Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body set up to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.
From brochs, castles and palaces to abbeys, towers and tombs there are over 5000 years’ worth of history for you to enjoy.
Entrance Fees To Craigmillar Castle
Step inside Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’, which stood a mile outside the old city walls, providing a retreat from Scotland’s capital. Craigmillar Castle was close to the political cauldron of Edinburgh, but pleasingly separate from it.
Mary Queen of Scots famously used the castle as a safe haven in 1566. Ironically, its owner, Sir Simon Preston, a loyal supporter of Mary, would turn her jailer just a year later.
What to see and do:
– Climb the tower house, one of Scotland’s oldest, which houses fascinating features like a fine great hall and a prison
– Admire the views from the tower across Edinburgh – spot Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle among other landmarks
– Get lost in Craigmillar’s nooks and crannies – its many mysterious chambers make it a great castle to explore
– Look for the remains of an unusual fishpond in the grounds – it’s laid out in the shape of a letter P, for Preston
– Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle available on site
OPENING HOURS:
1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 9.30m to 5.30pm
Last entry 4.15pm
1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Daily, 10am to 4pm
Last entry 3.15pm
Must be pre-booked
Complimentary policy: one free tour leader ticket per group order.
The below ratios apply for groups arriving with children under 16 years:
Under 5s (1 adult for every 2 children)
Ages 5-7 (1 adult for every 6 children)
Ages 8-15 (1 adult for every 10 children).
