UK Days Out Savers

Craigmillar Castle

›Craigmillar Castle

confirmation_number Book Tickets

Historic Castle verified UK Days Out Savers

Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar, Edinburgh (EH16 4SY) • Lothian

star4.7(4,200)

Lothian

🏰 Atmospheric Medieval Keep 👑 Mary, Queen of Scots History 📺 Outlander Filming Location 🔭 Excellent Panoramic Views

confirmation_numberBook directions_subwayGetting Here infoAbout

scheduleDaily: 09:30 – 17:30 (Summer). 10:00 – 16:00 (Winter). Last entry is 30 mins before closing.

confirmation_number Tickets & Deals

OFFICIAL bolt VisitBritain Shop

Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

Don't buy a single ticket! Book the Explorer Pass to get prepaid access to Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and over 70 other Scottish historic sites.

£44.00/ person

Claim deal arrow_forward

DEAL bolt VisitBritain Shop

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Royal Edinburgh Ticket (48-Hour Pass)

£81.00/ person

Claim deal arrow_forward

Historic Castle

Craigmillar Castle

Edinburgh's hidden gem: the atmospheric 'other castle' tied to Mary, Queen of Scots

confirmation_numberBook directions_subwayGetting Here infoAbout

scheduleDaily: 09:30 – 17:30 (Summer). 10:00 – 16:00 (Winter). Last entry is 30 mins before closing.

OFFICIAL bolt VisitBritain Shop

Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

Don't buy a single ticket! Book the Explorer Pass to get prepaid access to Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and over 70 other Scottish historic sites.

£44.00/ person

Claim deal arrow_forward

location_on

Getting Here

map Open in Maps

storefront

Location Address

Craigmillar, Edinburgh (EH16 4SY)

directions_bus

Public Bus Services

Local bus lines operate frequent daily services directly to stops adjacent to the attraction entrance.

train

Regional Transit Links

Connections

radio_button_unchecked

location_on

Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street)

Lothian Buses (14, 30, or 33)

25 min (plus walk)

About Craigmillar Castle

Often completely overlooked by tourists flocking to Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar is a staggeringly atmospheric, massive medieval ruin situated just 3 miles from the city centre. It features an incredibly well-preserved 14th-century tower house and extensive courtyards. It is famous in history as the safe haven where the dark plot to murder Lord Darnley (Mary, Queen of Scots' husband) was hatched in 1566. More recently, it gained global fame as Ardsmuir Prison in the hit TV series Outlander.

Quick Facts

🏰Atmospheric Medieval Keep
👑Mary, Queen of Scots History
📺Outlander Filming Location
🔭Excellent Panoramic Views
scheduleDaily: 09:30 – 17:30 (Summer). 10:00 – 16:00 (Winter). Last entry is 30 mins before closing.

lightbulb

Insider Tips

check_circleThe 'Other Castle' Hack: If you hate massive crowds, skip the queues at Edinburgh Castle and come here instead. It is much quieter, much more hands-on, and you are free to explore almost every nook and cranny without being herded along.
check_circleBring a torch/phone light: The lower levels of the tower house and the dungeons are incredibly dark even on bright summer days. A phone torch is essential to see the stonework detail safely.
check_circleThe Outlander Connection: If you are an Outlander fan, stand in the inner courtyard. This was heavily used to film the Ardsmuir Prison scenes where Jamie Fraser was held captive.

explore

What to Expect

1. The Courtyard & Yew Trees

Enter through the imposing curtain wall into the inner courtyard, featuring two massive, ancient yew trees that frame the medieval stonework perfectly.

2. The 14th-Century Tower House

Explore one of the oldest and best-preserved tower houses in Scotland. You can wander freely through the Great Hall with its massive fireplace.

3. Mary, Queen of Scots' Room

Locate the small, atmospheric chamber in the upper levels where it is believed the Queen stayed when recovering from illness in 1566.

4. The Roof & Panoramic Views

Climb the narrow spiral staircases right up to the battlements. You will be rewarded with sweeping, uninterrupted views across Edinburgh to Arthur's Seat and the castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of Outlander was filmed at Craigmillar Castle? expand_more

Craigmillar Castle was used as the filming location for Ardsmuir Prison in Season 3 of Outlander, where Jamie Fraser is imprisoned alongside other Jacobites.

Did Mary Queen of Scots live at Craigmillar Castle? expand_more

Yes, Mary, Queen of Scots used Craigmillar Castle as a safe haven. She stayed here in 1566 while recovering from a serious illness, during which time the infamous 'Craigmillar Bond' plot to murder her husband was formed.

How long does it take to go around Craigmillar Castle? expand_more

Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the castle, as there are multiple levels, spiral staircases, and extensive courtyard gardens to discover.

Explore the Area

Dynamic Earth

Set in a striking tent-like structure at the foot of Arthur's Seat, Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh's ultimate family science attraction. The highly immersive, interactive tour acts like a time machine, taking visitors back to the Big Bang. You will walk through a rumbling volcano, touch a massive real ice block, experience a simulated earthquake, and wander through an indoor tropical rainforest. It also houses Scotland's spectacular 6K full-dome planetarium.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Standing magnificently at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official working residence of King Charles III in Scotland. Visitors can take an exceptional self-guided tour through the opulent State Apartments to see where the monarch hosts global dignitaries today. The tour then steps back in time to the 16th century, exploring the historic bedchambers of Mary, Queen of Scots—the very site where her secretary, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered in 1566.

The Real Mary King's Close

One of the most unique historic attractions in the world. When the City Chambers were built in the 18th century, they simply lopped the top off several medieval streets (closes) and built on top of them. The result is a subterranean, perfectly preserved 17th-century neighborhood. Led by brilliant costumed character guides, visitors descend beneath the Royal Mile to explore dark, cramped, myth-filled underground alleyways, plague-stricken homes, and the devastating realities of life in 1600s Edinburgh.