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.
General Admission (FIT & Groups)
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.
Today, visitors can climb the tower house, one of Scotland’s oldest, which houses fascinating features like a fine great hall and a prison. You can admire the views from the tower across Edinburgh and beyond, spotting Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle among other landmarks.
As you explore Craigmillar’s many nooks and crannies, look our for the remains of the fishpond in the grounds which is laid out in the shape of a letter P, for Preston. Film and TV fans can follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters – the castle has appeared in Outlander and Outlaw King.
SCHEDULE: Daily
CLOSURES: 25-26/12; 01-02/01;
COMPLIMENTARY POLICY: One free tour leader ticket per group order.
NOTES:
All bookings (FIT’s & Groups) must be pre-booked with timeslot
Adverse weather or other reasons beyond their control may cause a site to close.
Ratios for groups travelling with children: 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)
