Craigmillar Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle located just a few miles from Edinburgh's city center. Dating back to the 14th century, it offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich history. The castle features impressive stonework and a distinctive tower, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a picturesque landscape. Visitors can explore various rooms and staircases, including the great hall and a unique round tower, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The history of the castle is intertwined with notable Scottish figures, making it an intriguing stop for history enthusiasts.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.7 2,830
- Tripadvisor 4.5 968
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Extensive Exploration Visitors can freely explore most areas, including rooms, spiral staircases, and the rooftop, offering a sense of adventure and discovery.
- Less Crowded Experience Craigmillar Castle offers a more peaceful visit compared to the busier Edinburgh Castle, allowing for a more immersive experience without the overwhelming crowds.
- Reasonably Priced The entrance fee is considered reasonable, and purchasing tickets in advance is usually unnecessary, making it an affordable and accessible attraction.
- Rich History and Atmosphere The well-preserved ruins exude a strong sense of history, particularly its connection to Mary Queen of Scots, offering an authentic glimpse into the past.
- Scenic Views The castle provides stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, enhancing the overall experience.
Criticised
- Inconvenient Public Transport Access Reaching the castle by public transport involves a 10-15 minute walk, some of which may be uphill or along roads without footpaths.
- Lack of Guided Tours The absence of guided tours means visitors need to rely on guidebooks and information panels, which may not suit all learning preferences.
- Limited Accessibility The castle's old structure includes short doorways, narrow walkways, uneven stairs, and no lift, posing challenges for those with mobility issues or young children.
- Limited Parking The small car park often fills up quickly, making parking a challenge, especially during peak times.
- Partially Closed Areas Some areas may be closed for safety or restoration, which can be disappointing when paying full price.
The longer read
Craigmillar Castle is praised as a less crowded and more affordable alternative to Edinburgh Castle, offering a more intimate and authentic experience. Many reviewers emphasize the freedom to explore the castle's ruins, including its many rooms, corridors, and spiral staircases, leading to panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. The castle's connection to Mary Queen of Scots adds historical significance.
Accessibility is a key point, with reviewers noting convenient public transportation options from Edinburgh city center, though a short walk is usually required from the bus stop. Some suggest walking through Craigmillar Park or the meadows behind the castle for scenic approach. While parking is limited, it's available for those who drive.
Several reviewers highlight the well-preserved state of the ruins, allowing visitors to imagine medieval life. Information plaques provide historical context, and a guidebook is recommended for a deeper understanding. The castle is considered family-friendly, with some reviewers mentioning activities for children, such as games and dressing up in medieval costumes. However, caution is advised for those with mobility issues or young children due to uneven surfaces, narrow stairways, and low doorways. Despite some areas being occasionally closed for restoration, reviewers generally agree that there's still plenty to see and explore.
The friendly and helpful staff is consistently mentioned, enhancing the overall experience. Some reviewers also enjoyed the gift shop and available refreshments. The castle's serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a welcome escape from the city's bustle. For Outlander fans, Craigmillar Castle served as a filming location. The limited crowds allow for a more immersive visit, with some reviewers experiencing the castle practically to themselves, particularly during off-peak times. Its historical significance, combined with the freedom to explore and the stunning views, makes Craigmillar Castle a highly recommended destination for those seeking a unique and authentic Scottish castle experience.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
| Mon | 9:30 - 16:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:30 - 16:30 |
| Wed | 9:30 - 16:30 |
| Thu | 9:30 - 16:30 |
| Fri | 9:30 - 16:30 |
| Sat | 9:30 - 16:30 |
| Sun | 9:30 - 16:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh?
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Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.