Venue Description

Admire city views from the high ramparts of Edinburgh's "other castle", play hide - and - seek in its labyrinth of chambers or picnic in its courtyards. Craigmillar Castle was a prison for the younger brother of James III, a happy retreat for Mary Queen of Scots and the focus of a plot to murder her husband Lord Darnley. Its profile is dominated by its remarkably complete inner curtain wall. This site is open for you to enjoy but there are currently some access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure. 29 Mar to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm). 1 Oct to 28 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.15pm). We recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry.

Accessibility

Approach to site The castle is reached from the visitor centre by a gently inclined 100m long tarmac path. There is a wooden bench, with armrests, halfway. Visitor centre The visitor centre is on ground level and has a level threshold. Monument The castle is situated on relatively level ground. There is a steep grassed approach to the inner courtyard, which can be slippery in wet weather. The courtyard is reached via a stone threshold. The castle has five levels. The basement has a prison, cellars and bakery. It is reached down a stone staircase of 9 steps with a handrail. The ground level contains the Dovecot, Inner Courtyard, Kitchen, Drawing Room and bottom level of the towerhouse. The first and second floors are reached via a wide spiral stone staircase with uneven steps and a single rope handrail. The first floor has a kitchen, old dovecot and bedchambers. The second floor has the great hall, wall walk and a kitchen. The third and fourth floors are reached by a narrow spiral staircase with uneven steps and a single rope handrail. The third floor has the great hall gallery, and bed chamber. The fourth floor offers good panoramic views of Edinburgh. Light levels can be low inside the castle.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

There is an adapted toilet in the castle, about 120m from visitor centre.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.