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Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh

Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh

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    Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh is Scotland’s #1 most intact castle ruin and is featured in the hit TV show Outlander and the new Netflix movie Outlaw King! Outlaw King stars Chris Pine as Robert The Bruce who was the first King of Scotland.

    Did you know Edinburgh has two castles? Barony House, 5 Star Guest House / B&B in Edinburgh is located halfway between Craigmillar to our south and Edinburgh to our north. We are on Edinburgh’s southside and very close to Arthur’s Seat. NO this castle from Outlander is NOT Edinburgh Castle’s frumpier ugly sister. No, she is our little gem hidden in plain sight:

    Craigmillar Castle Attraction Edinburgh

    You won’t find hordes of tourists here! Tour companies do not like to visit because there is not enough parking for the buses. Castle in Edinburgh Craigmillar, remains one of the city’s best kept local secrets! When you stay with us at Barony House, we will be sure to help you see it. Craigmillar Castle Cpening times are on their website however, expect it to be open during normal business hours.

    Book through our own website using the floating ‘Book Now’ button for the best rate and you can also click the booking direct links on this website to secure your booking at our 5-Star family run B&B.

    This Castle wins the status of being Scotland’s most pristine castle ruin mainly due to it being the most recently “lived in full time” Castle in Scotland.

    The Castle really gives you a sense of the past as you are free to explore all the nooks and crannies. There are also incredible views from the top. This is definitely NOT a fake commericalised “Disneyland” experience, this is a real journey back in time.

    The Secret Plot to Murder the husband of Mary Queen of Scots, behind her back:

    A couple of times in history, Mary Queen of Scots lived here and the secret pact: the “Craigmillar Bond” to murder Mary’s husband behind her back was conceived right here. Edinburgh Castle was too high profile a place to plot something so sinister! A truly unique experience in the UK’s second most visited city. How to get to Craigmillar Castle? The Castle Map can be downloaded using the image below:

    Where is Craigmillar Castle?

    Our location is just one quick bus ride from the bus stop right outside!

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    Craigmillar Castle ticket price is a bargain compared with Edinburgh Castle! Visiting Craigmillar in Edinburgh will give you a 3 dimensional picture of what Edinburgh has to offer.

    Incredible Views of Arthur’s Seat and beyond – Craigmillar Castle History:

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    Ancient yew trees of longevity and rebirth – a very Craigmillar Castle Outlander entrance:

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    Tips:

    Come prepared! Wear good shoes, wear an all weather jacket and be careful not to get lost. The ruin is so expansive, it is easy to lose yourself within its walls.

    There are toilets on the grounds. Remember to grab the code to get into the toilets on your Castle visit when you buy your tickets at the entrance. If you are catching a bus to get here, you have 2 ways to approach The Castle from the bus stop:

    1) You can be adventurous and walk up a well worn path which leads up a hill

    or

    2) you can simply follow the road up to the main entrance.

    A must see attraction, here are some reasons why:

    • Is there a Craigmillar ghost?
    • From Outlander – Ardsmuir Prison
    • Craigmillar favourite of Mary Queen of Scots
    • Queen of Scots Craigmillar hunting in the local grounds
    • Craigmillar Wedding parties are a lovely sight
    • There are many Craigmillar facts to discover
    • A guide is available online however ‘Outlaw King’ presents the castle better
    • The Castle tickets are below:

    THE DETAILS:

    Craigmillar Castle Opening Times:

    When is The Castle Open?

    1 April to 30 September:
    Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
    Last entry 5pm

    1 October to 31 March:
    Daily, 10am to 4pm
    Last entry 3.30pm

    Closed:

    25 and 26 December
    1 and 2 January

    Do you need to book in advance to visit?

    Not anymore! After Covid, things have very much returned to normal and thank goodness the mainstream tourist knows nothing about this secret castle so it won’t be crowded or filled with tourists.

    Entry cost: Adult: £6.00, Child aged 5–15: £3.60, Child under 5: FREE

    Worth investigating the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. Good value and gets you into other Historic Scotland sites like Edinburgh Castle:

    Website Link: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/explorer-passes/

    Check The Historic Scotland website before visiting because adverse weather or other reasons beyond anybody’s control may cause a site to close:

    Website Link: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/craigmillar-castle/

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    1902 Postcard: “Edinburgh from our Secret Castle”

    Have you been to Rosslyn Chapel?

    Rosslyn Chapel
    Rosslyn Chapel