Craigmillar – Edinburgh’s Secret Stronghold
Escape the city and explore a historic retreat
Just a short journey from the heart of Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre. Known as “Edinburgh’s other castle,” this historic site was a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots, and is full of fascinating stories. Ideal for a family outing, Craigmillar Castle has something for everyone to enjoy. Your tickets are included with your Edinburgh City Pass!
Highlights
- Views and Vistas – Marvel at the breathtaking views of Edinburgh from this historic vantage point. Once a sanctuary from the bustling capital, it now offers a peaceful escape with unmatched scenery.
- A Haven for History – Learn about Craigmillar’s storied past, including its role as a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle’s ruins hold secrets of Scotland’s rich heritage.
- Family-Friendly Exploration – Wander the grounds, explore the castle’s nooks and crannies, and enjoy a perfect day immersed in history.
Good to know before you arrive
Discover this retreat from Scotland’s bustling capital and take time to explore and enjoy the views!
- The Castle is open 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm) & 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 9.30am to 4.15pm (last entry 3.30pm).
- Expect to spend 1-2 hours there.
- Location: Craigmillar Castle Road, EH16 4SY
- Parking at the castle is very limited, and spaces cannot be guaranteed. We would recommend using one of the sustainable travel routes above to visit the castle.
Top Tip!
There are good public transport links to nearby Old Dalkeith Road (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) or Peffermill Road which is approximately 12-15 minutes to the castle.
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Features & Facilities
Family Friendly
Eco-Friendly
Limited Mobility Friendly
The Edinburgh City Pass saves you money and is easy to use. Each pass is valid for either one, two, or three consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry.
Your pass activates when you enter your first experience during your visit. We always advise customers to start using their pass first thing in the morning as from then on it works on a calendar day basis, not 24-hour period. The Edinburgh City Pass does not include fast track access, and you can use it only once per experience.
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Also included with CityPass…
Free
24hr Hop-on Hop-off Bright Bus City Tour
Usually £16.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Return Edinburgh Tram Ticket from Airport to City Centre
Usually £9.50 per person
Entry Included
Free
Booking required
Holyrood Distillery Tour – Edinburgh’s Finest Dram
Usually £25.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Hidden Vaults Tour – A Dark History
Usually £22.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Three Bridges Boat Tour – an Unforgettable Journey
Usually £20.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Dynamic Earth – Science Centre & Planetarium
Usually £20.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
John Knox House Museum – A 500-Year Old Story
Usually £7.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Booking required
Innovators & Inventors of Edinburgh Walking Tour
Usually £17.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Scott Monument Museum – Spectacular Views
Usually £8.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Craigmillar – Edinburgh’s Secret Stronghold
Usually £7.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Gladstone’s Land – Life on the Royal Mile
Usually £10.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Harry Potter Walking Tour – Magical Inspirations
Usually £18.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Booking required
Invisible Edinburgh – Crime & Punishment Walking Tour
Usually £17.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Inchcolm Island Cruise – Iconic Landmarks
Usually £20.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Georgian House – Step Back in Time
Usually £12.50 per person
Entry Included
Free
Blackness Castle Boat Cruise – Historic Views
Usually £20.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
The Murder by the Royal Mile – Murder Mystery
Usually £22.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
The Potions Cauldron – Tasting Experience
Usually £10.49 per person
Entry Included
Free
Booking required
Real Women of Edinburgh – Walking Tour
Usually £17.00 per person
Entry Included
Free
Gravity Trampoline Park
Usually £13.50 per person
Entry Included
20% Off
Booking required
Escape the Past – Anatomist Escape Room
20% Discount
20% Off
Booking required
Escape the Past – The Deacon’s Cabinet Escape Room
20% Discount
10% Off
Booking required
Timberbush Tours – Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies
£54.00
Up to 10% Discount
10% Off
Booking required
Timberbush Tours – The Ultimate Whisky Experience
£54.00
Up to 10% Discount
10% Off
Booking required
Timberbush Tours – West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles
£57.00
Up to 10% Discount
What our customers say…
We got the Edinburgh city pass for 2 days while we were up there for a mini holiday, and were really impressed with how many attractions it included, and for a great price. Well worth getting and planning your trips and attractions.
Laura B – Google Reviews
Edinburgh city pass is a must do for anybody wanting to get the most out of a short holiday in Edinburgh. It’s easy to use too. It was all electronic and I could just whip out my phone for the staff at the each venue for them to scan it.
Thomas A – Google Reviews
The views from the top of Scott monument was breathtaking. I would not have gone up without the pass. Would recommend as an easy and affordable way to enjoy Edinburgh.
CarmenV TripAdvisor