Craigmillar Castle Castle
Medieval ruined castle near Edinburgh with preserved keep
Southeast of central Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle is a partly ruined medieval stronghold with 14th-17th-century masonry, courtyards and ramparts; visitors tour the ruins and explore Scottish domestic and military history.
Craigmillar Castle at a Glance#
Address: Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SY, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/craigmillar-castle/
Hours: Daily dawn-dusk (grounds); visitor centre hours vary seasonally
Admission: Free
About Craigmillar Castle#
Craigmillar Castle is a medieval stronghold on the southeastern edge of Edinburgh in Scotland, notable for its substantial curtain walls and tower house. The surviving structures date mainly from the later medieval period and form one of the better-preserved castle complexes in the area.
The site includes a tower house, curtain walls and domestic ranges that illustrate the evolution of a landed fortified house into a more comfortable residence over the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle is open to the public and interpreted for visitors as an example of Scottish medieval architecture rather than a large tourist attraction.
Craigmillar stands within the suburban landscape of Edinburgh in the Craigmillar district, on the outskirts of the city rather than in the urban centre. It is reached from local roads and public transport serving Edinburgh.
- Age and condition: Major medieval castle complex near the southeastern suburbs of Edinburgh, with masonry dating largely from the 15th and 16th centuries.
How to Get to Craigmillar Castle#
Craigmillar Castle is about 3.5 km southeast of Edinburgh city centre. Lothian Buses (routes 7, 8, 29) stop nearby on Old Dalkeith Road; by car follow the A7/Old Dalkeith Road and use the small on-site car park.
Tips for Visiting Craigmillar Castle#
- Enter through the Craigmillar Castle Visitors Centre on Old Dalkeith Road for the best orientation.
- Allow time to walk the outer walls and to find the small, atmospheric courtyard gardens-perfect for photography.
- Wear layers: the castle is exposed and wind can be gusty even on sunny days.
Best Time to Visit Craigmillar Castle#
Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best light and comfortable walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Craigmillar Castle#
Craigmillar Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (643 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 7° | -1° | 59 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 42 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 51 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 40 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 47 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.0h |
| June | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 53 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.1h |
| July | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 56 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.6h |
| August | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 57 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.8h |
| September | Good | 9° - 16° | 12° | 61 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 65 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 55 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 57 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
