to out Craigmillar Castle Road.
Edinburgh’s other castle
This 14th century structure now lies in ruins, but it is still a very well-preserved Scottish castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh. It is one of the city’s hidden gems, with so much to see and learn. Craigmillar Castle took over 300 years to build, as its owners continued to extend and change it. So it has a very interesting layout, with lots of unusual spaces to explore. Mary Queen of Scots stayed there in 1566 and you can visit Queen Mary’s Room on the first floor. However, she may not have actually slept in there. It is more likely that she had a multi-room apartment in another part of the castle.
‘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.
