Edinburgh’s Craigmillar Castle

Did you know Edinburgh has more than one castle?  There are several stately homes (mansions) which are also called ‘castles’ but the city does have another proper castle on the south side, in the neighbourhood called Craigmillar.  And the castle is, of course, also called Craigmillar Castle (map).

Getting There

Craigmillar Castle is three miles out from the city centre, and is easy to reach via Lothian Bus – just jump on any bus labelled Royal Infirmary, including the 48, 38, and 24 amongst others.  Ask the driver for the Craigmillar Castle stop, and follow the trail up to the castle.

It makes for an excellent walk actually; to do so, head to Holyrood Park and take the trail that heads south out of the Innocent Railway Tunnel. When you reach the first road crossing (before then the path is blocked by stone wall on both sides), make a right and follow the road signs – it’s clearly marked.  You can return this way or just wander along the south Edinburgh streets to make your way back into town.

The History

Craigmillar is a very important historic place.  The heart of the castle is the tower house, which was believed to be built in 1400 and is the oldest part of the castle.  The view from up here is wowzer-stunning – you get a phenomenal view of Edinburgh skyline, but the vistas are brilliant in all directions.

About 50 years later, the walls were built around the tower, forming the courtyard.  In the mid-1500s, the English captured the castle, and no doubt impressed with the location, they commenced extensive refurbishment projects, mostly to expand the crowded tower house accommodations as well as improve the standard of the furnishings.

Mary Queen of Scots stayed here on a number of occasions before the castle was sold to another wealthy family the Prestons, in the mid 1600s.  The Prestons ended up abandoning the castle, and it was left to decay until Historic Scotland took possession over 200 years later, in 1949.

Go Exploring

This castle has so many weird and wonderful nooks and crannies to explore – this is the place that defines the word nook.  There are these weird, dark rooms with no clear purpose, and juxtaposed alleyways that remind you how many layers of building work actually took place to bring this building to what it is today.

Note the fishpond – it’s shaped like a “P” in honour of the Prestons, who were the last owners of the building.  There’s also a cellar, chapel, and of course the tower house with the view.

While you’re here, don’t miss a long walk around the grounds – they’re expansive, and the perfect place for a picnic if the weather is favourable and you remembered to bring something.

Essential Info

Craigmillar Castle is managed by Historic Scotland – more information on the official website.

Hours

• Summer: 1 April – 30 September, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
• October: 1 October – 31 October , Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
• Winter: 1 November – 31 March, Mon Tue Wed Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Cost

Adult £4.20, Child £2.50, Concession £3.40