Day Trip to Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh Scotland

Craigmillar Castle is about three miles away from Edinburgh Castle, yet it doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as its famous neighbor.

Is it worth venturing to the outskirts of Edinburgh to visit Craigmillar Castle?

This ruined medieval castle holds a lot of history and many surprises.

And while I loved exploring Craigmillar Castle on a half day trip from Edinburgh, I don’t think it should be your first pick, especially if you have limited time in Scotland.

But, as always, I’m here to help you decide for yourself, so let’s get into the details of what it’s like to visit Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh.

About Craigmillar Castle

From a tower house to a ruin. Craigmillar Castle started as a tower house in the late 1300s, and more was added onto it (such as the courtyard and west range) until it was abandoned in the 1700s, eventually becoming a ruin.

Mary Queen of Scots connections. It famously hosted Mary Queen of Scots in 1566 when she was seeking refuge. During her stay, the Craigmillar Bond plot to kill her husband was hatched, supposedly in a nearby room.

Outlander filming location. Craigmillar Castle received a 42% increase in visitors after its Outlander episode aired in 2017 (source). Many fans, from all over the world, still visit the castle today.

Outlander at Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle was used as a filming location in Outlander.

In season three, it became Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie was imprisoned after the Battle of Culloden, alongside other Jacobites.

The courtyard of Craigmillar Castle, with its yew trees, was the prisoners’ exercise yard.

What to Do / Highlights

See the Yew Trees in the Courtyard

There are two majestic yew trees bordering the entrance to the courtyard of the castle. It is not known how old they are, but definitely over a century.

These trees are gorgeous, and it was such a surprise to see them inside the castle, planted in stone.

Back in the day, the wood of the yew trees was used to make bows and arrows, and the poisonous red berries were smeared on arrowheads, so that if the hit didn’t kill the target, the poison would.

Beware of the poison. Note that almost all parts of the yew tree are poisonous, especially the red berries.

My friend hugged the yew tree, unknowingly, and worried she might feel ill because of it.

We asked a staff member who assured us that it’s only eating the berries that will harm you. My friend is still alive and well, so she must have been right.

Explore the Castle and Grounds

While a ruin, Craigmillar Castle reaches four stories in some sections and has a lot of rooms to explore.

From the underground prison to the stunning great hall, you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in this castle.

We spent exactly two hours here, and enjoyed stumbling upon new rooms and nooks and crannies.

There are also informational signs posted around the castle to tell you more about the history.

Climb to the Top

Without a roof, Craigmillar Castle thus offers incredible views of the surrounding areas.

You can take photos standing in the tallest turrets or wander along the top floor.

To the west, you can even spot Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat. To the east, the ocean.

How Long to Spend There

Since Craigmillar Castle is a ruin and doesn’t have any gardens, once you finish exploring the castle, there’s not much else to do.

So aside from your journey there and back, you should expect to spend about 2 hours at Craigmillar Castle.

• Journey from Edinburgh to Craigmillar Castle: 30 minutes (by bus, one way)
• Exploring the Castle: about 2 hours

It makes for a great half day trip from Edinburgh.

Is Craigmillar Castle Worth a Day Trip from Edinburgh?

I wouldn’t count on spending a full day at Craigmillar Castle, but it could definitely be worth a half day trip from Edinburgh.

I enjoyed exploring this castle ruin and was particularly struck by its gorgeous yew trees. Those alone may be worth the journey.

Outlander fans will also find Craigmillar Castle worth visiting.

But if you have limited time in Edinburgh, I’d consider spending it elsewhere — it just depends on your priorities and interests.

When to Visit

Craigmillar Castle is open all year, so you can visit any time.

I don’t think there is a preferred season, just whatever works best in your schedule.

How to Get There

You can get to Craigmillar Castle via public transportation from almost anywhere in Edinburgh.

Several bus routes pass by the castle, so just plug your location into Google or Apple Maps and see which one will get you there fastest.

Where to Stay While Visiting

Craigmillar Castle makes for a great half day trip from Edinburgh, so I’d recommend staying in Edinburgh while visiting.

To make things even more convenient, you should consider staying near the Waverley Train Station, especially if you plan to do a number of day trips from Edinburgh.

For a full, detailed breakdown of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, see my post, “Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid.”

Recommended hotels in Edinburgh near Waverley Train Station:

• Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Leonardo Royal Hotel 
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
• Market Street Hotel
• Hotel Indigo Edinburgh Princes Street by IHG
• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
• The Scotsman Hotel (luxury)
• The Balmoral Hotel (luxury)

What to Pack to Visit Scotland

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting Scotland during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

• This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
• Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

• I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
• I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
• I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
• I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.

Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland

Day Trips from Edinburgh

• Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: What’s Worth It?
• Best Outlander Tour in Scotland: Which Sites Are Worth Seeing?
• Day Trip to Drummond Castle Gardens in Scotland
• Day Trip to Abbotsford House in Melrose Scotland
• Why Visit Inchcolm Abbey and Island in Scotland
• Day Trip to Blair Castle in Scotland, an Autumn Wonderland
• Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
• How to See Hairy Coos in Pentland Hills Edinburgh (and an Alpine Coaster)
• Day Trip to Alnwick Castle and the Poison Garden

Edinburgh

• 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First Timers
• 18 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows
• 10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh (I Tried 6!)
• Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map)
• 11 Hidden Closes on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile (with Map!)
• Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop

Glasgow

• Guide to Visiting Pollok Country Park in Glasgow Scotland
• Day Trip to Stirling Castle in Scotland