The castle is famously known as 'Edinburgh's other castle' due to its proximity to the city center and its well-preserved state.
The 'Craigmillar Bond,' a pact to murder Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, was reportedly signed within these walls.
The castle features a rare surviving medieval yew tree in the outer courtyard.
The kitchen displays a massive fireplace designed to roast entire animals, reflecting the scale of medieval banqueting.
The tower house is built from locally quarried sandstone, which has weathered to a distinct golden-grey hue.
It was abandoned as a residence in the 17th century by the Gilmour family, who moved to a more modern manor house nearby.
The castle’s design reflects a shift from purely defensive military architecture to a more comfortable, residential layout over its three centuries of habitation.
Craigmillar Castle is a 14th-century tower house featuring one of the oldest castle structures in Scotland. It served as a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1566 following the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio. The site consists of a central tower house surrounded by a 15th-century curtain wall and a 16th-century outer courtyard. Notable architectural features include a vaulted great hall, a prison cell, and a rooftop walk offering views of Arthur’s Seat and the Edinburgh skyline. The castle remains under the care of Historic Environment Scotland. Its labyrinthine layout includes narrow spiral staircases and numerous small chambers. The site is situated within a public park that was once the estate's surrounding woodland.
The view from the outer courtyard looking up at the contrast between the 14th-century tower and the 16th-century curtain wall.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip as the original stone spiral staircases are uneven and slippery.
Bring a windbreaker or warm layer, as the rooftop ramparts are highly exposed to coastal winds.
Allow extra time to explore the surrounding parkland, which offers unique perspectives of the castle exterior.
Do not attempt to navigate the narrow spiral staircases with large backpacks or bulky camera equipment.
Operating hours may be restricted during winter months; check for seasonal closures of upper tower levels due to high winds.
Avoid climbing on the historic masonry and remain within marked visitor pathways for safety.
